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

Entertainment and Performance Terminology

This section covers key vocabulary related to the entertainment industry, live performances, and artistic endeavors.

Performance and Production Essentials

• Act out: To perform a role or an event with actions and gestures.
• Attend: To be present at an event, meeting, or performance.
• Character: A person or an animal in a play, film, or book.
• Conduct: To organize and carry out an activity or performance.
• Costume: The set of clothes worn by an actor or performer.
• Dance routine: A sequence of dance steps and movements.
• Deliver a decent performance: To perform well enough to be considered satisfactory.
• Go all out: To put all one's energy or resources into an effort.
• Lines: The words spoken by an actor in a play or film.

Formal Complaint: Damaged T-Shirt Purchase

Subject: T-Shirt in Poor Condition

Dear Mr. Gucci,

I am writing to complain about the poor condition of the t-shirt I purchased. I believe the quality of the product is unacceptable given the price I paid.

I ordered this t-shirt online yesterday, having wanted to buy it for a long time. When it finally arrived at my house, it was severely damaged.

Unrelated Anecdotes and Personal Stories

The Best Day: Meeting Real Madrid

The best day of my life was when I met the Real Madrid players by chance. It happened a few months ago, and it will be very difficult to have a better day than this.

A Trip Gone Wrong, A Dream Fulfilled

It all happened on January 10th of this year. My family and I were going on a trip together... Continue reading "Product Complaint and Unforgettable Life Events" »

Ozymandias vs. London: A Poetic Comparison

Key Quotes and Their Significance

1. Ozymandias – "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

   • Command Verb (Imperative)

     The verb "Look" conveys Ozymandias’s arrogance, attempting to assert dominance over future generations, suggesting an inflated sense of power. This contrasts with the powerless citizens in London, whose suffering is imposed upon them by external forces, not self-proclaimed power.

   • Irony

     The juxtaposition of "despair" with the ruined state of the statue highlights the futility of Ozymandias’s power, emphasizing the transience of human legacy. Similarly, London highlights the decaying impact of unchecked power through the physical and emotional scarring of the city’s inhabitants.

   • Noun:

Sign languages are languages. For much of the past century, however, they were considered a visual representation of a spoken language or an incomplete form of communication, closer to mimicry, without rules—in other words, lacking grammar. Early studies on sign languages established their linguistic status by demonstrating, for example, that signs are constructed with sub-lexical elements. Furthermore, sign language is not universal. This misconception is related to the belief that they are artificial languages created to replace or compensate for spoken language. It has been shown, however, that sign languages have emerged and developed independently within each Deaf community. These communities often arise in places where Deaf individuals... Continue reading "Understanding the Importance of Sign Languages" »

Stranger Things: A Thrilling Netflix Series Review

Stranger Things is a thrilling and suspenseful Netflix original series that masterfully combines science fiction with horror. Set in the 1980s, the story unfolds amidst mysterious occurrences in the small town of Hawkins.

Unraveling the Mystery of Hawkins

The narrative begins with the sudden disappearance of a boy named Will. His friends and family embark on a desperate search, encountering a girl with extraordinary psychokinetic powers named Eleven. As the series progresses, they uncover deep government secrets, explore alternate dimensions, and confront terrifying creatures. Each season introduces new characters and escalating adventures, maintaining high viewer engagement.

Why Stranger Things

Writing for and Against

Introduction (No Opinion)

Lately, not only has ____ been a popular topic, but it has also led some collectives to voice criticism of the mainstream attitude. It should be a crucial target for the (administration, government, state, whole society) to____, due to____. In this paper, two approaches which ought to be taken into account will be discussed.

Advantages

Those who are in favour claim that ____. To begin with ____. Besides ____. Another major advantage is that ____.

Disadvantages

Nevertheless, in spite of the advantages, there are the main drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is ____, in other words, _____. Another negative aspect is that ____. Lastly ____.

Conclusion

Having looked at both sides of the argument, I really... Continue reading "Crafting Persuasive Essays: Argumentation and Opinion Writing" »

Section 1: Comprehension and Vocabulary

1.1 Emotional Impact & Symbolism

1. They can provoke strong feelings, similar to how personal photos do. (Lines 3-4)
2. It is important because the polar bear on melting ice represents global warming and the human effect. (Lines 17-18)

1.2 Vocabulary: Synonyms

• Conducted: Carried out
• Very funny: Hilarious
• Extremely sad: Heart-breaking
• Brutal: Harsh

1.3 True or False Statements

• False. (Lines indicate a third of the participants would save their photographs.)
• False. (The birds made the writer smile.)
• True. (Lines indicate he froze in fear.)

1.4 Multiple Choice Answers

• c)
• c)
• a)

Section 2: Grammar Practice

2.1 Verb Tenses & Conditionals

1. left / will be relaxing
2. not to take / had listened / wouldn't have made
3. wanted / had ...

Engaging Your Voice Assistant: Essential Prompts

Discover a comprehensive list of questions and commands to interact with your voice assistant, from everyday queries to humorous and thought-provoking prompts. Enhance your experience and uncover unique responses.

Basic Interactions & Everyday Commands

• Call me [Name]: Your assistant will use this name when addressing you.
• Knock Knock.
• Show me the money.
• What are you wearing?
• How are you?
• Where are you?
• What do you look like?
• Where are you from?
• How's it going?
• Thank you.
• Talk to me.
• Good morning. (Try saying this at night for a unique response.)
• Happy Birthday!
• Merry Christmas.
• LOL.
• Ha Ha!
• Ha Ha Ha!
• Why?
• Why not?
• It's all good.
• Blah blah blah.
• Guess What? ...Correct.
• You're right!
• I'm happy.
• I'm tired.
• You are boring.

Essential English Grammar: Verb Patterns

Verbs Followed by Gerund (V + ING)

These verbs require the gerund form (V + ING):

• love, hate, like, be good at, admit, appreciate, avoid, can’t help, consider, delay, deny, discuss, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, imagine, involve, mention, mind, miss, practice, and suggest.

Verbs Followed by Infinitive (To + Verb)

These verbs and phrases require the to + infinitive form:

• afford, agree, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, be careful, choose, be difficult, decide, expect, fail, happen, help, hope, intend, learn, manage, offer, need, plan, prepare, pretend, promise, refuse, seem, tend, tell, want, wish, and would like.

Verbs Followed by Bare Infinitive (Base Form)

The bare infinitive is used with:

• Modal verbs (e.