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

Common Idioms and Their Usage

Capable
Many people believe that Edison is capable of winning the world championship in judo.

Gained
The burglars may have gained entry/access by forcing open a fire exit.

Get
I need to get my passport renewed because I'm going abroad this summer.

Wondering
I was wondering if you were willing to look after my dog while I'm away on holiday?

Point
I can see no point in that old computer being repaired.

Just
It's just as much fun singing in a choir as it is playing the drums.

Having
Clara denied having seen the missing letter.

Knowing
If he doesn't get that job, there's no knowing what he'll do!

Should
Under no circumstances should you let anyone else use your identity card.

Taken
An experienced accountant has taken over the... Continue reading "Mastering English Idioms: Improve Your Fluency" »

Mastering Irregular Verbs in English

Spanish - English

Mannerisms (costumbres)

Something that a person does repeatedly with their face, hands, or voice, and that they may not realize they are doing.

Trailer

An advertisement for a film or a television programme, consisting of short parts taken from it.

Confirmed (confirmar)

To prove that a belief or an opinion that was previously not completely certain is true.

Siblings (hermano/a)

A brother or sister.

An only child (hijo único)

A child who has no sisters or brothers.

Nail polish (pintura de uñas)

A coloured liquid that is painted on fingernails or toenails.

Unite (unirse)

Bring together.

Raised (elevado/a)

Brought up.

Starred (protagonizar)

Acted in a main role.

Whereas (mientras que)

Compared with the fact that.

Close (cercano/a)

Knowing somebody well and liking... Continue reading "Essential Vocabulary for Building Relationships and Communication" »

Word Building

Positive and Negative Affixes

Positive Affixes

• Possible -> Possibility
• Obedient -> Obedience
• Satisfied -> Satisfaction
• Able -> Ability
• Respected -> Respect
• Pleased -> Pleasure
• Capable -> Capability
• Secure -> Security
• Patient -> Patience

Negative Affixes

• Dissatisfaction
• Impossibility
• Incapability
• Disrespect
• Impatience
• Inability
• Disobedience
• Insecurity
• Displeasure
• Disability

Life's Lessons: Prepositions

1. In
2. Out
3. Away
4. Up
5. Down
6. Out
7. Up
8. Off
9. Without
10. Off
11. Up to

Collocations

1. Pay attention
2. Achieve a goal
3. Go abroad
4. Win a prize
5. Defeat an opponent
6. Break a habit
7. Take a chance
8. Break a promise
9. Save time
10. Catch a ball

Use of English

1. To
2. Kinds/Sorts
3. Amongst
4. As
5. Of
6. Same
7. Like
8. Such
9. In
10. Two

Complete the Sentences

1. ...being expelled
2. ...to be loved
3. ...be found
4. ...being bitten
5. ...be booked
6. ...to

I have gone to Sariñena's high school since I was twelve, but this is my last year because next September I'm going to study in Zaragoza. However, I have to pass all my last exams before going. At first, I have studied so much, but I'm going to have a difficult science exam. And I'm depressed and nervous with my exams. I always have got good marks, but this year I have failed some exams. I'm worried about my exams because it's very important for me to study in Zaragoza next year. In this city, I will practice my favorite sports and get good marks in this high school for sport people. Please help me! Can you give me some tips to pass my last exams? - Jorge in Sariñena (11)

STARRY NIGHT is a work by Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. The painting depicts a night view from a window, showing the moon and many stars over a town called Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The picture was painted in mid-1889. Right now, this painting is represented in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This picture is one of the best-known works of Van Gogh.

Mine is a favorite because it reminds me of the best night of my life, where I could see the stars with a great person. Every time I see it, it reminds me of that person. I also love it because blue is one of my favorite colors, and it has many shades, both light and dark, and flashes of yellow light, which I love. It is a truly perfect picture, one I love. Someday, I'd love to... Continue reading "My Thoughts on Van Gogh's Starry Night" »

My Unforgettable Vacation in Mancora, Peru

My last trip was when my father told us to take a vacation to Mancora, Peru. And so it was fulfilled. We traveled to some of the most beautiful beaches of Peru. I felt so happy. That was the first time we went on vacation with my father, and we shared great moments with him. He was always distant with us and was very quiet; we were not very attached to him. But those days we were at the beach, he was very different. He behaved in a manner the opposite of what he usually was. We ate a lot of seafood, swam in the sea, and also spent time with my brothers. It was great. I was very happy, and so were they. The scenery was beautiful, and the sea also. We spent three days there and then returned to our home... Continue reading "Family, Unforgettable Moments, and The Elephant Man" »

Use Commas

Use a comma to separate elements in a series:

I like to eat apples, bananas, and oranges.

Use a comma to separate the month and day of the year:

June 23, 2012

Hyphen

A hyphen (-) is used to join the separate parts of a compound word; it is a joiner:

• Cooperate - co-operate
• Pre-eminent
• Re-enact

Question Mark

Use a question mark at the end of a sentence to ask a question:

• Where is the bathroom?
• Are you home?

Use a question mark when you are trying to get information:

• Where is the gas station?
• Who is your teacher?

Exclamation Mark

An exclamation mark is a type of punctuation that goes at the end of a sentence. Use it to indicate strong feelings:

Go away!

They are used after interjections:

Ouch! That hurt!

Quotation Marks

A quotation mark is used to show the... Continue reading "Mastering Punctuation and Sentence Structure" »

Welcome to Your New Flat and School!

Your Flat

I'm excited to tell you I've found a wonderful, comfortable, and affordable flat for you in the city center! It's conveniently located near shops, taxis, the town hall, parks, and other essential places. The flat is on the second floor with a lift, so no need to worry about stairs.

It has five rooms: a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, a double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, and a single bedroom for your children.

The Living Room

My favorite room is the living room, and I think you'll love it too. It's very bright, with four huge windows, and painted a cheerful light yellow. There's a comfortable big sofa with cushions and an armchair. Opposite the sofa, there's a piece of furniture with a TV,... Continue reading "Your Comfortable Flat & Easy School Commute" »

BlaBlaCar: Ridesharing Benefits and Risks

BlaBlaCar is a popular mobile application, especially among young people, designed for ridesharing.

Users can connect with others traveling to the same destination. BlaBlaCar facilitates sharing a car with unknown people to achieve mutual benefits, primarily cost savings and convenience.

Advantages of Traveling with BlaBlaCar

• It is cheaper than traditional transport methods.
• It is more comfortable since you often don’t have to change vehicles until you reach your destination.
• It pollutes less, contributing to environmental sustainability.
• It provides opportunities to meet new people.

Disadvantages and Safety Concerns

However, traveling by BlaBlaCar also presents potential drawbacks:

• There are potential safety