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

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Instead of:

• The lifts were SO old that: Use: The lifts were so old that...
• the..photocopied some copies for me: Use: I had some copies photocopied.
• She takes 1min: Use: It takes her 1 minute.
• Althoug: Use: Although
• Too+adj: Use: Not + adjective + enough
• If he doesnt: Use: Unless he...
• I would prefer to+inf: Use: I'd rather + infinitive

Remember:

• Use the -ing form after "remember".
• Use "regret to" + infinitive.
• Use the -ing form after "try".
• Use "had better not" instead of "shouldn't/ought to".
• Use "on the point of" + gerund instead of "be about to" + infinitive.

Other Useful Tips:

• Instead of "It's time + past simple", use present perfect continuous: "They have worked here for... years."
• Use "like + gerund" instead of "to be fond

Words for Predicting the Future

Prescient - knowing or suggesting what will happen in the future

Prognosticate - to foretell from signs or symptoms

Prophecy - a prediction of what will happen in the future

Speculate - form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence

People Who Make Predictions

Town Planner - a professional involved in the planning and control of the construction, growth, and development of a town or other urban area

Weather Forecaster - someone whose job is to study the weather and predict what it will be like in the future

Career Advisor - someone who gives information about education and work opportunities to children and youths

Financial Advisor - a person whose job is to provide financial advice to clients

Football

A graphic novel is a longer, complex piece of text that usually covers the story in one book. A comic book is shorter and tells the story over many volumes.

Why Are Graphic Novels Important for Learning?

Graphic novels are important tools for cognitive learning and are rich in visual literacy. The more image-based nature of graphic novels can make them less intimidating to read for beginners and also allows readers to understand words through pictures.

Graphic: Single volumes. It is monographic. Full-length novel.

Comic: Serials. They are published every once in a while. They can be compared with short stories.

Caption: A box of text that gives details on the background and setting of the scene. Often at the top or bottom of the panel.

Close-up:... Continue reading "Difference Between Graphic Novel and Comic: Importance for Learning" »

Contrasts Between American and European Cultures in Daisy Miller

Innocence vs. Knowledge/Experience

Innocence vs. knowledge or experience
Utility vs. form and ceremony
Spontaneity vs. ritual
Action vs. inaction
Nature vs. art
Natural vs. artificial
Honesty vs. evil

Daisy Miller: A Representation of American Innocence

In Daisy Miller, Henry James focuses on the differences in behavior between Americans and Europeans. Daisy Miller embodies the American, while Mrs. Costello, Mrs. Walker, and Winterbourne represent the European perspective. Ironically, these "Europeans" are American-born but have adopted European views.

Sophistication and Prejudice: A Two-Fold Meaning

Europeans in James's novels are often portrayed as more sophisticated and art-conscious,... Continue reading "American vs. European: Innocence and Experience in Henry James's Daisy Miller" »

Problem 1: European Call Option Valuation

A stock price is currently at 40 euros. It is known that at month-end, the price will be either 42 euros or 38 euros. The risk-free interest rate is 8% per annum, continuously compounded. We have a call option with a strike price of 39 euros.

1. Shares for Riskless Portfolio: Calculate the number of shares to buy to create a riskless portfolio. Given Answer: 0.75 shares.
2. Cash for Replication: Determine the cash needed to replicate the portfolio at the end of the month. Given Answer: -57/2 euros.
3. One-Month European Call Value: What is the value of the one-month European Call option? Given Answer: 1.69 euros.
4. Put Option Value: What is the value of a corresponding put option? Given Answer: 0.43 euros.
5. Call-Put

Announcement: to announce something unrelated to a brand.

Advertisement: to promote something like an ad or a campaign.

Mark: a visible sign on the face.

Brand: a type of product manufactured by a company under a specific name.

Label: used for clothes.

Make: refers to electrical equipment, cars, and domestic appliances.

Trademark: a name, symbol, or design used by a company on its products, legally owned by the company, or something that characterizes a person, place, or product.

Audience: a group of people gathered in one place to listen to a concert, watch a movie, etc.

Public: ordinary people.

Viewers: people who watch TV, computers, etc.

Spectators: people who watch an activity, especially sports, without participating.

Grief: sorrow.

Bond: a connection.... Continue reading "Understanding the Difference: Announcement, Advertisement, Mark, Brand, and More" »

Themes of the Lost Generation

It was somewhat common that among members of this group to complain that American artists' culture lacked the breadth of European work. Nevertheless, this same period saw an explosion in American literature and art. Common themes in works of literature by members of the Lost Generation include:

• Decadence and the Frivolous Lifestyle of the Wealthy

  Consider the lavish parties of James Gatsby in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby or those thrown by the characters in his Tales of the Jazz Age. Recall the aimless drinking and parties of the circles of expatriates in Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises and A Moveable Feast. With ideals of the war lost for many, hedonism was the result. The Lost Generation writers revealed the hollow

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" »