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

The Challenge of Global Illiteracy

In my opinion, illiteracy is one of the biggest problems in the world today. I think that this is a significant problem because a lot of children can't write or read.

Uncertain Progress and Potential Causes

I'm not sure if this problem is getting better or worse. Maybe children don't write letters or read adventure books because they don't have any money to pay for a teacher.

A Personal Commitment to a Solution

I don't think that I will see an end to illiteracy in my lifetime. But if I were a politician, I would send money to charities to buy books, so that all children in the world can learn to write and read.

Zoos: Conservation vs. Animal Welfare

Historically, zoos have evolved significantly. While past practices included exhibiting humans, modern zoos focus solely on wild animals, particularly those endangered. But is this modern approach truly beneficial?

Arguments exist both for and against the concept of zoos:

• Against: Critics argue that keeping animals in captivity, often in limited spaces, is inherently cruel and unnatural.
• For: Proponents highlight that zoos protect many exotic and endangered species from threats like poaching. They also offer the public a chance to see these animals, fostering appreciation and support for conservation efforts. Without zoos, seeing many species alive might be impossible for most people.

In my opinion, contemporary... Continue reading "Reflections on Zoos, Security, and Skiing" »

Introduction

Generally, the essay introduces three of Poe's theories regarding literature. The author recounts this idealized process by which he says he wrote his most famous poem, 'The Raven' to illustrate the theory, which is in deliberate contrast to the 'spontaneous creation' explanation put forth, for example, by Coleridge as an explanation for his poem Kubla Khan. Poe's explanation of the process of writing is so rigidly logical, however, that some have suggested the essay was meant as a satire or hoax.

Poe's Philosophy of Composition

The three central elements of Poe's philosophy of composition are:

• Length: Poe believed that all literary works should be short. 'There is', he writes, 'a distinct limit... to all works of literary art - the

The Real-Life Spider-Man

1. A Global Urban Climber

Alain Robert has climbed about 100 of the world's tallest buildings, including the Empire State Building in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia. It is not surprising that people call him “The Real Spider-Man.”

2. Early Beginnings in France

Alain began climbing on the cliffs near where he lived in Valence, France. One day, when he was 12, he arrived home and realized he had forgotten his keys. He climbed up the side of the building and entered his family's flat through a window—eight floors up. That was when he decided to become a professional climber.

3. Overcoming Adversity

In his teens, he climbed all the difficult mountains in the Alps and found... Continue reading "Alain Robert: The Real-Life Spider-Man's Urban Climbing Feats" »

Willy Loman's Descent: A Salesman's Tragedy

Willy Loman, a 63-year-old salesman, lives in New York City in the late 1940s with his wife, Linda. For twenty-five years, they have resided in the same house, which once stood apart but is now surrounded by apartment buildings, making Willy feel increasingly closed in. Willy has worked for the same company for thirty-six years, but his life is falling apart around him, and he struggles to cope with the changes he must endure.

The Burden of a Fading Dream

Willy's Troubled Mind and Driving Woes

Willy is having trouble concentrating on driving and often makes mistakes, such as crossing the white line, driving off the road, and running red lights while stopping for green lights. He has begun to talk to himself... Continue reading "Death of a Salesman: Willy Loman's Tragic Downfall" »

Jonathan Swift's Satirical Masterpieces

A Modest Proposal

First published anonymously by Jonathan Swift in 1729, A Modest Proposal is a powerful satirical essay. Swift provocatively suggests that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food for wealthy gentlemen and ladies. He argues, with both sharp economic reasoning and a moral stance, for a way to transform this dire problem into its own solution.

His shocking proposal involves fattening up undernourished children and feeding them to Ireland's rich landowners. Swift argues that children of the poor could be sold into a meat market at the age of one, thereby combating overpopulation and unemployment. This scheme would also spare families the expense... Continue reading "Jonathan Swift's Satirical Masterpieces: A Modest Proposal & Gulliver's Travels" »

A Harrowing Beach Trip

The trip was on a Saturday morning. It took us very long, and we were heading to the beach to spend a weekend. I went with my friends and my girlfriend. That Saturday was the worst in my life. The day started barely. We found a traffic jam, many cars stopped and we could not advance. People started to get out of their cars and started to argue about stupid things. I was afraid to get out and I didn't get off my car when suddenly a man approached my car and hit it. He punched the glass of the car. A friend of mine went out of the car and pushed the man. He threw him to the ground and hit his head against the ground. When he started bleeding, we started the car and we went to the beach, frightened.

We swam quietly on the... Continue reading "A Harrowing Beach Trip: A Story of Road Rage and Fear" »

My Trip to Chicago

In October 2012, I went to Chicago, also known as the Windy City. It’s the biggest city that I have visited, where three million people live.

Chicago City Center Attractions

The center of Chicago offers a lot of amazing skyscrapers, including one that is very well known because it is the tallest building. In this part of Chicago, you can also see ancient museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Museum of History. A lot of parks are located here, where there is the fascinating monument because it looks like a big bean.

A popular tourist attraction is riding a boat on the Chicago River. It’s amazing because the views are beautiful and you can see the skyline. In Chicago, there are a lot of malls where you can go... Continue reading "Travel, Family, and Friendship Stories" »

Words about Money

251. AFFLUENT – wealthy, having an abundance of money. We laughed at our teacher’s statement that she was fluent in French and affluent in China, where the U.S. dollar can buy a lot.

252. AVARICE – greed, desire to get something. Scrooge McDuck is noted for his avarice; he is always scheming to get even more money.

253. CUPIDITY – greed for gain, inordinate desire to appropriate another’s wealth or possessions. We were astounded by the cupidity of the woman who compromised her integrity and reputation just for the sake of getting more money.

254. DESTITUTE – without resources, in poverty. The treasure hunter bemoaned the fact that the sunken ship he spent millions to find had been transporting worthless musical instruments,... Continue reading "Words About Money: Definitions and Examples" »

1. The following sentences do not make sense. Correct them by replacing each word in bold with a word in bold from a different sentence.

1. I signed the contract yesterday.
2. Go overseas to help yourself to some cake.
3. There was nothing unusual about the performance. It was very ordinary.
4. Mike has been to many different countries. He has travelled worldwide.
5. I like to go overseas to remote places.
6. The meal was very satisfying. I am full.
7. My best friend lives nearby, so I can walk to her house.
8. My friends and I traded clothes with each other.

2. Replace the words in bold by forming a new word with a prefix. Then add a sentence that reflects the meaning of the first sentence.

1. I think your idea is impossible. It won't work.
2. I dislike this hotel. It hasn't got