Writing Examples: Biographies, Travel, and Formal Letters

Notable Figures and Their Impact

Maria Montessori: A Visionary in Education

Maria Montessori (born in Italy in 1870) was a woman who forever changed education. She became one of the first female doctors in her country, an impressive achievement for her era.

Physically, Maria Montessori was not very tall, but she possessed a strong and elegant presence. She had dark hair, which turned gray over the years, and she usually wore it tied back in a simple style. Her face was serious, with expressive eyes

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Comprehensive English Grammar & Vocabulary Notes

English Language Essentials: Topics 1-3

Gerunds and Infinitives: Part 1

Verbs Followed by Gerunds

We use the Gerund after these verbs:

  • admit
  • avoid
  • consider
  • deny
  • face
  • feel like
  • finish
  • give up
  • include
  • keep on
  • practise
  • recommend
  • risk
  • suggest
  • take up

Verbs Followed by Infinitives with ‘to’

We use the Infinitive with ‘to’ after these verbs:

  • afford
  • agree
  • appear
  • arrange
  • decide
  • expect
  • fail
  • happen
  • help
  • hope
  • manage
  • pretend
  • promise
  • refuse
  • seem
  • volunteer
  • wait

Gerund or Infinitive with Little or No Meaning Difference

We use the Gerund or Infinitive

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English Language Skills Development: Practice Drills

Everyday English & Basic Questions

  • Conversation Context: This conversation takes place between an interviewer and a passer-by.
  • Daily Routine: The woman always has dinner at home. After dinner, she stays at home.
  • International Calls: For an international call from the room, first press. The country code for Brazil is: 55.
  • Family & Home: Are the children at home? Yes, they are.
  • Weekend Activities: What does Jane do at the weekend?
  • Preferences: Some people don’t like red wine. Peter enjoys watching
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Mastering the Passive Voice in English Grammar

1. Rewriting Sentences Using the Passive Voice

1. You can only see these particles through a microscope.

These particles can only be seen through a microscope.

2. People are using computers in all kinds of work.

Computers are being used in all kinds of work.

3. They keep dangerous chemicals in a safe place.

Dangerous chemicals are kept in a safe place.

4. You should have left the laboratory unlocked.

The laboratory should have been left unlocked.

5. Three million people watch Netflix every day.

Netflix is

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English Vocabulary and Grammar Practice for Film Enthusiasts

Film Vocabulary

  • Boom (Auge)
  • Box-office hit (Taquilla)
  • Cast (Reparto)
  • Character (Personaje)
  • Figure (Número)
  • Filmgoer (Espectador)
  • Gender (Género)
  • Leading role (Papel principal)
  • Plot (Trama)
  • Script (Guion)
  • Set (Localización)
  • Stunt (Escena peligrosa)
  • Dub (Doblar)
  • Look on (Mirar)
  • Outnumber (Sobrepasar en cantidad)
  • Reflect (Reflejar)
  • Release (Lanzar)
  • Sell out (Agotar)
  • Stand out (Resaltar)
  • Awesome (Impresionante)
  • Fast-paced (Acelerado)
  • Outrageous (Intolerable)
  • Predictable (Predecible)
  • Wise (Sabio)

Useful Phrases

  • Appeal to (
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Of Mice and Men: A Literary Analysis of Friendship and Fate

Plot Summary: Of Mice and Men Narrative

Key Characters and Core Conflict

This book narrates the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small. George is intelligent and resourceful, while his companion, Lennie, is mentally handicapped but possesses immense physical strength. Sent by an employment agency, the two men arrive at a ranch in California.

They spend their first night near the ranch because their bus driver dropped them off too far, and George wanted to rest. Upon reaching the

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