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

The Trophy

Hello I'm going to show this trophy and I'm going to explain why it's so special for me. But before that, I'm going to explain some characteristics about the trophy.

Well, as you can see, it's made of metal in this part, but here it's made of marble. It also has a plaque made of metal that shows some information about the trophy. It is in perfect condition. Since I have had it, it has been in my bedroom where I have created a small museum with all my trophies and medals from playing football. I want to make it bigger, of course.

The History

Now, let's talk about the history of my object. I have had it since 2011 when I received it in the auditorium of Alcobendas called 'La Esfera'. The mayor of Alcobendas was the person in charge of... Continue reading "The Story Behind My Special Trophy" »

Montag's Growing Unease

When Montag returns to work the next day, he touches the Mechanical Hound and hears a growl. The Mechanical Hound is best described as a device of terror, a machine that is perversely similar to a trained killer dog but has been improved by refined technology, which allows it to inexorably track down and capture criminals by stunning them with a tranquilizer. Montag fears that the dog can sense his growing unhappiness. He also fears that the Hound somehow knows that he has confiscated some books during one of his raids.

Captain Beatty's Suspicions

The fire chief, Captain Beatty, also senses Montag's unhappiness. Upon entering the upper level of the firehouse, Montag questions whether the Mechanical Hound can think. Beatty,... Continue reading "Fahrenheit 451: Montag's Rebellion and the Power of Books" »

PH-(O)H-N-T (Nuclear Tone)

Stress-Timed Language

Stress-timed language means there is an equal amount of time from one stressed syllable to the next.

Syllable-Timed Language

Syllable-timed language refers to the time to express a sentence, which will be determined by the number of syllables.

Isochrony

Isochrony in English rhythm tends to preserve equal intervals of time between stressed syllables, irrespective of the number of syllables that come between them.

Rhythm

Rhythm is determined by pitch, loudness, and speed.

Intonation

Intonation is how the pitch of a voice rises and falls, and how speakers use this pitch to convey linguistic and pragmatic meaning.

Tone Language

A tone language is one where the tone can determine the meaning of a word. For example,... Continue reading "English Pronunciation: Intonation, Rhythm, and Tone" »

Citizen Kane

Rosebud

Analyzing Short Stories

Commentary Structure

1. Introduction: Engage with a relevant observation about the modern world.
2. Beginning: State your opinion clearly (for or against).
3. Arguments: Present three arguments supporting or opposing the topic, using transition words like:
   • Firstly
   • Secondly
   • Further / Moreover / In addition
4. Conclusion: Provide concluding remarks.

Useful Phrases for Commentary

• Firstly, Secondly, Finally...
• In addition, Moreover...
• This brings us to the question of whether...
• To my mind, you can say that...
• The way I see it...
• I maintain that...
• Luckily / Fortunately / Unfortunately
• All the same (nevertheless)
• In spite of
• It is true that, but...

Understanding Short Stories

Key Characteristics

1. No long introduction; the reader is immediately immersed in

**Fahrenheit 451: Montag's Final Stand**

Summary of Burning Bright

In this final section of the book, Montag discovers that Millie turned in the fire alarm (though her friends, Mrs. Phelps and Mrs. Bowles, earlier lodged a complaint that Beatty ignored). While Beatty seems to regret what he must do to Montag, he taunts Montag in a mean-spirited way and reminds Montag that he has given him many warnings about what could happen.

Finally, in his conversation with Montag, Beatty forces Montag to set fire to his own home. Little does he realize that Montag finds a certain perverse satisfaction in torching the interior of his home — especially the television screens.

Meanwhile, Faber continually urges Montag to escape, but Montag is hesitant because... Continue reading "Fahrenheit 451: Montag's Final Stand" »

Influence of Medieval English Literature on Normans Invasion

Influence of French literature in Middle English

The Gawain-Poet and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

1. The Manuscript

Sir Gawain is extant in a single manuscript: British Library, Cotton Nero A.x., fols. 91a–124b. In the manuscript, Sir Gawain is preceded by three other works titled by modern scholarship Pearl, Cleanness, and Patience. This vellum manuscript has been regarded as a copy, due mainly to the occurrence of scribal errors.

About the manuscript provenance, we know that the antiquary Sir Robert Cotton acquired it at the death of Henry Savile of Bank (1568–1617), and that it survived the fire that devastated the Cottonian collection in 1731.

This is more or less all the factual information that we have. Additionally, Sir Gawain provides internal information that points to the north-... Continue reading "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Manuscript, Date, and Author Analysis" »

Nowadays, most people share the view that cosmetic surgery is not only about appearance, but also there are people who do it for health reasons. Cosmetic surgery is a big step, and first, you have to know its pros and cons.

Pros of Cosmetic Surgery

To begin with, plastic surgery makes it possible to recover the lives of some people who have suffered burns, traumas, or accidents. As well, it helps improve the self-esteem of those who suffer from physical complexes.

Cons of Cosmetic Surgery

On the other hand, cosmetic surgery has disadvantages like the addiction it causes when people see that they can change their appearance effortlessly, and they begin to change their face and body completely. Another disadvantage is cosmetic surgery carried out... Continue reading "The Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Surgery" »