Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for English

The Man in the Iron Mask: Key Plot Points

This summary details crucial plot points concerning the imprisonment of Philippe, the rivalry between Colbert and Fouquet, and the final actions of D'Artagnan and the Musketeers.

Philippe's Living Conditions

Philippe lived in a secluded house in the country, attended by a nurse and a teacher. He couldn't leave the premises, though select visitors were permitted access.

Louis XIV's Reaction to the Second Son

King Louis XIV was deeply unhappy about the birth of his second son. He feared that having two potential heirs would lead to a future struggle for the throne, resulting in civil war and instability in France.

The Rivalry Between Colbert and Fouquet

Nicolas Fouquet, the powerful Minister of Finance, was... Continue reading "The Man in the Iron Mask: Key Plot Points and Character Fates" »

Mastering Irregular Verbs

Understanding Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs are verbs that do not follow the standard rules of conjugation. They have unique past tense and past participle forms that must be memorized. This document provides a comprehensive list of common irregular verbs in English, along with their base form, past simple, past participle, and Spanish translation.

List of Irregular Verbs

• Be (was/were) - been - Ser
• Beat - beat - beaten - Golpear
• Become - became - become - Convertir
• Begin - began - begun - Empezar
• Bite - bit - bitten - Morder
• Blow - blew - blown - Soplar
• Break - broke - broken - Romper
• Bring - brought - brought - Traer
• Build - built - built - Construir
• Buy - bought - bought - Comprar
• Catch - caught - caught - Capturar
• Choose - chose

2017 Exam A (Ek)

Analysis of Animal Welfare and Conservation

Argument 1: People experience guilt when observing animals in captivity due to perceived unhappiness caused by their living conditions.

Argument 2: Instead of visiting zoos, children could learn about wildlife through alternative educational resources like natural history museums and documentaries.

Argument 3: The conservation perspective posits that zoos offer better safety and protection for endangered species compared to their natural habitats.

Argument 4: Protecting natural habitats is crucial for ensuring the continued survival of animals in the wild.

Vocabulary

• Jungle
• Lonely
• Endangered
• Forbid

2017 Exam B (Ek)

Analysis of a Hypothetical Zombie Apocalypse

Argument 1: A zombie apocalypse... Continue reading "Analysis of Texts from 2017 Exams" »

Elizabeth:

She is the protagonist of the novel and the second oldest of five sisters, she is cheerful, witty, sharp and intelligent. However, her pride provokes a prejudice that endangers her happy future with Darcy. Elizabeth values decorum, good manners, and virtue.

Mr. Darcy:

He is an extremely rich, proud, haughty aristocrat, aware of class differences, yet he has a strong sense of honor and virtue, and a sense of justice that helps him control his pride after Elizabeth rejects him for his points of view.

Jane:

She is the oldest of the Bennet sisters. She is beautiful, kind, humble, and selfless, always in a good mood.

Mr. Bingley:

Like his beloved Jane, he is a kind and good-natured person. Class differences do not worry him, despite his extraordinary... Continue reading "Pride and Prejudice Characters: A Detailed Overview" »

Finding the Perfect Outfit

Yoko: Hey Liz, what are you doing?

Liz: I'm looking for an outfit. Can you help me?

Yoko: Well, you usually wear something comfortable like jeans and a T-shirt. What's wrong with that?

Liz: I don't like to wear jeans all the time. I want to wear something different—I mean, special.

Yoko: Really? Why?

Liz: You know I'm singing at the park café tonight.

Yoko: That's great! What do you have to wear?

Liz: Well, what do you think of this?

Yoko: I don't know. Put it on, let's see.

Liz: Okay, fine.

Yoko: I like it! You look wonderful.

Liz: Yeah, but it's very dressy and these high heels are so uncomfortable.

Yoko: You look great in those shoes. Um, you know...

Liz: I don't think I want to wear a dress.

Yoko: Okay, well, how about a... Continue reading "Choosing the Perfect Outfit: A Fashion Conversation" »

Unit 3: Job Search Advice

P=Presenter, J= Jürgen, M=Marta, A=Alex, L=Luli, I=Ivan

P: So, finally, let’s have some advice from each of you about how to go about getting that first job, the one you’ve studied so hard to prepare for. Jürgen?

J: My advice is this: especially with the first job, prospective employers want to get a complete picture of you, not just what you’ve been studying and your holiday jobs. So, include a section in your CV for the things which you like doing in your free time. These say a lot about you and may make you a lot more interesting than all those other kids who just spend their evenings going to the pub or listening to music.

P: Ok. Marta?

M: I was reading somewhere that in the US, more than 80% of applications... Continue reading "Ace Your First Job Search: Expert Advice for New Graduates" »

Social Networks: Impact and Considerations

Nowadays, social networks are becoming an important part of people's lives, and most of us belong to some of the most popular platforms. In my case, I started using social networks some years ago; I did not like them initially, but my friends insisted.

Benefits of Social Networks

• Staying in contact with friends.
• Keeping up-to-date with hobbies, such as finding out about music concerts near my village.
• Learning about upcoming events, like aerobics exhibitions.

Potential Dangers and Precautions

On the contrary, social networks can be dangerous for young people because a lot of information about you can be gathered. Furthermore, some companies may look into your profile if you want to work with them.

In conclusion,... Continue reading "Contemporary Societal Challenges and Digital Life" »

Rephrasing Examples

• He's never driven a Porsche before.
  • It's the first time he's ever driven a Porsche.
  • This is the first time he's ever driven a Porsche.
• They have never heard such a funny joke.
  • It's the funniest joke they've ever heard.
• It's a week since she visited me.
  • She hasn't visited me for a week.
• I last called her two days ago.
  • The last time I called her was two days ago.
  • I haven't called her for two days.
• When did she buy the car?
  • How long ago did she buy the car?
  • How long is it since she bought the car?

Writing: Describing a Place

The best place that I have ever visited was (place). I was with my (my friends/family) when I was (number) years old. It was great because we had a good time then.

In (place) you can find several (mountains, rivers, beaches.... Continue reading "Mastering English: Rephrasing, Writing, and Grammar" »

South Africa: A Photographic Safari Dream

I would love to visit South Africa because it is one of the top destinations in the world for photographic safaris.

South Africa boasts some of the oldest mountains on Earth, evidence of our earliest ancestors in the Cradle of Humankind, the ruins of an ancient African kingdom, and South Africa's oldest castle.

It is a country rich in history and vibrant cultural activities. My greatest desire is to experience South Africa firsthand.

Future Plans and Aspirations

It is very important to have future plans because they represent goals that one sets to achieve, whether in the short or long term.

My aspirations include owning my own home within ten years to start a family, achieving several professional qualifications,... Continue reading "Life's Aspirations: South Africa, Home, and Soccer Dreams" »

Forms of Oral Communication

• Dialogue: Exchange of information between two or more people.
• Debate: Dialogue in which there is a moderator.
• Report: Exposition of data on an issue or situation. Types:
  • Expositive report: Transmits information only.
  • Analytical report: Assesses the information presented.
  • Persuasive report: Intends to prove specific facts or conclusions.
• Conference: Organized explanation of ideas or knowledge on a topic, including speeches and colloquiums.
• Interview: A series of questions posed to an interviewee to obtain information or opinions.
• Phone calls: Techniques for effective telephone communication include voice use (tone and intonation are crucial to transmit credibility, trust, and kindness), active listening, smiling, speaking