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

A Conversation at the Louvre

Part 1: The Mona Lisa

A: It is great to be on our own again.

M: Yes.

A: Is this the first time you have been to the Louvre?

M: Uh-huh.

A: What is the matter? Is this about the meeting because I agreed with Jacques and not with you?

M: Yes, well, we knew it would not be easy working together, I mean.

A: It is difficult for me as well. But if I don't agree with you...

M: I know, you are the boss.

A: And I have to do my job. I really thought that Jacques' idea was better. And so did Scarlett.

M: It is not a big deal, Allie. I am fine, really. So, who exactly was the Mona Lisa?

A: I am not sure. I think she was the wife of a banker.

M: Is that why she is smiling? Because her husband has a good salary?

A: I also read somewhere that... Continue reading "Gender Differences in Reading and Shopping Preferences" »

Understanding Verb Complementation Types

Verb complementation describes the grammatical elements that follow a verb to complete its meaning. This document details four primary types: intransitive, monotransitive, ditransitive, and complex-transitive verbs.

Intransitive Verbs

An intransitive verb does not require any complements. Some verbs are always intransitive, as seen in these examples: John has arrived or Your views do not matter.

Monotransitive Verbs

Monotransitive verbs require a direct object, which can manifest in several forms:

• Noun Phrase: Noun phrases can become the subject of a corresponding passive clause. For example: The problem was understood (by everyone).
• Finite Clause: These include various types:
  • That-clause as Object: Everyone

English Irregular Verbs List

• B: Be (Was/Were, Been) - Ser/Estar; Become (Became, Become) - Llegar a ser; Begin (Began, Begun) - Empezar; Bite (Bit, Bitten) - Morder/Picar; Break (Broke, Broken) - Romper; Bring (Brought, Brought) - Traer; Build (Built, Built) - Construir; Burn (Burnt, Burnt) - Quemar; Buy (Bought, Bought) - Comprar
• C: Can (Could) - Poder/Saber; Catch (Caught, Caught) - Coger; Choose (Chose, Chosen) - Escoger; Come (Came, Come) - Llegar; Cost (Cost, Cost) - Costar; Cut (Cut, Cut) - Cortar
• D: Do (Did, Done) - Hacer; Draw (Drew, Drawn) - Dibujar; Drink (Drank, Drunk) - Beber; Drive (Drove, Driven) - Conducir
• E: Eat (Ate, Eaten) - Comer
• F: Fall (Fell, Fallen) - Caer; Feed (Fed, Fed) - Alimentar; Feel (Felt, Felt) - Sentir; Fight (Fought,

CONDITIONAL CLAUSES TYPES I, II AND III

Complete these Type I conditional sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

1. If you like fruit, you should try (try) these peaches.

2. If you heat water to 100°C, it boils (boil). (0 conditional)

3. If it keeps on raining, they will not be able (not / be able) to play the match.

4. “Unless the chair is in the sale,they will not buy (not / buy) it,” my mother said.

5. You should call (call) for a doctor if you really have a temperature.

6. If you rent an apartment by the seaside, you you will have (have) a fantastic holiday.

7. Unless you give me a lift, I will not arrive (not / arrive) in time.

8. You should come (come) here if you want me to explain the exercise.

Decide if the following sentences are Type I or Type

From Adjectives to Adverbs (-ment)

To form adverbs, we add -ly:

• Polite → Politely
• Adjectives ending in -y change to -ily: Happy → Happily
• Adjectives ending in -ic add -ally: Pessimistic → Pessimistically
• Irregular adverbs: Fast → Fast, Hard → Hard, Good → Well

Opposites

• Accepted → Refused
• Complicated → Simple
• Poorer → Wealthier
• Earlier → Later
• Meanness → Generosity
• End → Beginning
• Brilliant → Awful
• Import → Export
• Baggy → Tight
• Fail → Succeed
• Old-fashioned → Modern
• Raise → Lower

Third Conditional

If + Past Perfect (had/hadn't + past participle), would have + past participle

Hypothetical past events (events that didn't happen).
Example: If Mark had left earlier, he would have caught the train.

Comparatives and Superlatives

My Experience with Speed Flatmating in Spain

Dear Sergio, How are you? I'm happy. I hope you're well. Thanks for your last email. This time I'm writing to tell you about my experience. I had never heard of "speed flatmating" before, but it seems like a great idea. I like the people there very much. Actually, I'm living in a new apartment in Spain. It's a very comfortable and welcoming place.

Life with My New International Flatmates

One of my flatmates, Mafer, is originally from England. She's a good laugh and she's a people person. We always practice English together. My other flatmate is Liam; he comes from Brazil. He's great fun, but he's very messy. Every night we get together to talk, watch movies, or go out to parties. I haven't had problems... Continue reading "Social Living and Resolving Local Noise Complaints" »

My Routine in the School Internship

My schedule as an intern teacher. The first two hours I join her in an assembly. There, we teach them the days of the week, to sing the spring song, the weather, what we are going to eat in the dining room, and also plan the activities that we are going to do during the day. They learn all through pictograms. When the class is over, they have breakfast and go to the park.

After the park, I do different activities with one of the students, while the rest of them work with the other teacher. When we finish the activities, they are free to play until lunchtime.

At 13 o'clock, everybody goes to the dining room, and I support the guardian there and try to teach the children good manners at the table.

On Monday and... Continue reading "School Internship Routine and Impact of Bullying on Children" »

Rudyard Kipling's "If—" (A Stanza)

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And—which is more—you will be a Man, my son!

Analyzing George Orwell's Animal Farm

The novel serves as an allegory for the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Character Parallels and Symbolism

1. Mr. Jones: Symbolizes governments that fail to rule their people effectively. He was the owner of the farm and was unable to look after his animals.
2. The Pigs:

White lions are a rare color mutation of lions, known for their stunning white fur. They have short pointy ears and their eyes can be grey, blue, or green. With strong bodies and big teeth, they are truly magnificent creatures.

Home

White lions originally lived in savannas and woodlands, but due to their endangered status, they can now be found in zoos.

Food

White lions typically eat herbivores like zebras and gazelles.

Why Are They the Ideal Pet?

White lions are incredibly rare and more interesting than regular lions or other felines. They are friendly and not aggressive, and they can live up to 25 years. However, it is recommended to have them for a few years and then return them to a reserve.

People's Opinion

While many people believe white lions... Continue reading "White Lions: The Ideal Pet and Amazing Facts" »