Understanding Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Literal Comprehension
On the morning of June 27 of a recent year, the 300 villagers of an American village prepare for the yearly lottery in a mood of excitement. The tradition of the lottery is so old that some of its ritual has been left behind and some has been reshaped. Its basic purpose is entirely forgotten, but residents are present to take part in it. The civic-minded Mr. Summers, having been sworn in, hands a piece of paper to the head of each family. When it
Read MoreEssential English Grammar: Verbs, Tenses, & Adverbs
English Grammar Essentials: Verbs, Tenses, & More
Understanding Modal Verbs & Their Usage
- Must: Expresses moral obligation or strong necessity (e.g., You must study).
- Have to: Indicates obligation due to a rule or external circumstance (e.g., I have to wear a uniform).
- Mustn’t: Denotes prohibition (e.g., You mustn’t smoke here).
- Should / Shouldn’t: Used for recommendations or advice (e.g., You should rest).
- Don’t have to: Expresses absence of obligation or necessity (e.g., You don’t have to come)
Cinderella Man Film Study: Questions on Braddock’s Journey
Cinderella Man: Film Discussion Questions
Answer the following questions as you watch the movie. Please note that the questions are not in order. The last three questions relate more to your personal opinion.
Jim Braddock’s Life Before the Great Depression
Briefly describe the following aspects of Jim Braddock’s life at the beginning of the film, before the Great Depression:
- Boxing Career/Reputation:
- Housing Neighborhood:
- Clothing:
- Income:
- Relationship with Family:
Braddock’s Work During the Depression
What
Mastering English Grammar Transformations
1. Modal Verb Rewriting: Expressing Necessity, Possibility, and Advice
- Original: It isn’t necessary for her to phone me back.
Corrected: She doesn’t need to / doesn’t have to / needn’t phone me back. - Original: Perhaps we’ll go swimming tomorrow.
Corrected: We may / might / could go swimming tomorrow. - Original: I’m sure Mary was at home because the windows were open.
Corrected: Mary must have been at home because the windows were open. - Original: Perhaps John knew about the trip, but I’m not sure.
Mastering Active and Passive Voice in English Sentences
Active and Passive Voice Transformations
Section 1: Changing Passive to Active Sentences
Examples:
- The engineers successfully finished the task.
- The task was finished successfully by the engineers.
- The IT Director bought new software for the company.
- A new software was bought by the IT Director.
- John wrote a letter.
- A letter was written by John.
- They invited ten friends to the party.
- Ten friends were invited to the party.
- The police caught the thieves yesterday.
- Yesterday, the police caught the thieves.
- My brother
Comprehensive English Grammar Lessons: Verb Forms & Tenses
Present Simple: Verb “To Be”
Lesson Title: Me, You, and Be!
- Grammar Topic: Present Simple – Verb to be
- Objectives:
- Use “to be” in simple sentences.
- Recognize “am/is/are” forms.
- Answer simple questions with “to be”.
- Grammar:
- Affirmative: I am, You are, He/She/It is
- Negative: I am not, She is not
- Questions: Are you…? / Is he…?
- How to Teach It:
- Flashcards + Gestures
- Color-code Subject and Verb
- Puppet Introduces Itself (e.g., “I am Dino”)