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

Differences Between Spoken and Written Language

Teaching and Learning Listening

Listening is a source of input. Children need this type of teaching to learn the... Continue reading "Spoken vs. Written Language: Teaching and Learning English" »

Proposed Answers:

1.- Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.

a) Leonardo's relationship with his father was not easy as a child.

TRUE: His father was stern and distant with him...

b) Leonardo's father had clear ideas about his son's future.

FALSE: Piero da Vinci didn't know what to do about his son, Leonardo.

(Maximum score: 2 points)

2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text.

a) Explain why Leonardo couldn't attend the university.

Leonardo couldn't study at university because his parents were not married when he was born.

NOTE: This answer is simply a suggestion among other possible ones.

The... Continue reading "Leonardo da Vinci: A Man Ahead of His Time" »

Oral Communication

Definition

In oral communication, the spoken word is the primary channel. It involves interlocutors: a sender and a receiver.

Types of Oral Communication

Oral communication can be:

• Face-to-face
• Distance communication

Requirements for Effective Oral Communication

• Analyze the situation
• Prevent communication barriers

Features of Oral Communication

1. Sender

The sender transmits credibility and capability, using a rich vocabulary and resources.

2. Receiver

The receiver listens attentively and provides feedback.

3. Message

The message should be clear, concise, accurate, objective, and relevant.

4. Context

The message must be adapted to the receiver and the context.

Advantages of Oral Communication

• Speed
• Supported by non-verbal elements
• Provides immediate

Hotel Vocabulary

• Double room: habitación cama matrimonio
• Twin room: habitación 2 camas
• Single room: habitación individual
• Bath: bañera
• Shower: ducha
• Suitcase: maleta
• Luggage: equipaje
• Half board: media pensión
• Full board: pensión completa
• Key: llave
• Keycard: tarjeta llave
• Bill: factura
• Receipt: recibo
• Lift: ascensor (British)
• Elevator: ascensor (American)
• Car park: aparcamiento
• Restaurant: restaurante
• Lounge: salón recibidor
• Cocktail bar: bar de copas
• Fitness room: gimnasio
• Hairdryer: secador de pelo
• Air conditioning: aire acondicionado
• Safe: caja fuerte
• Conference facilities: sala de conferencias
• Swimming pool: piscina
• Night club: club de noche
• Sauna: sauna
• Business centre: centro de negocios
• Satellite TV: TV por satélite
• Multi-line phone: teléfono multilinea
• Computer

In today's science-obsessed world, thanks to technological development, social media has become an intricate part of daily life. Almost everyone around the world uses at least one social network, such as Facebook or Twitter, where they usually download music and videos, and share information. However, many people are against this practice because they think that social networking sites are a kind of drug, and once you have entered into it, it's very hard to escape. Will you gain some advantages from these platforms, or will they ruin your life? Are they simply a place to waste a considerable amount of time? This is obviously not a black and white issue, and there are powerful arguments on both sides.

Advantages of Social Media

A big advantage... Continue reading "The Pros and Cons of Social Media" »

Introduction

Political Action Committees (PACs) have become increasingly influential in modern politics. These organizations raise and spend money to support or oppose candidates for public office. While PACs have been around for decades, their role in elections has grown significantly in recent years.

The Role of PACs in Elections

PACs play a major role in funding political campaigns. They can contribute unlimited amounts of money to candidates, and they often spend millions of dollars on advertising and other campaign activities. This money can give PACs a significant advantage in elections, especially in close races.

PACs also play a role in shaping public opinion. They can use their resources to promote their preferred candidates and policies,... Continue reading "The Importance of PACs in Modern Politics" »

Vocabulary

Unit 1: Senses and Suffixes

Hearing: faint, crunchy, deafening, silent.
Sight: blinding, bright, dark.
Smell: fragrant, stinky.
Taste: rich, spicy, sweet.
Touch: hard, soft, rough, slimy, smooth.

Noun Suffixes: -ic, -less, -al, -y, -ous, -ful, -ation, -ance, -ence, -ment.
Verb Suffixes: -ant, -ent, -ive, -able.

Unit 2: Language and Culture

International, religious, local, traditional, multicultural, secular.

Phrasal Verbs: Join in, put on, set off, hand out, dress up, come together, put up, take off, pack out.

Common language, not native speakers, dominant language, writing system, mass media, local dialects, strange accents, local languages, cultural identity, literary works, native speakers, language skills, second language, global language,... Continue reading "Vocabulary and Grammar Summary: Units 1-6" »

Chapter 11

1. How did Bobby feel on Saturday, after the money disappeared, and what does he want to do now?

He felt terrible and wanted to find the thief.

2. Mr. Penny wanted to phone the police. Why didn't Bobby want this?

He felt responsible for losing the money and wanted to try and find it himself.

3. Why did Bobby think that [character name] stole the money?

Because he had round glasses and often had a pen behind his ear.

4. [Question missing]

Chapter 12

1. In Devon, what financial help did the project receive?

A tour bus company donated the transport, and the restaurants and shops in the area also gave money.

2. Why was Lisa worried?

Because the other teens were making so much money.

3. When the newspaper team won the trip to Paris, what was Helen'

English Grammar

Verb Tenses

Present Simple

I/You know/He/She/It knows

I don't know

Do I know?

Present Continuous

I am watching

I am not watching

Are you watching?

Past Simple

I knew/He watched

I didn't know/He didn't watch

Did you know?

Past Continuous

I was watching

I wasn't watching

Was I watching?

Past Perfect Simple

I had watched

I hadn't watched

Had I watched?

Present Perfect Simple

You have watched

You haven't watched

Have you watched?

Present Perfect Continuous

I have been watching

I haven't been watching

Have you been watching?

Future Perfect

You will have watched

You won't have watched

Will you have watched?

Future Continuous

You will be watching

You won't be watching

Will you be watching?

Comparatives and Superlatives

For one-syllable words, add -er for comparative and... Continue reading "Essential English Language Skills" »