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

Vending Machines in Schools: Convenience or Risk?

Different companies of fizzy drinks, such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite, have managed to sell their refreshments not only in supermarkets but also in vending machines. At present, it is very easy to find these machines in public buildings, colleges, and universities.

Do you think that we can remove these machines from schools?

The Benefits of On-Campus Beverage Access

On the one hand, it is possible that some people have time to go to the supermarket and buy different drinks, but most do not have the time. In addition, not all drinks in the machine are soft drinks; there are also other options available:

• Water
• Fruit juices

If there are soda machines, students, between classes, finally do not have...

Lexical Types and Linguistic Terms

Communication involves the exchange of knowledge and experiences between persons, carried out through languages: emitter, receiver, message, channel, code, and situation. Bidirectional communication involves both the emitter and the receiver, while unidirectional communication involves only the emitter.

Word Formation

Siglas are words formed from the initial letters of several words, which are used as an abbreviation (AVE). Acronyms are formed from letters or groups of letters from the initial syllables (sida, sonimag). Abbreviations shorten words in writing, while speakers consider them long words (cole, boli).

Historical Changes and Borrowings

Words undergo a series of phonetic changes throughout history. Words...

Key Plot Points and Character Summaries

The Leal Family in Exile

Professor Leal's Exile and Vow

Professor Leal is Spanish, married to Hilda, and they own a house in Teruel. They fled Spain during the Civil War, crossing the border through the Pyrenees. Both dream of returning to Spain when the Caudillo dies or is defeated. Leal swore not to wear socks until he knows who is buried (referencing the oath regarding the 'ex').

Beltrán Eusebio: Irene's Father and the Tumbacocos

Beltrán Eusebio is the father of Irene, who disappeared one recent afternoon. He invented a machine to collect coconuts, known as the máquina-tumbacocos.

How Professor Leal Reunited with Hilda

When the Civil War ended, Professor Leal decided to leave for France. His wife, Hilda,...

Mastering English Verb Patterns and Sentence Structure

This practice set focuses on correcting common grammatical errors, particularly those involving verb forms (gerunds and infinitives), capitalization, and punctuation. Review these fixed sentences to solidify your understanding of essential English structures.

Verbs Requiring the Gerund (-ing)

• This film is worth watching.
• I'm looking forward to taking some great photos.
• I started working here eight years ago.
• His new order means working overtime.
• I avoided bumping into the car in front by braking.
• John suggested going to see the new play tonight.
• I feel like going to an Indian restaurant.
• I love playing tennis but I dislike watching it.
• I can't imagine getting good marks at the end of the term.
• I couldn'

Common English Irregular Verbs

This table provides a reference for frequently used irregular verbs in English, including their infinitive, past simple, and past participle forms, along with their Spanish meanings.

Advanced English Expressions: Communication, Mood, and Structure

This compilation features 100 essential phrases, idioms, and advanced grammatical structures commonly used in high-level English communication and proficiency exams.

Section 1: Communication and Relationships

1. To drop me a line (to write to me)
2. To catch up with (to meet someone after a period of time)
3. The film bore no resemblance to (was completely different from)
4. Reduced my silk shirt to tatters
5. On the tip of my tongue (I almost remember it)
6. To mince her words (to speak indirectly or cautiously)
7. To speak your mind (to say exactly what you think)
8. Came to light in (was discovered in)
9. To call her by her first name (Corrected spelling/context from 'fist')
10. To call into question (to challenge or