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

My Sixth Form Experience at Viana High School

I started the sixth form at Viana High School about one month ago. Before beginning, I was feeling anxious because, although I had my friends, I knew new students were coming, and many people told me it was going to be difficult.

Adjusting to Academic Challenges

The first week, I was a little scared because many teachers warned us that this course is different from high school and more demanding. That is true; personally, I find new subjects like technical drawing and industrial technology challenging. However, sixth-form college is like everything else: if you organize yourself, you can achieve good marks and still have time for your hobbies.

Currently, I am learning to organize my schedule, although...

A Serene Winter Morning

It was a bleak winter’s day, and the snow had come early. The grass glistened like a carpet of crushed diamonds in the early morning sunshine. The air smelled pure and fresh. Everything seemed quieter, almost muffled. There was a sense of serenity in the atmosphere.

The Weary Soldier Fred

Feeling numb and wet, tired, and exhausted, he made his way along the path through the trench. His fingers ached in the winter wind as he clenched and unclenched them, trying to keep the feeling in their tips. He was a tall, slim man with a long face, a nose like a pin, and a thin, sandy moustache. He had a face like a lion’s and an eye like a hawk’s. His name was Fred.

The Overwhelming Stench of War

As Fred trudged through the icy...

The Surrender of Breda: Velázquez's Masterpiece

The Surrender of Breda, painted by Velázquez in 1634, depicts the historic surrender of Breda. The two main characters, positioned in the center of the picture, appear to be conversing rather than acting as enemies. The painting is remarkably realistic, as the figures seem to come alive.

The scene features Justin of Nassau, holding the keys to Breda. He attempts to kneel, but his adversary prevents him. Velázquez portrays General Spinola with striking realism, a detail perhaps influenced by their shared journey to Italy in 1629.

A particularly interesting element is the array of large, sharp brown lances visible on both sides of the painting. This realism, along with the individual characterization,...

ROPAThe lives of people can be influenced by celebrities, especially young people and they always want to look cool, but do not consider that to be fashionable is not always important, but what gives you and your family you can give. First I would like to say that celebrities always take into account the different perfumes or major clothing brands to attract attention, regardless of young people always look at what they wear or used to look trendy. But sometimes you have to do because it is part of their profession, so I think that young people should consider that and not just what suits them best. So I think it should first determine the needs in that they have in their homes with their families and not have much in mind worn by celebrities,...

Common Irregular Verbs in English

A Quick Reference Guide

Past Simple vs Present Perfect

We use the past simple to talk about a completed action when we know when the action happened.

We use the present perfect to talk about a completed action when we don’t know when the action happened.

Present Perfect Simple Uses

• Experience: We use the present perfect simple to talk about an experience which has or hasn’t happened.
• Continuation from the past to the present: We use the present perfect simple to talk about an action or a state which started in the past and which continues in the present.

Present Perfect Continuous Uses

• We use the present perfect continuous to emphasise the duration of an action.
• We use the present perfect continuous to talk about temporary situations.

Simple vs Continuous: Result and Activity

The...

Rules for Answering a Call

Non-Verbal Aspects

• Answer the call as soon as possible (on the 1st or 2nd ring).
• Speak in a relaxed and soft tone.
• Use a moderate voice volume.
• Do not keep the caller on hold for a long time.
• If you cannot help immediately, ask for a call back or a message.
• Pay attention to the call.

Verbal Aspects

• Answer politely and with respect.
• Pay attention to your diction and pronunciation.
• Cover the handset to avoid creating a bad impression.
• Follow rules of courtesy: use of "usted".
• Say goodbye and wait for the caller to hang up first.
• Foreigners: Speak slowly, vocalize, and do not shout.

Rules for Making a Call

Non-Verbal Aspects

• When greeting, transmit strength and confidence.
• Vary the tone to avoid a lack of enthusiasm.

Verbal Aspects

• Greet

About Me: Irene's Personal Profile

This is me! My name is Irene, and I am 14 years old. I was born on August 21st, 2007. Currently, I live in a small town called Arroyo de San Serván with my parents and my sister, Ana. I study at the high school IES Tamujal.

In my free time, I am learning English and I have lessons three times a week. I love listening to music too, especially reggaeton and trap. I enjoy watching Netflix series because some of them are very funny and entertaining.

I don't usually go out during the week because I'm studying and doing homework, but at the weekend I usually go out with my friends. I also like shopping with my friends, although I don't like shopping online. Tonight, I'm going out for dinner with all my friends.

English

The Pace: Sound Repetition

It is pleasing to the ear, a feeling that is produced by the repetition of sounds at regular intervals.

The Lyric: Expressing Emotions

It is the literary genre in which emotions and feelings, like those of the author, are expressed.

Rhythmic Effect: Sound & Structure

This effect is achieved by using procedures based on the repetition of sounds, words, and structures.

The Metric: Verse Structure & Rhythm

It studies the extent of verses and their combinations to discover the rhythm of a poem.

• Measuring a Verse

  To measure a verse is to count the number of syllables it has.

• The Synalepha

  If the last syllable of a word in a verse ends in a vowel and the first syllable of the next word begins with a vowel, the two come together

Essential English Vocabulary and Definitions

• 1. A Blockbuster: Something that is very successful.
• A Gig: A public performance, especially of jazz or popular music.
• A Crowd: A large number of people in the same place.
• Thought-provoking Reports: Interesting in a way that makes you think of new ideas or that changes your attitude toward something.

Advanced English Grammar Exercises

1. The policeman asked the thief how long he had been robbing banks.
2. I wish my boss wouldn't smoke in my office; that makes me so angry!
3. If we had had Peter's phone number, we would have been able to contact him.
4. Mary suggested that we have sushi for dinner that night.
5. I have known Susan for 20 years.
6. Would you mind not repeating everything I say?
7. If I were you, I would take English