Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for English for Vocational training

Mary's Perspective on Life and Death

In the fifth stanza, Mary presents death not only as positive but also life as negative. This is a typical Catholic move, to undersell earthly life in favor of eternal life after death.

Mary did have a turbulent life. She married a French Dauphin, and after his premature death, she married Lord Darnley, a womanizer and alcoholic who committed murder out of jealousy. Darnley was later found dead, and Mary married the prime suspect of the crime, the Earl of Bothwell. She was then chased by the Scots and imprisoned for 17 years, suspected of plotting to overthrow Elizabeth, until her execution.

In verse 19, we read: “my speedy death has shortened long annoy”; she would have spent more years in prison had she...

1. Verb Tenses and Conditionals

• a) Valerie left an hour ago. By this time tomorrow, she will be relaxing on the beach.
• b) Alan warned me not to take advice from Pete. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to him. If I had listened to Alan, I would not have made such a terrible mistake.
• c) Sue asked me if I wanted to go to the cinema with her. I told her that I had already seen the film.
• d) I haven’t met Jane yet. I am meeting her tonight.

2. Relative Clauses

• a) I would love to go back to the restaurant which you had recommended.
• b) The student whose mobile phone rang during the lesson was punished by the teacher.
• c) Have you been to the restaurant where the waiters sing?
• d) My friend, who is very tall, is beautiful.
• e) I met a lovely girl whose name I have

Understanding Verbs in Grammar

The verb is a grammatical category that serves as the core predicate of a sentence. In its simplest form, it may be amended by supplements, or it may stand alone as the entire predicate.

Types of Verbs

According to their nature, verbs can generate two types: PV (predicative) and PN (copulative).

Formal Constituents

From a formal point of view, the verb is a lexical unit consisting of a lexeme, which provides the lexical meaning, and some grammatical morphemes or inflections that provide supplementary grammatical and stylistic meanings. The set of tokens is the conjugation endings. A lexeme cannot be a bearer of the sign.

Thematic Vowel and Suffixes

• Thematic vowel: -a- (indicated by the conjugation)
• Suffix: -ba- (time

Nationwide Building Society: Workplace and Culture

Nationwide Building Society is a financial services business based in the UK. It employs about 16,000 people, and its head office is in Swindon in the South West of England. Andrea Cartwright is its Head of Organization, Effectiveness, and Resourcing.

Staff Facilities and Amenities

We provide excellent facilities for our staff. Beyond standard features like comfortable desk environments and light, airy office spaces, we offer:

• Restaurant: Open for long periods, including evening service.
• Staff Shop: Sells magazines, sweets, coffee, and various essentials.
• Fitness and Wellness: A full gym facility offering dance and aerobic classes.
• Personal Care: On-site hairdresser, visiting beautician, physiotherapist,

Quiron Anniversary Launch Event

Subject: Quiron Anniversary Launch – 12:00 AM on June 28

Hi all,

I just wanted to remind you about Quiron’s anniversary launch, which takes place on Friday, June 28, at 12:00 AM.

It is being held in the meeting room. We will remember the moments that we lived this past year in this hospital. If you have any questions, please email me.

Best wishes,
Ziortza

Internship Inquiry: Diagnostic Imaging in London

Dear Mr. Jones,

I am a first-year student of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine at Quiron Hospital in Bilbao. In the second year, we have the opportunity to complete an internship, and we have been given the option to do it in London. I am writing to ask for more information regarding this opportunity.

I have a...

Buyer Beware: Unmasking Subliminal Marketing Tactics

The Deceptive Music Store Scenario

You're browsing CDs in a music store when you notice an attractive young couple nearby. They're talking loudly, and you can't help but overhear their conversation.

"Oh, there's the CD I bought last week!" the girl exclaims excitedly.

"I have it too. I listen to it all the time," the guy replies.

"Me too! It's my favorite CD. Everyone thinks it's great!" the girl adds.

You've never heard of the group, but you decide to buy the CD. After all, everyone else seems to love it.

What is Subliminal Marketing?

However, you might have thought twice about your decision if you'd known that the young couple was paid by a company to encourage the purchase of certain CDs. This...

My Favorite Sport: Padel

My favorite sport is Padel, and I believe that it will become one of the most important sports in a few years.

It is played in doubles (two against two), just like doubles tennis. The court, which measures 10 by 20 meters, is smaller than a tennis court and is enclosed by walls. It is made of artificial grass. To play, you need specific equipment:

• A Padel racket (I have two or three)
• Padel shoes (which are the same as tennis shoes)
• Padel balls

I have a lot of balls because I like to play frequently. I try to play two or three times a week, but right now, I can only play once a week because my English teacher assigns a lot of homework and I dedicate my free time to my son and wife.

I love this sport because it requires constant

Catching Up Over Lunch

Miriam: Hi Claudia, how are you? I haven't seen you in a long time.

Claudia: I know! I’m fine, and you?

Miriam: I am fine, but I have a lot of work and I'm taking care of the children—it's non-stop!

Claudia: Oh yes, I can imagine. How’s little Nerea?

Miriam: She is so big now. Look how time flies. (She shows her a photo.)

Claudia: She is beautiful.

Arrival and Ordering Drinks

David: Welcome to New York Burger. My name is David, and I'll be your waiter. How many people are there?

Claudia: Table for two, please.

David: All right, come with me this way. (They sit at a table.)

Miriam: Thank you very much.

David: (He leaves the menu card on the table.) Do you want something to drink while you decide what you want to eat?

Claudia:

Essential Adventure Travel Vocabulary

Book:

reservar

Ability:

habilidad

Explore:

explorar

Ambition:

ambición

Go (swimming):

ir a nadar

Caution:

cuidado

Go on an adventure:

ir de aventura

Determination:

empeño

Go on holiday:

ir de vacaciones

Encouragement:

ánimo

Hire:

alquilar

Endurance:

resistencia

Pack:

hacer la maleta

Enjoyment:

placer

Spend (a day):

pasar un día

Happiness:

alegría

Sunbathe:

tomar el sol

Imagination:

imaginación

Take a trip:

ir de viaje

Inspiration:

inspiración

Take a photograph:

sacar una foto

Patience:

paciencia

Bungee jump:

puenting

Performance:

actuación

Crevasse:

grieta

Reality:

realidad

Desert:

desierto

Toughness:

resistencia

Summit:

cumbre

Violence:

violencia

Sunburn:

quemadura del sol

Catch (a plane):

coger un avión

Suntan:

bronceado

Weakness:

debilidad

Survival:

supervivencia

Break

Office Communication and Procedures

Reading: Employee Notices

• Dates: 31st August, 2nd September, 3rd September.
• Departments: Cleaners, Human Resources, Marketing.
• Tasks: Update phone list, clean kitchens.

Listening: Office Conversations

• Topics: Customer service, cafeteria locations, new employee orientation.
• Inquiries: Computer technical issues, meeting with Mr. Greenaway, marketing department roles.

Reading: Office Notices

• Equipment: Photocopiers, office supplies.
• Facilities: Kitchen access for tea and coffee, IT department location, conference room directions.

Listening: Professional Interactions

• Roles: Computer programmer, sales representative, administrative assistant.
• Tasks: Checking emails, contract management, scheduling meetings.

Reading: Email Correspondence

• Topics: