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

The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes and his Fortunes and Adversities (better known as Lazarillo de Tormes) is a Spanish novel, written anonymously in first person and epistolary style (as one long letter). The earliest known edition dates from 1554. It is an autobiographical account of the life of a child, Lázaro de Tormes, in the sixteenth century, from his birth and miserable childhood to his marriage in adulthood.

A Picaresque Novel

It is considered the forerunner of the picaresque novel, with elements such as realism, first-person narrative, a structure roaming between multiple masters, and moralizing and pessimistic ideology.

Social Commentary

Lazarillo de Tormes is an outline of the ironic, ruthless society of the time. It shows its vices and... Continue reading "The Life and Adversities of Lazarillo de Tormes" »

Features of Literary Language and Communication

Literary communication possesses several distinct characteristics:

1. Unidirectional Message Flow: The sender and receiver cannot exchange their functions.
2. Requirement for Literalness and Permanence: The text requires endurance and literalness, though the original message's context may be lost.
3. Full Semantics: The text utilizes rich semantics to facilitate multiple possible interpretations.
4. Connotative Lexicon: The language employs a connotative lexicon to encourage subjectivity.
5. Poetic Function: This is the primary feature of literary language. In the literary message, the receiver's attention is drawn equally to the meaning (signified) of the text and its form (signifier).

Achieving the Poetic Function

The... Continue reading "Literary Communication and Major Genres Defined" »

Computer Fundamentals

Hardware and Software Defined

Hardware is the physical substrate that supports software. It covers all physical parts of a computer.

Software refers to programs and data stored on a computer.

Computer Peripherals

• Input Peripherals: These devices allow the computer user to enter data, commands, programs, and other information.
• Output Peripherals: These devices allow the computer user to view the results of calculations or data manipulation.

Sustainable Development Principles

The economic system based on maximum production, consumption, unlimited exploitation of resources, and profit as the sole criterion for economic progress is unsustainable.

Key Objectives of Sustainable Development

• Meeting the needs of the present generation,

Article 70: Vehicle Immobilization

Traffic officers may proceed with the immobilization of a vehicle when its use might involve a serious risk to circulation, people, or property.

For these purposes, driving a motorcycle without an approved helmet shall be considered a serious risk.

This measure shall be lifted forthwith after the causes that motivated it disappear.

Additional Grounds for Vehicle Immobilization

• Lack of mandatory insurance or negative inspection results.
• Failure to possess or display a valid parking ticket (SOA/ORA) or exceeding the paid time limit.
• Exceeding permissible levels of gas fumes or noise.
• Unauthorized major vehicle modifications.
• Exceeding driving time limits (tachograph infringement, referenced in Article 65.5.d).

The cost... Continue reading "Traffic Regulations: Vehicle Immobilization, Removal, and Serious Infractions" »

Understanding Text Types

Narrative Texts

Stories of real or imaginary events, featuring characters in space and time.

Descriptive Texts

Presents people, objects, etc., with all their details and features.

Directive Texts

Reports clearly, objectively, and accurately in order to guide the performance of an activity.

Predictive Texts

Announces what will happen in the future.

Expository Texts

Provides information organized logically and hierarchically on any topic.

Argumentative Texts

Exposes a series of reasoned arguments to convince the receiver on a topic or opinion.

Discourse Genres and Text Type Examples

Narrative Discourse Genres

Literature:

• Novel
• Tale
• Mythological narrative
• Legend
• Epic
• Romance
• Comic
• Movie script

Journalism:

• Chronicle
• Sports reportage
• News

History:

• Chronicle

Professional:

CECOM Communications Publications and Procedures

Objective

Objective — Communications: to provide instructions for CECOM organization, establishment and maintenance of communications.

Types of Publications

Types of publications: ACP, ITU, public encryption.

ANNEX

ANNEX: Annex to the publication that is undesirable for inclusion in the publication.

CHANGE

CHANGE: Modifications of the publication referred.

CORRECTION

CORRECTION: Amendment to a publication, usually urgent and needing to meet operational needs (with care will be penned).

LETTER OF PROMULGATION

LETTER OF PROMULGATION: Basic web publications with the date of entry into force.

ENTITY PRODUCER

ENTITY PRODUCER: Responsible for writing and editing.

ENTITY PROMULGATED

ENTITY PROMULGATED: Body that... Continue reading "CECOM Communications Publications, Indicators and Procedures" »

Reflexive Pronouns (Me, Te, Se, Nos, Os, Se)

A. With Function (Direct Object / Indirect Object)

• Reflexive: The action reflects back on the subject. Example: "They wash themselves" - Direct Object
• Interactive: The action is performed reciprocally between subjects. Example: "They kiss each other" - Direct Object
• Allomorph of "you": Another form of "you" when a direct object pronoun is already present. Example: "He said to me" - "I" (Indirect Object) - Direct Object
• Ethical Dative: Emphasizes the sentence; can be removed. It functions as an Indirect Object. Example: "You eat three meals." "Three-course meal" - Indirect Object

B. Without a Grammatical Function (Accompanying the Verb)

• Subject Override (3rd person singular): Example: "One lives well in

Written Communication Characteristics

Adequacy

Ensure your writing is well-presented, respects spelling conventions, uses simple language, and is concise.

Consistency

Be clear and organized, highlighting the main idea(s). Use a single paragraph to develop each idea.

Cohesion

Connect sentences within each paragraph to maintain clarity and prevent information loss.

Steps to Develop a Written Document

1. Analyze the situation
2. Generate ideas
3. Select information
4. Organize content
5. Write the text
6. Review the letter
7. Revise the text

Letterhead

The letterhead of a letter identifies the sender (individual, company, or corporation). Stationery with a pre-printed letterhead is called letterhead stationery.

Written Communication Skills

These are practical rules that facilitate... Continue reading "Effective Written Communication: Key Principles and Document Types" »

Media and its Functions

Media refers to systems through which information is transmitted. Their primary functions are to inform and entertain. They also shape opinions.

Adjectives

Adjectives describe circumstances, properties, or states. They clarify and limit the extension of a noun.

• Possessive Adjectives: These words express ownership, e.g., mine, yours.
• Demonstrative Adjectives: These are used to point out something, adding a notional element, e.g., this, that.
• Indefinite Adjectives: These words refer vaguely to quantity, e.g., some, any.

Role of the Press

• Reporting: The primary function of journalism is to inform readers objectively and truthfully.
• Opinion: The second function is to express opinions and contribute to forming the reader's opinion.

Narrative in Literary Stories

The narrative recounts events in a time sequence. Literary stories, whether realistic or fantastic, aim for artistic expression. Nonfiction stories, on the other hand, inform. A literary story is an imaginary tale designed for aesthetic enjoyment.

Elements of a Narrative

• Narrator:
  • Third-person omniscient
  • First-person protagonist and witness
• Events: History
• Space-time
• Characters
• Atmosphere
• Order:
  • Hindsight
  • Linear narrative development, outcome
  • Enter and Nudom: Anticipation, beginning, middle, and end
  • Counterpoint: various stories mixed

Account Information in News Reports

News reports contain a title, summary, and sometimes a subtitle with details.

Report Body

The report describes or recounts events. Distinguish between the entry... Continue reading "Understanding Narrative, Description, and Argument in Literary Texts" »