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

Ability: Can - Could - Be Able to

We use 'can' and 'could' to talk about a skill or ability. She can speak six languages - My grandfather could play golf very well. I can't drive - I won't be able to drive that lorry.

Probability: May, Might (something is possible)

He may be in his office (perhaps) (may not) - John might not be in his office (mightn't)

When talking about possible plans, I may (might) be going to Italy in July (it's possible) - I may (might) go to Italy in July (it's possible)

Deduction: Can't Be - Must Be

It's snowing, so it must be very cold outside - This bill can't be right (£200 for two cups of coffee!)

Obligation: Must (possibly based on the speaker's opinion)

Children must do their homework - We have to wear a uniform at work... Continue reading "English Grammar: Ability, Probability, Deduction, Obligation, Permission, Advice, and Suggestions" »

Weekend Plans and Birthday Celebrations

V: Hello, how are you?

F: Hello friend, I am well, thank you. And you?

V: I'm well. I want to meet next weekend because it's my birthday.

F: I already know that, Vane. We should go to the disco at night. That sounds perfect, but on Saturday morning, I will be buying food.

V: OK, Fabi. We could meet at night before going to the disco on Saturday. Yes, although on Sunday, I have lunch with my parents, brothers, and sisters because it is Mother's Day.

F: Very well, Vane. On Sunday, I have lunch out and then usually go to the park with my dog for two hours. What do you do after lunch?

V: I'm going to clean my house while I listen to my favorite music. What will you do on Sunday night?

F: In the afternoon, I will... Continue reading "English Conversation Practice: Weekend Plans and Healthy Habits" »

Diverse Historical Topics

Wallis Simpson and the Abdication

1. She went with her second husband to Leicestershire to spend a week there, and the prince was there too.
2. She didn't feel quite confident because she didn't know anything about hunting and she didn't know about etiquette.
3. As he was not allowed to marry a divorcee, he decided to abdicate because he could not live without her.
4. TRUE (line 7): "She and her mother... some money"
5. FALSE (line 13): "None of the royal... to the wedding"

• blond
• reasonable
• to attend
• on

10. It was believed that Wallis was worried about royal etiquette.
11. The Prince fell in love with her although she was not young or beautiful.
12. When did her father die?
13. Wallis, who was very poor as a child, wanted a life of luxury.

Reflections on a Funeral

1. It

Analyzing Auggie Pullman's Triumph: Wonder Chapters 39-42

Mr. Tushman's Speech and Auggie's Reaction (p. 302)

Awards (p. 302)

Why do you think Mr. Tushman’s voice kept cracking during his speech announcing the award winner? How do you think Auggie felt at the end of this chapter? What do you think is going through his mind?

Mr. Tushman was emotional because he knew everything Auggie had gone through that year, and he genuinely felt Auggie deserved this recognition.

Auggie likely felt a mix of emotions:

• Shock: He probably did not expect to receive the award.
• Happiness and Pride: People were not only accepting him but also acknowledging his positive qualities and contributions.

He was probably wondering why he had received this award, reflecting on... Continue reading "Auggie Pullman's Transformation: Analyzing Wonder's Ending" »

Diary of Marta Vaquero

Monday, May 17th

Today is the first day I write in my new diary. The day was very boring because at school we had to copy a lot, and my friend Esther was absent. After eating at home, I went to Celia's house to borrow a dress. Then, I went home to study math, and after dinner, I watched Física o Química on TV.

Tuesday, May 18th

Today was a very special day because my parents gave me a beautiful white dog. His name is Balú and he is three months old. My grandmother came to see him with my aunt, and I am very happy. Today, Lorena told me she hurt her foot. I really enjoyed this day.

Wednesday, May 19th

Today I went on a school excursion to Aranjuez. I had a great time because we visited a palace and saw the wedding dress of

Technology's Impact on Teenagers

Benefits of Technology for Teens

Teenagers use technology constantly because it simplifies their lives and offers opportunities for learning. They primarily use the internet to search for information and connect with others through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. This allows them to expand their knowledge and interact with people worldwide.

Potential Downsides of Technology Use

However, internet use can become addictive for some young people, leading to significant problems in their lives. Excessive screen time can negatively impact their personal lives and relationships.

The Rapid Pace of Technological Advancements

In recent years, technology has advanced so rapidly that it's been difficult to... Continue reading "How Technology Impacts Teenagers: Benefits and Challenges" »

The Beginnings of English Literature: Beowulf

Why Study Beowulf?

• Historical Information
• Understanding Language Use by Famous Writers
• Vocabulary Development

Literary Devices in Beowulf

Beowulf utilizes various literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, caesura, and kennings, to enhance the reader's understanding and interpretation of the text. For example, the alliteration in "Marshes, and made his home in hell" emphasizes the hellish nature of Grendel's dwelling.

Anglo-Saxon Culture

Anglo-Saxon England saw the emergence of a distinct culture, with the Northumbrian dialect playing a significant role. Despite the destruction caused by Viking invasions, around 30,000 lines of Anglo-Saxon poetry have survived. King Alfred the Great played a crucial... Continue reading "A History of English Literature: From Beowulf to Milton" »

The Hunger Games: Katniss and Rue's Bond

— Katniss! Katniss! Katniss, help! Katniss! Katniss! Help! Katniss! Katniss!

— You're okay. You're okay. You're fine. See?

— It's okay. You're okay.

— Did you blow up the food?

— All of it.

— Good. *A man appears and kills little Rue* *Katniss gets furious and kills the man*

— You have to win.

— Can you sing?

— Okay… Deep in the meadow… Under the willows… A bed of grass… A soft green pillow… Lay down your head… and close your eyes… And when they open, the sun... I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

*Katniss gets up and walks* *Rue opens her eyes*

— Katniss!! Katniss...

— Maybe I am crazy; I heard her voice...

— I am here... Katniss, do you know who I am?

— My goodness!! Oh my God!! You are... Continue reading "The Hunger Games: Rue's Death and Miraculous Survival" »

P.S: does, always, never, usually, normally, every day, once a week, times a week, sometimes

P.C: am doing --- now, at the moment, this moment

Pa.S: did --- last year, yesterday, ago, in 1990, the other day, last…

Pa.C: was --- when, as, (specific date)

P.P.S: have --- since, for, yet, just, up to now, ever, never, lately, already, today

Will definitely: sure (that) will = certain

Will probably: likely (that) will

Probably won’t: unlikely (that) will

Possible: (that) may/might

Definitely won’t: = impossible

Because: porque

Because of: a causa de

As a consequence: a consecuencia de

The result of: el resultado de

As a result: como resultado

Leads to: lleva a

I threw my new jacket because I didn't like it. Why did you throw your jacket?

He gets angry when