English Language Practice: Animals, Vocabulary, and Reported Speech
Key Vocabulary Words
- disguise themselves
- scales
- hide
- poisonous
- tail
- jaw
- enemies
- bites
- paws
Animal Vocabulary: Correcting Common Phrases
❌ “Mice have got many tongues…”
✅ Mice have got many enemies, like cats, foxes, and snakes.❌ “A fish is usually covered with claws.”
✅ A fish is usually covered with scales.❌ “Maybe we will see some wild animals if we attack in the bushes.”
✅ Maybe we will see some wild animals if we hide in the bushes.❌ “Some animals defend themselves by producing
Understanding Orwell’s 1984: Key Concepts and Characters
Key Aspects of George Orwell’s 1984
What is Newspeak?
Newspeak is the new language spoken in Oceania, designed with a limited vocabulary to prevent independent thought. Civil servants rewrite poems until the Party approves them. A new term introduced is Thought Criminal.
The Ministry of Love: Why is it Feared?
The most frightening ministry is the Ministry of Love, known as Miniluv in Newspeak. Winston Smith is sent there at the end of the book. It is terrifying because it controls people’s feelings
Read MoreUnderstanding 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.