Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for English for Secondary education

Verbs: Types, Conjugation, Tenses and Periphrasis

English3.87 KB

The Verb

The verb is a kind of word that expresses action (running, jumping), an apparent state, a feeling, or a situation. It functions as the core of the verb phrase.

Lexeme, Inflection, Person and Number

The lexeme (stem) carries the lexical meaning. An inflectional morpheme (ending) indicates tense, person and number. The person indicates who performs the action (the sender of the message). The number indicates whether the action is performed by one person or by more than one.

Tense and Mood

Time (tense) places the action of the verb: present, future, and past. Mood indicates the speaker's attitude to the verbal action: the three main moods are the indicative, the subjunctive and the imperative.

Voice: Active and Passive

Verbal voice can be active...

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MLK's Letter from Birmingham Jail & Alice in Wonderland

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Analysis of MLK's Letter from Birmingham Jail

  1. Though individuals may see the moral light, what does MLK say is the tendency of groups? Groups do not give up their privileges voluntarily.
  2. What is the purpose of direct action? To create a crisis and establish creative tension so that a community that has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.
  3. Name two hard, brutal facts regarding injustice in Birmingham? There have been more unsolved bombings on Negro homes and churches, and Negroes have been treated unjustly in the courts.
  4. What are the four basic steps in any nonviolent campaign? Collection of facts, negotiation, self-purification, direct action.
  5. In paragraph one, what does the line "when the hour came we lived up to our
...
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Essential Spanish Social Etiquette and Customs

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Understanding Social Customs in Spain

If you’re planning to visit Spain, it’s a good idea to understand some local customs to make your stay more enjoyable. This section offers key tips on social behaviour to help you feel more comfortable during your visit.

Greetings and Physical Contact

  • It’s common to shake hands or give two kisses on the cheek, especially among friends or family.
  • Physical contact is usual in Spain—people tend to stand close and touch during conversations, so don’t be surprised.

Conversation Tips

  • Small talk is important. Make sure you show interest in everyday topics like food, family, or the weather.
  • It’s usually appreciated if you avoid talking about politics or religion unless you know the person well.

Punctuality

...
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Modern Lifestyle Challenges: Mobile Phones and Fast Food

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The Impact of Mobile Phones on Modern Society

Mobile phones have become very common in recent years, especially among teenagers. Many people spend hours looking at their screens every day, but is this a good thing? Many people think it is an essential tool for modern life, but others believe it has more disadvantages than advantages.

Advantages of Smartphone Connectivity

On the one hand, using mobile phones is comfortable because they help us stay connected with family and friends at any time. It also saves time because we can:

  • Find information instantly
  • Use maps
  • Study online

Moreover, for many people, smartphones are a great source of entertainment, offering music, games, and videos in one single device.

Disadvantages and Health Risks

On the other...

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Essential Irregular Verbs: English Past Simple & Spanish

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Mastering English Irregular Verbs: Past Simple Forms

This list provides common irregular verbs, their past simple forms, and Spanish translations to aid your English learning.

Verb Conjugation Reference

  • Infinitive | Past Simple | Translation
  • Be | was / were | ser / estar
  • Become | became | convertirse / llegar a ser
  • Begin | began | empezar / comenzar
  • Bet | bet | apostar
  • Break | broke | romper
  • Bring | brought | traer
  • Build | built | construir
  • Burn | burnt / burned | quemar
  • Buy | bought | comprar
  • Catch | caught | atrapar
  • Choose | chose | elegir
  • Come | came | venir
  • Cut | cut | cortar
  • Do | did | hacer
  • Draw | drew | dibujar
  • Dream | dreamt / dreamed | soñar
  • Drink | drank | beber
  • Drive | drove | conducir
  • Eat | ate | comer
  • Fall | fell | caerse
  • Feed | fed | alimentar
  • Feel |
...
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Transformations with Quantifiers and Modals

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Transformations with QUANTIFIERS. Use 5 words maximum

- He doesn't want anything else to be put in his bag.

- The exam was too long for them to finish it in time.

- Is there any chance of you winning the competition?

- Every guest sang happy birthday to the host.

- There was hardly any seat left in the cinema.

- Andrew was sure nothing was missing from his luggage.

- There isn't anything left in this sugar bottle.

- Most of the people who visit this museum come from London.

- Few people believe that he was the murderer.

- None of the others agreed with me.

Transformations with MODALS. Use 5 words maximum

- You aren't allowed to take the camera into the museum.

- They let him go on the excursion if he wanted to.

- Workers may have a cigarette during the break....

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Perilous Journey: Escape from Lesotho to Botswana

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Chapter 16: River Crossing and Unexpected Aid

Twenty minutes later, Woods attempted to cross the river again but could not. He tried to find someone who could help him get to a village and knocked on a door. A child, who said his name was Tomi, answered. Woods explained his situation, and Tomi offered to help.

Tomi took the car, and although he had little idea of driving, he drove Woods towards the bridge. As they neared, Woods picked up his suitcase, said goodbye, and walked towards the bridge. He saw no one, but then heard the sound of an engine. He looked right and left but could not escape. A car, marked 'Postal Service Lesotho' on one side, stopped in front of Woods. A man inside said the bridge was closed.

The man asked Woods where he was...

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A Tragic Night in Auria: The Story of Cibrán

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Abstract

A Esmorga recounts the tragic demise of individuals marginalized by society after a night of excessive drinking.

Chapter I: A Confession in Court

The first chapter introduces Cibrán, who is testifying in court about the events of a fateful night he spent with his two friends, Milhomem and Bocas. He speaks only in response to the judge's questions, following a predetermined script. Cibrán repeatedly mentions his "thinking," which represents his remorse and regret for the night of revelry.

Cibrán describes himself as a humble, lower-class man who recently reconciled with his wife and wants to rebuild his life and become a responsible and respectable man. He recounts how, on a very rainy day, he encountered Bocas and Milhomem, two of his...

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Grammatical Links: Time, Cause, Condition, and Purpose

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Understanding Grammatical Links in Subordinate Clauses

Temporal Subordinate Links (Time)

These links indicate when an action occurs, using adverbs, prepositions, or conjunctive phrases.

  • Adverbs (when, while, as soon as): When I finish, my father will come looking.
  • Prepositions (until, after): After starting work, I started to make money.
  • Conjunctive Phrases (since, before that): Since I started working, I have to get up at six o'clock.
  • Al + Infinitive (Upon + Gerund): Upon arriving home, I'm so tired.

Subordinate Links of Place

These links specify the location, often using the adverb where, alone or with a preposition.

  • Adverb (where, as far as): I drove the car as far as I could.

Subordinate Links of Manner (Mode)

These links describe how an action is...

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Alatriste: Courage, Love, and Heroism in 17th-Century Spain

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Courage and Security in *Alatriste*

Courage and security are exemplified when Alatriste and Iñigo are in the stalls watching Lope's play. Alatriste subtly places his hand on Iñigo's back, a gesture of protection against the men watching them. This demonstrates both courage and a sense of responsibility.

Love in *Alatriste*

Iñigo experiences intense love for Angélica de Alquézar. He declares her the love of his life and the most beautiful person in the world, showcasing the passionate nature of young love.

Heroism in *Alatriste*

Buckingham's actions, such as showing his face and helping his savior, exemplify heroism and a willingness to put oneself at risk for others.

Characters

Diego Alatriste y Tenorio

Diego Alatriste is an honest and pious man,...

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