English Grammar, Literature Summaries and Cultural Facts
English Grammar Essentials
Conditionals
- 0: if + present, present (General truth)
- 1: if + present, will + verb (Possible future)
- 2: if + past simple, would + verb (Hypothetical present/future)
- 3: if + past perfect, would have + participle (Impossible past)
Passive Voice
Structure: Subject + be (conjugated) + participle
- Present simple: am / is / are + participle
- Past simple: was / were + participle
- Future: will be + participle
- Present perfect: have / has been + participle
- Past perfect: had been + participle
- Present continuous: am / is / are being + participle
- Past continuous: was / were being + participle
Modal Verbs
- Ability: can
- Permission: can / may
- Obligation: must
- Advice: should
- Probability: may / might / could
- Past forms: modal + have
- Future forms: can/will be able to, must/will have to, should, may/might
Formal Letter Request
Dear Ms. Black,
I am writing in response to the advertisement I saw for your English school in ‘World Teens Today’ magazine. I am interested in enrolling in one of your courses and would be grateful if you could provide further information.
Firstly, the advertisement states that courses are two weeks long. Would it be possible to book a three-week course? I would also like to know the exact cost.
Secondly, your advert mentions accommodation with host families. Could you clarify if I would be staying alone with the family or if other students would be present?
Finally, could you send details regarding the social programme? I am very keen on sport and would like to know if any sports activities are included.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Literature Summary: The Brazilian Cat
Marshall King, a poor young aristocrat in debt, visits his cousin Everard at Greylands. While Everard seems kind, his wife is cold. Everard shows Marshall his exotic animal collection, including a dangerous Brazilian cat. During a storm, Everard locks Marshall in the room with the cat to kill him. Marshall survives, and the cat eventually kills Everard. Marshall inherits money and pays his debts.
Key Details
- Characters: Marshall King (narrator), Everard King (cousin), Mrs. King, Lord Southerton (uncle).
- Setting: 19th-century London and Greylands, Suffolk.
- Animals: Exotic birds, deer, wild pigs, armadillos, and the dangerous Brazilian cat, Tommy.
Saint Patrick’s Day Facts
1. What is it?
The national day of Ireland, celebrated globally on 17 March by people of all backgrounds.
2. Saint Patrick
He was not Irish, likely Scottish or Welsh, and was brought to Ireland as a slave before becoming a missionary. Legend claims he removed all snakes from Ireland.
3. International Celebration
Celebrated worldwide, including in Boston, Tokyo, Sydney, and Buenos Aires.
4. Parades
- Large: New York (biggest) and Dublin (second biggest).
- Small: Local town parades, such as the 23-metre parade in Dripsey.
5. The Colour Green
Green is the symbol of the day. Famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Christ the Redeemer are lit in green, and the Chicago River is dyed green.
6. Summary
Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural festival blending history and legend, celebrating Irish identity through parades and the iconic colour green.