Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Primary education

Transforming Sentences

Exercise 1

Lucy rarely gets less than 90 percent in her Language exam.

RARE

It is rare for Lucy to get less than 90 percent in her Language exam.

Exercise 2

Peter is normally very talkative, so I'm surprised he was so quiet. LIKE

I'm surprised that Peter didn't say much because it's not like him to be so quiet.

Exercise 3

My daughter never asks when she borrows my clothes! ALWAYS

My daughter is always taking my clothes without asking!

Exercise 4

I can't wait to meet the President! FORWARD

I'm really looking forward to meeting the President!

Exercise 5

The boys had to wash their hands before having lunch. MADE

The boys were made to wash their hands before having lunch.

Exercise 6

There is no need for you to help me with the washing up.... Continue reading "Mastering English Grammar: Practice Exercises" »

A Childhood Robbery

When Gaizka and I were little, about eleven years old, we used to go out in the evenings to play in a park. We often met up with Ane's little brother, whose name is Peio. We had a great time every afternoon playing ball in that park.

But one day, while the three of us were in the park, a man approached and asked us the time. We told him, and then he demanded our cell phones. We tried to move away, but the man took out a knife, held it to my chest, and said, "Give me the phone, or I'll stab you."

Finally, we gave him the phones, and he disappeared. The next day, we went to the police to report the incident. After a few days, they called Gaizka and me, telling us they had arrested him and that we needed to go testify. Gaizka... Continue reading "Childhood Robbery & Summer with a Soccer Star" »

Studying Abroad: Benefits and Drawbacks

Most students are tired of routine and want to continue studying, but in other places. Therefore, studying abroad could be a way to break the routine for many students and learn new things. Are there more advantages than disadvantages to studying abroad?

On the one hand, not everyone can afford to study abroad. Firstly, the price of accommodation is getting higher, which makes it difficult for some families to pay for this expense. Also, if the student does not work, their parents have to pay for everything. Secondly, studying abroad can be hard, as it separates you from your loved ones, friends, and family for a long time. If you do not master the language of the country well, it will be difficult to relate... Continue reading "Study Abroad, Sixth Form, or Vocational Training?" »

The Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The campaign to abolish the transatlantic slave trade and, subsequently, the institution of slavery itself, was driven by a confluence of economic, humanitarian, and moral-religious factors.

Key Figures in Abolition

Three prominent figures were instrumental in the movement to end slave trafficking:

• James Ramsay: Advocated for abolition primarily on economic grounds. He argued that greater financial prosperity could be achieved through the exchange of goods rather than the trade of enslaved people.
• Olaudah Equiano: Championed abolition from a humanitarian perspective, emphasizing the inherent unethical nature of slavery. His personal narrative powerfully illustrated the human cost of the trade.
• William

PLOT1.1:

Kathy H. is a student at Hailsham, a boarding school in England, where the teachers are known as guardians. The children are watched closely and they are often told about the importance of producing art and of being healthy (smoking is considered a taboo, almost on the level of a crime, and working in the vegetable garden is compulsory). The students' art is then displayed in an exhibition, and the best art is chosen by a woman known to the students as Madame, who keeps their work in a gallery. Kathy develops a close friendship with two other students, Ruth and Tommy. Kathy develops a fondness for Tommy, looking after him when he is bullied and having private talks with him. However, Tommy and Ruth form a relationship instead.

In an... Continue reading "The Art of Love and Fate at Hailsham School" »

Spain's Political System: A Parliamentary Monarchy

The Kingdom of Spain is a parliamentary monarchy in which the monarch serves as the Head of State, while the President of the Government is the Head of Government. Currently, the King of Spain is Felipe VI, who ascended to the throne in 2014.

The Monarchy and Head of State

The Crown, as a symbol of the nation's unity, fulfills a two-fold function:

• Firstly, it represents the unity of the state and the organic separation of powers. Consequently, the monarch appoints the President of the Government, and summons and dissolves the Parliament.
• Secondly, it represents the Spanish State as a whole, sanctioning and promulgating laws.

Legislative Power: The Cortes Generales

Legislative power is vested in the... Continue reading "Spain's Government Structure: Monarchy, Parliament, and Courts" »

Roald Dahl (1916-1990)

British Author of Norwegian Descent

Roald Dahl was a British novelist and short story author of Norwegian descent. He achieved fame as a writer for both children and adults.

Early Life and Influences

Some of his most famous works include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, and Kiss Kiss. In 1920, tragedy struck when his 7-year-old sister died from appendicitis, followed a month later by his father's death from pneumonia at the age of 57. Dahl attended several boarding schools, an experience he found unpleasant due to homesickness, leading him to write frequent letters to his mother. The inspiration for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory came during his time studying in Derbyshire, where pupils tasted chocolates.... Continue reading "Roald Dahl: A Darkly Humorous Journey into the Unexpected" »

Langston Hughes: A Literary Legacy (1930s-1960s)

Langston Hughes, a pivotal figure in American literature, began his prolific career with the cordial reception of Not Without Laughter (1930), his first prose volume, shortly after his graduation. The 1930s marked a significant shift in his poetic focus, turning more forcefully toward racial justice and political radicalism.

Activism and Global Engagements

Hughes's commitment to social justice was evident in his extensive travels and reportage:

• In 1931, he traveled through the American South, notably decrying the injustices of the Scottsboro case.
• His international journeys took him widely across the Soviet Union, Haiti, Japan, and other regions.
• He served as a newspaper correspondent in 1937 during

The Innovator’s Canvas

Similar to the Business Model Canvas but with a different approach, as shown in the image above. We will focus on two key components: The Why and the Value Proposition Canvas.

The Why

Simon Sinek argues that many companies start with “how” instead of “why.” Some even lack a clear understanding of their purpose. Apple's success is attributed to starting with “why.”

“People don’t buy what you do. They buy why you do it.” - Simon Sinek

Sinek's Golden Circle framework revolves around three questions: why? (purpose), how? (process), and what? (results).

The Value Proposition Canvas

This canvas focuses on creating value for customers through products and services.

Customer Profile

• Customer Jobs: Tasks or problems

Total Costs/SMH = (Fixed Costs) + (Variable Costs * UT%) + (Labor Cost)