Modals of deduction in the past

 

INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

 

Present Perfect

 

 

The Case of the Silent Pendulum

The Setting: Blackwood Manor, a secluded estate. The Victim: Lord Reginald Blackwood, a wealthy clock collector. The Crime: Lord Blackwood was found dead in his study at 10:15 PM. He was struck over the head with a heavy brass trophy. The windows were locked from the inside, but the terrace door was slightly ajar.

The Suspects' Statements

Name	Role	Statement
Arthur Sterling	The Butler	"I was in the kitchen preparing the late-night tea service  from 9:45 to 10:15.  I didn't hear a thing until I went to knock on the study door."
Eleanor Blackwood	The Wife	"I was in the library reading a novel. I did go to the terrace for some  fresh air around 10:00 PM, but I didn't see anyone.  I was wearing my silk slippers."
Dr. Julian Vane	The Family Physician	"I arrived at 10:00 PM for Reginald’s check-up. The butler let me in.  I waited in the hallway because I heard Reginald arguing with someone  in the study.  I didn't want to interrupt."
Marcus Thorne	The Business Partner	"I was in the billiard room practicing my shots. I was alone,  but you can check the table—I left the balls in a specific  rack formation.  I never left the room."
Clara Moss	The Maid	"I was cleaning the guest rooms upstairs. I dropped a heavy vase at  10:05 PM and it shattered. I spent the next ten minutes cleaning up  the glass. Ask Arthur, he must have heard the crash."

The Evidence Board

1. The Medical Report: Time of death is confirmed between 10:00 PM and 10:10 PM.
2. The Sound Factor: The study is directly below the guest rooms.
3. The Butler’s Observation: Arthur claims the house was "deathly silent" until he discovered the body.
4. The Terrace: It rained heavily from 9:50 PM to 10:10 PM. The mud on the terrace is thick.

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Student Task: Who is the Murderer?

Analyze the statements. Look for the logic gap—the person whose story is physically impossible based on the evidence provided.

Suspect Name: _______________________________

The Evidence: (Why did you choose them?)

 

Teacher’s Solution & Explanation

The Murderer: Arthur Sterling (The Butler)

The Explanation

The key lies in the contradiction between Arthur's statement and Clara’s statement.

• The Lie: Arthur claims he "didn't hear a thing" while in the kitchen from 9:45 to 10:15.
• The Fact: Clara Moss, the maid, dropped and shattered a heavy vase at 10:05 PM in the guest rooms.
• The Proof: Arthur says the house was "deathly silent." If he were actually in the kitchen (which is usually near the service areas/guest rooms), he would have heard the loud crash of the vase. Furthermore, Dr. Vane claims he heard Reginald arguing with someone in the study at 10:00 PM. If Arthur was "preparing tea," he would have heard the shouting or the doctor entering the house.
• The Final Blow: Arthur was the one who "prepared" the scene. He claimed to be in the kitchen, but he was actually in the study killing Lord Blackwood. He claimed silence to ensure no one investigated the shouting Dr. Vane heard.

Note for Students: While Eleanor has "muddy" potential, her silk slippers would have been ruined, and she was in the library. Arthur’s claim of total silence is the only statement that directly conflicts with the physical events (the vase breaking) occurring in the house.

Give me a similar story set in a high school

CONSOLIDATION

 

Present Simple, Continuous & Adverbs

These questions check if students can distinguish between habits and current actions.

1. What do you usually do on Saturday mornings, and what are you doing right now in this classroom?

2. How often do you check your phone during the day?

3. What is an activity that you never do at home because you dislike it?

4. Look out the window. What is happening outside at this very moment?

5. Describe your best friend’s daily routine. What does he/she do every morning?

Food & Clothes Vocabulary

6. Imagine you are going to a formal wedding. What are you wearing from head to toe?

7. What food do you always keep in your fridge, and what is something you never eat?

8. If you go to the beach, what three items of clothing must you take with you?

9. Describe your favorite meal. What ingredients are in it?

 Stative Verbs & Preferences

10. What is a food that you hate, and why do you dislike it?

11. Think about your favorite movie. Why do you believe it is better than others?

12. Is there a language you want to learn in the future? Why?

13. Which season do you prefer: Summer or Winter? Explain your choice.

Verb "To Be" (Past Tense)

Focusing on "Was" and "Were" in context.

14. Where were you at 8:00 PM last night, and who was with you?

15. Think about your first day of school. Was it scary or exciting?

16. Were your parents strict when you were a child?

Abilities & "Good at / Hopeless at"

Checking the use of "can" and the gerund (-ing) after prepositions.

17. What is one thing you can do very well, and one thing you can’t do at all?

18. In school, which subjects are you good at, and which ones are you hopeless at?

19. Are you good at cooking? What is the best dish you can make?

20. Imagine you are at a talent show. What "hopeless" talent would you show the audience for a laugh?

Additional open-ended questions specifically targeting those adverbs:

1. The Morning Routine: What is something you always do as soon as you wake up?

2. Health Habits: How often do you exercise or play sports during the week?

3. The "To Be" Rule: Where are you usually at 4:00 PM on a Tuesday? (Checks: I am usually...)

4. Technology Use: Do you ever go a full day without using the internet? Why or why not?

5. Food Preferences: What is a vegetable that you rarely eat?

6. Household Chores: Which chore do you sometimes forget to do at home?

7. Punctuality: Are you always on time for class, or are you occasionally late?

8. Weekend Habits: What do you and your friends usually do when it rains on the weekend?

9. The "Never" Challenge: What is something you have never done but would love to try one day?

10. Frequency Comparison: Think of two people you know. Who do you see more often, and what do you usually do together?

To+infinitive vs For+ing form

 

Summary Table

Category	Form	Meaning	Example
Personal Purpose	To + Infinitive	Intention / Goal	He stopped to eat lunch.
Object Function	For + -ing	What it's made for	This is a tool for opening cans. This knife is for cutting bread. This brush is for painting walls.
Reaction / Reason	For + -ing	Why you feel/act a certain way	I'm sorry for losing your pen Thanks for helping me

Memory Trick: The "Goal" vs. "Cause" Rule

• Use To + Infinitive for the Goal (something in the future you want to achieve).
• Use For + -ing for the Cause (something in the past or present that triggered your reaction).

Example:

• "I brought chocolate to make you happy." (Goal)
• "Thank you for making me happy." (Cause)

REMEMBER

When expressing emotions or reactions (thanks, apologies, reasons for feelings), we almost always use for + -ing:

Context	Example
Gratitude	Thank you for inviting me.
Apology	I’m sorry for being late.
Praise	She was famous for singing jazz.
Blame	He was arrested for stealing a car.

The Contrast

To see the difference clearly, look at how the meaning shifts:

1. Reason for feeling (For + -ing): "I am happy for winning the race." (The win is the reason for the feeling).
2. Purpose of action (To + Infinitive): "I practiced hard to win the race." (Winning is the goal of the practice).

 

Fill in these sentences using the verb "Listen":

1. This headset is designed __________ to music. (Function)
2. I put on my headphones __________ to the podcast. (Purpose)
3. Thank you __________ to my presentation. (Reason/Gratitude)

 

Bloomsday

 Bloomsday is a celebration that takes place every year on June 16th. It is named after the main character of Ulysses, Leopold Bloom.

While most books take place over weeks or years, the entire story of Ulysses happens on one single day: June 16, 1904. Fans of James Joyce decided to turn this date into a holiday to celebrate the book, the author, and the city of Dublin.

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Why June 16th?

James Joyce chose this specific date because it was the day of his first date with Nora Barnacle, the woman who eventually became his wife. He wanted to immortalize the most important day of his personal life by making it the "birthday" of his greatest novel.

How do people celebrate?

Today, Bloomsday is celebrated all over the world, but the biggest party is in Dublin. People do several traditional things:

• Dressing Up: Fans wear Edwardian-style clothes (the fashion of 1904), including straw hats (boaters), waistcoats, and long dresses.

• Eating the "Bloom Breakfast": In the book, Bloom eats a specific breakfast. Fans eat the same thing: fried liver and kidneys (though many modern fans prefer a standard Irish breakfast!).

• Walking the Route: People walk to the exact locations mentioned in the book, such as the Martello Tower, Davy Byrne’s Pub, and Sandymount Strand.

• Reading Aloud: There are public readings and performances of the book’s funniest or most famous chapters.

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Student Activity: Your Own "Bloomsday"

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. Who is Bloomsday named after?

• A) James Joyce

• B) Leopold Bloom

• C) Nora Barnacle

2. Why did Joyce choose June 16th?

• A) It was his birthday.

• B) It was the day he finished writing the book.

• C) It was his first date with his future wife.

3. What do people usually wear on Bloomsday?

• A) Modern tracksuits.

• B) Clothes from the year 1904.

• C) Costumes of Greek gods.

Part 2: True or False

• T / F: Bloomsday is only celebrated in Ireland and nowhere else.

• T / F: Leopold Bloom's favorite breakfast includes kidneys.

• T / F: Bloomsday celebrates a book that takes place over 24 hours.

Part 3: Creative Writing

If you had to pick one day of your life to turn into a "holiday" that people would celebrate forever, which date would it be?

• Write 3 sentences explaining what happened on that day and how people should celebrate it (what should they eat or wear?).

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Fun Fact: The very first Bloomsday was celebrated in 1954 (the 50th anniversary). A group of writers tried to visit all the locations from the book in a horse-drawn carriage, but they got too tired (and a bit too drunk) to finish!

ULYSSES BY JOYCE with activities

 

What is Ulysses?

Published in 1922, Ulysses is a famous novel by the Irish writer James Joyce.

The most interesting thing about the book is its timeline: the entire story (which is over 700 pages long!) takes place in just one single day: June 16, 1904. This day is now celebrated every year in Dublin as "Bloomsday."

The Story and Characters

The book follows three main characters living in Dublin, Ireland:

1. Leopold Bloom: A middle-aged Jewish man who works in advertising. He is kind, curious, and a bit lonely.
2. Molly Bloom: Leopold’s wife, a talented singer.
3. Stephen Dedalus: A young, moody teacher and poet who is looking for a father figure.

The book is called Ulysses because Joyce based the structure on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, The Odyssey. Each chapter in Joyce’s book matches an adventure from the original myth, but instead of monsters and gods, the "battles" are normal daily activities, like eating breakfast, walking to the post office, or chatting in a pub.

Why is it famous?

Joyce used a technique called "stream of consciousness." This means the writing mimics how a human brain actually works—jumping from one thought to another, sometimes without using traditional grammar or punctuation. It feels like you are sitting inside the characters' heads.

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. How long is the time period covered in the novel?

• A) One year
• B) One month
• C) One day

2. Where does the story take place?

• A) London, England
• B) Dublin, Ireland
• C) Paris, France

3. What is "stream of consciousness"?

• A) A style of writing that shows a character's continuous flow of thoughts.
• B) A type of poetry about rivers and nature.
• C) A method of reading books very quickly.

Part 2: True or False

• T / F: The book is based on an ancient Greek myth called The Odyssey.
• T / F: Leopold Bloom is a soldier returning from a big war in the book.
• T / F: "Bloomsday" is a real celebration that happens every June.

Part 3: Open Discussion / Writing

Imagine you are writing a "mini-Ulysses" about your own life.

• Task: Pick 10 minutes of your morning (for example, walking to school or eating breakfast). Write down everything that goes through your mind during those 10 minutes. Don't worry about perfect grammar—just write your thoughts as they happen.

Both James Joyce and Italo Svevo were close friends in real life (Joyce actually taught Svevo English in Trieste!), so it is no surprise that their most famous books, Ulysses and La Coscienza di Zeno (Zeno's Conscience), share some very modern ideas.

Here is a simple breakdown of how these two masterpieces are similar:

1. The "Anti-Hero"

In older books, main characters were usually brave, strong, and successful. Both Leopold Bloom (Ulysses) and Zeno Cosini (Zeno’s Conscience) are anti-heroes.

• They are "ordinary" men who have flaws.
• They worry about their health, their wives, and their social status.
• They are often unsuccessful or clumsy, but this makes them feel very real to the reader.

2. The Inner World (Psychology)

Both novels care more about what the character is thinking than what they are actually doing.

• Joyce uses "stream of consciousness" to show thoughts in real-time.
• Svevo uses a first-person narrator who is writing his memories for his psychiatrist.
• In both books, the "action" happens inside the mind. A simple walk or a cigarette can be more important than a big battle.

3. The Concept of Time

Both authors broke the rules of traditional time.

• Ulysses expands time: It takes 700+ pages to describe only 24 hours.
• Zeno’s Conscience ignores chronological order: Zeno organizes his story by themes (like "my father's death" or "the smoke") rather than a calendar.

4. Humor and Irony

Despite being "serious" literature, both books are quite funny.

• Joyce uses wordplay and jokes about daily life in Dublin.
• Svevo uses irony: Zeno is constantly making excuses for his failures (like his many "last cigarettes"), and the reader knows Zeno isn't always telling the truth.

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. What city did Joyce and Svevo meet in?

• A) Dublin
• B) Trieste
• C) Rome

2. Which character is famous for his "last cigarette"?

• A) Leopold Bloom
• B) Stephen Dedalus
• C) Zeno Cosini

3. What is an "anti-hero"?

• A) The villain of the story.
• B) A character who lacks traditional heroic qualities like bravery or perfection.
• C) A character who has magical powers.

Part 2: Comparison (True or False)

• T / F: Both books focus more on the character's thoughts than on big physical adventures.
• T / F: Zeno Cosini is a perfect, successful businessman who never makes mistakes.
• T / F: Both Joyce and Svevo were interested in how the human mind works.

Part 3: Short Answer

If you had to write a diary like Zeno or a "stream of consciousness" like Bloom, would you find it easy or difficult to be 100% honest about your thoughts? Why?

Fun Fact: James Joyce was actually one of the first people to recognize Svevo's talent. He helped Svevo get Zeno's Conscience published and noticed by critics in Paris!

1. The Vices: "The Last Cigarette" vs. "The Wandering Mind"

A "vice" is a bad habit or a moral weakness. For Joyce and Svevo, these vices aren't just mistakes—they define who the characters are.

• Zeno Cosini (Smoking): Zeno is obsessed with quitting smoking. He fills his diary with the date and the letters U.S. (Ultima Sigaretta – Last Cigarette). Of course, he never actually quits. His vice represents his lack of willpower and his habit of lying to himself to feel better.
• Leopold Bloom (Distraction & Guilt): Bloom’s "vices" are more about his secret desires and his inability to focus. He wanders through Dublin, looking at things he shouldn't and worrying about his wife's unfaithfulness. His vice is his passivity—he often watches life happen rather than taking control of it.

2. The Cities: Dublin vs. Trieste

In these novels, the city is not just a background; it is like a fourth character.

Feature	Dublin (Ulysses)	Trieste (Zeno's Conscience)
Atmosphere	Busy, noisy, and full of history. Every street corner has a meaning.	A crossroads of cultures (Italian, Austrian, Slavic). A city of trade and business.
Role	The city is a labyrinth. Bloom is like a traveler lost in a maze of pubs, shops, and offices.	The city is a doctor's office. It is the place where Zeno tries (and fails) to be a "healthy" businessman.
Connection	Joyce wrote about Dublin while living far away because he was obsessed with its details.	Svevo lived in Trieste his whole life; the city's nervous, commercial energy matches Zeno's personality.

 

 

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. What does Zeno write in his diary every time he smokes?

• A) "I love tobacco."
• B) "U.S." (Last Cigarette).
• C) "Tomorrow I start."

2. How does Leopold Bloom experience Dublin?

• A) As a soldier guarding the city.
• B) As a tourist who is lost.
• C) As a "wanderer" going through a labyrinth of daily tasks.

Part 2: True or False

• T / F: Zeno is a very disciplined man who quits smoking in the first chapter.
• T / F: Both Dublin and Trieste are portrayed as busy, modern cities that affect how the characters feel.
• T / F: For Bloom, a "vice" is often just a wandering thought or a small secret.

Part 3: Creative Thinking

Think of a "small vice" you have (for example: checking your phone too much, eating chocolate, or procrastinating on homework).

• The Challenge: Write a 5-line "Internal Monologue" (Stream of Consciousness) where you try to convince yourself that this time is the last time you will do it.

Example: "Just one more TikTok. My eyes are tired but the screen is so bright. If I stop now, I'll study. But wait, this video looks funny. Okay, THIS is the last one. I promise. Maybe."

 

ICEBREAKERS

 

What did you do yesterday?

 

WORDWALL PRESENT PERFECT VS PAST SIMPLE

https://wordwall.net/it/resource/78479324/english/irregular-verbs-part-1-3d 

https://wordwall.net/it/resource/52375907/inglese/inglese-verbi-irregolari-simple-past-past-participle

https://wordwall.net/it/resource/98044530/english/english-file-speaking-present-perfect-simple-past

https://wordwall.net/it/resource/422419/inglese/present-perfect-vs-past-simple

Past Simple with songs

 

COMPITO FILA C

Alunno/a_________________________________ DATA_____________________ SCORE/100 GRADE__/10

1) WRITE questions for the words in bold. (5 Marks)

1. Yes, she is practicing the piano in her room. _________________________________________

2. They are eating sandwiches for lunch. _________________________________________

3. I am going to the library to borrow a book. _______________________________

4. He is wearing a heavy jacket because it’s cold. _____________________________

5. We are sitting in the garden. ______________________________

2) CORRECT the mistake in each sentence. (4 Marks)

1. The water is not enough hot for tea. ___________________________________

2. There are much people in the shop today. ___________________________________

3. Do you want any sugar in your coffee? _________________________________

4. I have little friends in this city, so I feel lonely. _________________________________

3) COMPLETE with the present simple or present continuous. (8 Marks)

1. My brother ____________________ (usually / walk) to school.

2. Listen! Someone _____________________ (play) the guitar next door.

3. We ____________________ (not like) horror movies.

4. Why ____________________ (you / wear) sunglasses indoors today?

5. I ____________________ (think) this book is very interesting.

6. She ____________________ (not work) this week; she's on holiday.

7. Trains ____________________ (always / arrive) late in winter.

8. What time ____________________ (the shop / close) on Saturdays?

4) COMPLETE with the correct form of do, go or play. (6 Marks)

1. I often ___________________ jogging in the park.

2. My cousins ___________________ volleyball every Sunday.

3. You should ___________________ gymnastics to improve your flexibility.

4. Does your sister ___________________ surfing in the summer?

5. We are going to ___________________ basketball at the park.

6. He ___________________ judo at the local sports club.

5) COMPLETE with can/can’t and identify (A) Ability, (P) Possibility, or (C) Permission. (5 Marks)

1. You ___________________ park here. It’s for staff only. (____)

2. ___________________ you swim under water for a long time? (____)

3. It’s sunny today, so we ___________________ have a barbecue. (____)

4. I’m sorry, I ___________________ help you with your homework right now. (____)

5. ___________________ I use your phone for a second? (____)

6) WRITE the conversation. (24 Marks)

Sarah: Saluta e chiede come va. _____________________________ 

Tom: Dice che è stanco perché sta studiando molto. Odia la matematica. _____________________________________________________________________ 

Sarah: Risponde che lei invece adora la matematica. Dice che è divertente. ______________________________________________________________________

Tom: Esclama che lei è fortunata. Chiede se può aiutarlo più tardi. _______________________ 

Sarah: Certo. Chiede se ha il libro di testo. _____________________________ 

Tom: Dice di sì, ma non capisce l'esercizio numero 5. __________________________

Sarah: Lo invita a venire a casa sua alle 5. __________________________________________ 

Tom: Risponde "Ottimo, a dopo!" e la ringrazia. _________________________________

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COMPITO FILA D

Alunno/a_________________________________ DATA_____________________ SCORE/100 GRADE__/10

1) WRITE questions for the words in bold. (5 Marks)

1. They are watching a documentary. _________________________________________

2. No, he isn't playing video games right now. _________________________________________

3. My mother is cooking in the kitchen. _______________________________

4. We are leaving at 8 o'clock. _____________________________

5. She is running because she is late. ______________________________

2) COMPLETE with the present simple or present continuous. (8 Marks)

1. Water ____________________ (boil) at 100 degrees Celsius.

2. I ____________________ (not use) the computer at the moment.

3. How often ____________________ (your mom / go) shopping?

4. Look! The cat ____________________ (climb) that tall tree!

5. ____________________ (you / want) an ice cream?

6. They ____________________ (not live) in London this year.

7. My father ____________________ (always / drink) coffee in the morning.

8. Shhh! The baby ____________________ (sleep) right now.

3) COMPLETE with the correct form of do, go or play. (6 Marks)

1. We ___________________ aerobics twice a week.

2. Do you want to ___________________ table tennis with me?

3. They ___________________ sailing every weekend in July.

4. I want to ___________________ archery at the summer camp.

5. My brother ___________________ ice hockey for the school team.

6. ___________________ yoga is very relaxing.

4) CORRECT the mistake in each sentence. (8 Marks)

1. The coffee is enough sweet. _________________________________

2. There are a little eggs in the box. _________________________________

3. We don't have many milk left. _________________________________

4. This film is too much long. _________________________________

5) CHOOSE the correct possessive alternative. (8 Marks)

1. Is this your / yours pen or my / mine?

2. These aren't our / ours coats.

3. Her / Hers car is red, but their / theirs is blue.

4. Look at that dog! Its / It's ears are very long.

6) WRITE the conversation. (24 Marks)

Lucy: Saluta e chiede cosa sta facendo. _____________________________ 

David: Dice che sta cercando i suoi scarponi da trekking. _____________________________________________________________________

  Lucy: Chiede se vuole andare in montagna domenica. ______________________________________________________________________ 

David: Dice che è un'ottima idea. Adora camminare nella natura. _______________________ 

Lucy: Chiede se ha uno zaino grande. _____________________________ 

David: Dice di no, ha solo uno zaino piccolo. È un problema? __________________________ 

Lucy: Risponde di no, può prestargli il suo. __________________________________________

David: La ringrazia e dice che non vede l'ora. _________________________________

7) CHOOSE the correct verb form (-ing, to-infinitive, or base). (6 Marks)

1. I would like to visit / visiting London next year.

2. He hates to get up / getting up early on Sundays.

3. Can you pass / passing the salt, please?

4. I hope seeing / to see you soon.

5. Do you enjoy to watch / watching horror films?

6. We decided to go / going to the cinema.

8) WRITING (50 words) (30 Marks)

Write about a sport you like very much and a sport you can’t stand.