Hello! My name's Liliana. I'm a teacher of English (Language and Literature) to Italian teenage stu

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Phrasal verbs


 

Let's recap Frankenstein's themes in a simple and easy language

 

Main Themes in Frankenstein (Simple Language)

1.    The dangers of playing God
Victor tries to create life like a god, but it leads to disaster. The story warns us not to go too far with science and power.

2.    Loneliness and rejection
The Creature is kind at first but becomes angry because everyone fears and hates him.
He is alone and wants love and friendship.

3.    Responsibility
Victor brings the Creature to life but refuses to care for him. The novel shows that people must take responsibility for what they create or cause.

4.    The search for knowledge
Victor wants to know the secrets of life, but his curiosity causes suffering. The story shows that chasing too much knowledge can be dangerous.

5.    Appearance vs. reality
The Creature looks scary, so people think he is evil — but he just wants to be accepted. The novel warns against judging others by how they look.

6.    Revenge and justice
The Creature takes revenge on Victor for making him suffer. The story shows how revenge can cause a cycle of pain and destruction.

7.    Family and love
The Creature wants a family and love, just like other people. The story shows how important it is to feel connected and cared for.

8.    Isolation
Both Victor and the Creature spend much of the story alone. The book explores how being isolated from others can lead to sadness and madness.

9.    Nature vs. science
Victor uses science to control nature, but nature pushes back. The novel compares the peace of nature with the risks of too much scientific power.

10.The role of women
Women in the story are kind and gentle, but they are often passive and have little power. Most of them are harmed or killed. The novel shows how women were expected to be quiet and supportive, not strong or independent — which reflects the views of society at the time.

 

Sunday, April 13, 2025

What did you do yesterday?


 


 


How many ways are there to pronounce -ed past endings? 
-ed past ending after verbs finishing in 't' is pronounced:
-ed past ending after verbs finishing in sounds with vibrations is pronounced;
-ed past ending with verbs finishing in sounds without vibrations is pronounced: 







Thursday, April 10, 2025

THE MOST COMMON PHRASAL VERBS

 

1. Get up

  • Meaning: To rise from bed or to stand up.
  • Example: I usually get up at 7:00 a.m. for school.

2. Look after

  • Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
  • Example: She looks after her younger brother when their parents are at work.

3. Give up

  • Meaning: To stop trying or to quit something.
  • Example: He didn’t give up on his dreams, even though it was difficult.

4. Pick up

  • Meaning: To lift something from the ground or to collect someone.
  • Example: Can you pick up the books from the floor?
  • Example: I will pick you up at 5 p.m. from your house.

5. Turn on

  • Meaning: To start a machine or light.
  • Example: Please turn on the TV; I want to watch the news.

6. Turn off

  • Meaning: To stop a machine or light.
  • Example: Don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room.

7. Bring up

  • Meaning: To mention or introduce a topic in a conversation.
  • Example: She brought up the idea of traveling to Paris during dinner.

8. Take off

  • Meaning: To remove something (like clothes) or for a plane to leave the ground.
  • Example: Please take off your shoes before entering the house.
  • Example: The plane will take off in 10 minutes.

9. Look for

  • Meaning: To search for something or someone.
  • Example: I’m looking for my keys. Have you seen them?

10. Run into

  • Meaning: To meet someone unexpectedly or by chance.
  • Example: I ran into an old friend at the store today.

11. Put off

  • Meaning: To delay or postpone something.
  • Example: I had to put off our meeting because of an urgent task.

12. Set up

  • Meaning: To arrange, organize, or prepare something.
  • Example: We need to set up the tables before the party starts.

13. Go on

  • Meaning: To continue or proceed.
  • Example: The teacher told us to go on with our homework after class.

14. Hang out

  • Meaning: To spend time relaxing or socializing with friends.
  • Example: We usually hang out at the mall on weekends.

15. Call off

  • Meaning: To cancel something.
  • Example: They called off the meeting because the manager was sick.

16. Take care of

  • Meaning: To look after or be responsible for someone or something.
  • Example: I need to take care of my dog while my family is on vacation.

17. Break down

  • Meaning: To stop working or malfunction.
  • Example: My car broke down on the way to work, so I had to call for help.

18. Come up with

  • Meaning: To think of or create an idea or solution.
  • Example: He came up with a great idea for the project.

19. Work out

  • Meaning: To exercise or find a solution to a problem.
  • Example: I need to work out more to stay healthy.
  • Example: We worked out a solution to the problem at the meeting.

20. Check out

  • Meaning: To look at or examine something, or to leave a place (like a hotel).
  • Example: You should check out that new movie; it’s really good.
  • Example: We need to check out of the hotel by noon.

 

EVELINE -SUMMARY and THEMES

 

Eveline – Detailed Summary

"Eveline" is a story about a young woman living in Dublin, trapped in a life of routine and emotional turmoil. Eveline, the protagonist, is an 18-year-old girl who lives with her father and her younger siblings. Her mother has passed away, and Eveline has taken on the responsibility of running the household. Her father is harsh, abusive, and drunk, which makes her life difficult and oppressive. Despite these challenges, Eveline clings to the promise she made to her dying mother to "keep the home together" and protect her family.

Throughout the story, Eveline reflects on her life and her yearning for escape. She dreams of a better future, one free from the hardship of her daily existence. This opportunity seems to come in the form of Frank, a sailor she has been seeing for a while. Frank is kind and treats her with affection, and he proposes that they leave Dublin together and start a new life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The thought of escaping to a new life, away from her father's control and the oppressive atmosphere of her home, is incredibly appealing to Eveline.

However, as she waits at the docks, ready to board the ship with Frank, Eveline becomes paralyzed by conflicting emotions. She thinks about the responsibilities she has at home, her promise to her mother, and the fear of the unknown. She begins to feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and fear of change, wondering if she could really leave her past behind and take the risk of starting anew.

At the last moment, Eveline is unable to board the ship. She stands frozen on the dock, watching Frank as he calls her name, but she is unable to respond. In the end, Frank leaves without her, and Eveline stays behind, choosing the familiar misery of her life over the uncertainty of escape.

The story ends with Eveline's emotional paralysis. She remains in Dublin, bound by duty, guilt, and fear, unable to break free from the life she has known.


Themes and Analysis:

  • Paralysis: One of the central themes in "Eveline" is paralysis, a recurring theme in Joyce's Dubliners. Eveline’s inability to act, even when presented with an opportunity to escape, reflects the theme of being stuck in one’s circumstances.
  • Escape vs. Duty: Eveline’s internal struggle between her desire to escape her oppressive life and her sense of duty to her family highlights the conflict between personal freedom and responsibility.
  • Fear of Change: Eveline’s ultimate decision to stay is influenced by her fear of the unknown and her deep-seated guilt, even though she longs for freedom. Her attachment to her past and the promises she made prevent her from taking a step into the future.

 "Eveline" can be linked to contemporary issues related to adolescence, particularly themes of identity, responsibility, fear of change, and the struggle for independence. Let’s explore how the story connects to some of these issues:


1. Struggling with Responsibility and Independence:

In "Eveline," the protagonist is burdened with the responsibility of caring for her family after her mother's death. She’s been forced into a caretaker role at a very young age, and this responsibility weighs heavily on her. Today, many adolescents face similar pressures, either from family expectations or societal norms that place adult-like responsibilities on them before they’re emotionally ready. For example, some teens may have to care for younger siblings or contribute to family income, leaving them with little room for personal growth or exploration.

  • Contemporary parallel: Many teenagers today might feel like they have to choose between their own dreams or desires and the responsibilities they have toward their family. The struggle between wanting independence but feeling responsible for family members is a common experience.

2. Fear of Change and the Fear of the Unknown:

Eveline’s decision to stay behind, despite the opportunity to leave Dublin and start anew, shows how fear of change can hold back a young person. Adolescence is a time when many are faced with the unknown—deciding on career paths, navigating relationships, and learning how to live independently. Eveline’s hesitation reflects the common fear of the unknown that many adolescents feel when facing life-changing decisions.

  • Contemporary parallel: Many young people today experience anxiety when transitioning from high school to college or adulthood, unsure of what lies ahead. There is a natural fear of leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and the safety of home.

3. The Struggle Between Personal Desires and Family Expectations:

Eveline is torn between her personal desires (to leave Dublin with Frank) and her sense of duty to her family. This inner conflict mirrors the struggles many adolescents face when trying to balance personal ambitions with the expectations placed on them by family or society. Eveline’s guilt at the thought of abandoning her family is rooted in the promise she made to her dying mother to keep the family together.

  • Contemporary parallel: Many young people today feel the pressure to follow family expectations—whether it’s pursuing a particular career path, staying close to home, or caring for family members—while also trying to pursue their own dreams and find their identity. This can cause a lot of internal conflict and delay in decision-making.

4. Emotional and Psychological Paralysis:

Eveline’s inability to act, even when presented with a clear opportunity to change her life, is an example of emotional paralysis. She remains stuck in her circumstances because of her internal fears, doubts, and guilt. Many adolescents experience a sense of emotional paralysis in the face of important decisions—feeling unable to move forward or make choices due to anxiety or a lack of self-confidence.

  • Contemporary parallel: Teenagers often struggle with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which can leave them feeling stuck or unable to make decisions about their future. This emotional paralysis can hinder their ability to take risks or make life-changing decisions, much like Eveline.

5. Attachment to the Past vs. Desire for the Future:

Eveline’s attachment to the past, particularly to the promise she made to her mother, prevents her from embracing the future. Adolescence is a time of transition when many young people must let go of childhood and embrace the adult world. However, the fear of losing one’s identity or leaving behind familiar comforts can make this process challenging.

  • Contemporary parallel: In the modern world, adolescents may struggle with letting go of their childhood or facing the pressures of growing up. The pull between holding on to the comfort of their past and stepping into the responsibilities of the future is a tension many face in adolescence.

 

PHRASAL VERBS

 

Human rights are the basic freedoms and rights that belong to every person. Sadly, some people still put up with unfair treatment, discrimination, or violence just because of where they come from or what they believe in.

We must all stand up for each other and speak out against injustice. When we come across people who are treated badly, we shouldn't just turn away—we need to look out for one another.

Many organizations fight for human rights every day. They call on governments to change unfair laws and to carry out promises to protect everyone.

If we all join in, we can help make the world a safer, kinder place where everyone is treated equally.


Common Phrasal Verbs in the Text:

  • put up with – tolerate
  • stand up for – defend, support
  • speak out against – publicly oppose
  • come across – find by chance
  • turn away – ignore, refuse to help
  • look out for – protect, care for
  • fight for – support a cause
  • call on – ask someone to do something
  • carry out – do, complete
  • join in – take part

Phrasal Verbs with "Put" – Exercise

A. Match the phrasal verbs with their meanings.

Phrasal Verbs:

1.    put off

2.    put up with

3.    put out

4.    put on

5.    put away

6.    put up

Meanings:
A. tolerate or accept something unpleasant
B. return something to its proper place
C. wear (clothes or accessories)
D. delay or postpone
E. display or attach (a sign, poster, etc.)
F. extinguish (a fire, light, etc.)


B. Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb (use the right form).

1.    I can’t _______ the noise anymore! It’s too loud in here.

2.    Don’t forget to _______ your shoes before going outside.

3.    The meeting was _______ until next week because the manager was sick.

4.    After you finish reading the book, please _______ it _______.

5.    The firefighters _______ the fire quickly.

6.    Can you help me _______ this poster for the school play?

TAKE?????

Give me 10 sentences with phrasal verbs with take!

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

A multiple choice exercise

 

Choose the correct answer for each question based on a comparison of the British and Italian systems of government.

1. Who is the Head of State in the United Kingdom?

  • a) The Prime Minister

  • b) The President

  • c) The Monarch

  • d) The Speaker of the House of Commons

2. Who is the Head of State in Italy?

  • a) The Prime Minister

  • b) The President

  • c) The King

  • d) The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies

3. Which of the following best describes the UK’s form of government?

  • a) Parliamentary Republic

  • b) Presidential Republic

  • c) Constitutional Monarchy

  • d) Direct Democracy

4. Which of the following best describes Italy's form of government?

  • a) Parliamentary Monarchy

  • b) Parliamentary Republic

  • c) Absolute Monarchy

  • d) Federal Republic

5. How is the UK Parliament structured?

  • a) One house, the House of Lords

  • b) One house, the House of Commons

  • c) Two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords

  • d) Two houses: the House of Deputies and the Senate

6. How is the Italian Parliament structured?

  • a) One house, the House of Commons

  • b) Two houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate

  • c) One house, the Senate

  • d) One house, the Chamber of Deputies

7. How are members of the UK House of Commons elected?

  • a) By a proportional representation system

  • b) By a single transferable vote

  • c) By a first-past-the-post system in individual constituencies

  • d) By a regional list system

8. How are members of the Italian Chamber of Deputies elected?

  • a) By a first-past-the-post system

  • b) By a proportional representation system with a mixed-member system

  • c) By a single transferable vote

  • d) By regional elections

9. What is the role of the Prime Minister in the UK?

  • a) The head of the government, with executive powers

  • b) The ceremonial leader with no real political power

  • c) The head of the state

  • d) The leader of the opposition party

10. What is the role of the Prime Minister in Italy?

  • a) The head of the state

  • b) The head of the government, but with less power than in the UK

  • c) The ceremonial leader with no real political power

  • d) The leader of the opposition party

11. Which country has a written constitution?

  • a) The United Kingdom

  • b) Italy

  • c) Both the United Kingdom and Italy

  • d) Neither the United Kingdom nor Italy

12. How is the judiciary in the UK structured?

  • a) A strong, independent judiciary with no interference from the government

  • b) Part of the executive branch of government

  • c) The judiciary is subordinate to the monarch

  • d) The judiciary is part of the legislative branch

13. How is the judiciary in Italy structured?

  • a) A strong, independent judiciary with no interference from the government

  • b) The judiciary is appointed by the Prime Minister

  • c) The judiciary is subordinate to the President

  • d) The judiciary is part of the legislative branch

14. Which of the following is true about the UK’s relationship with the European Union?

  • a) The UK has never been a member of the European Union

  • b) The UK left the European Union in 2020, following the Brexit referendum

  • c) The UK has been part of the EU since 1957

  • d) The UK is currently in a customs union with the EU

15. Which of the following is true about Italy’s relationship with the European Union?

  • a) Italy is not a member of the European Union

  • b) Italy was a founding member of the European Union

  • c) Italy left the European Union in 2020, following the Brexit referendum

  • d) Italy is in a customs union with the UK


Answer Key:

  1. c) The Monarch

  2. b) The President

  3. c) Constitutional Monarchy

  4. b) Parliamentary Republic

  5. c) Two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords

  6. b) Two houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate

  7. c) By a first-past-the-post system in individual constituencies

  8. b) By a proportional representation system with a mixed-member system

  9. a) The head of the government, with executive powers

  10. b) The head of the government, but with less power than in the UK

  11. b) Italy

  12. a) A strong, independent judiciary with no interference from the government

  13. a) A strong, independent judiciary with no interference from the government

  14. b) The UK left the European Union in 2020, following the Brexit referendum

  15. b) Italy was a founding member of the European Union

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

British system of government vs Italian system of government

 

Here’s a scheme outlining the key differences between the British and Italian systems of government:

Aspect

British System


Italian System


Type of Government

Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.

Parliamentary republic.


Head of State

Monarch  ( King Charles III)

President of the Republic (elected by Parliament, currently Sergio Mattarella)


Head of Government

Prime Minister (leader of the largest party in the House of Commons)

Prime Minister (appointed by the President of the Republic)


Executive Power

Exercised by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Monarch's role is mostly ceremonial.

Executive power rests with the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The President of the Republic has a more ceremonial role.


Parliament

Bicameral: House of Commons and House of Lords.

Bicameral: Chamber of Deputies and Senate.


Upper House

House of Lords (members are appointed, hereditary, or bishops of the Church of England)

Senate (members are elected, some are appointed for life)


Lower House

House of Commons (members are elected by the public)

Chamber of Deputies (members are elected by the public)


Electoral System

First-past-the-post (FPTP) in general elections for the House of Commons.

Mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) system for both houses.


Duration of Terms

Fixed 5-year term for the House of Commons, but the Prime Minister can call elections earlier.

5-year term for the Chamber of Deputies, Senators serve 6 years (with half elected every 3 years).


Formation of Government

The leader of the majority party in the House of Commons becomes Prime Minister.

The President appoints the Prime Minister based on parliamentary support.


Political Parties

Dominated by two main parties: Conservative Party and Labour Party.

Multi-party system with a range of parties (e.g., Partito Democratico, Lega, Forza Italia).


Judiciary

Independent, but no constitutional court; laws are interpreted by regular courts.

Independent judiciary with a Constitutional Court to interpret the constitution.


Constitution

Unwritten, based on statutes, conventions, and judicial decisions.


Written Constitution (Constitution of the Italian Republic, 1948)




Key Differences:

  • Monarchy vs. Republic: The UK has a hereditary monarchy (symbolic head of state), whereas Italy has a republic with an elected president.
  • Parliamentary vs. Presidential Role: The UK's monarchy plays a ceremonial role, while in Italy, the president holds more ceremonial powers, and the real executive power is in the hands of the prime minister and the cabinet.
  • Electoral Systems: The UK uses a first-past-the-post system, while Italy uses a mixed system that combines proportional representation and majoritarian elements.
  • Parliamentary Structure: Both countries have bicameral legislatures, but the UK’s upper house is unelected and hereditary (House of Lords), while Italy's Senate is elected.


Similarities

Both are parliamentary systems.

Both have ceremonial roles with limited executive powers.

Both have a Prime Minister as the head of government.

Both countries have a bicameral legislature.

Both countries have two legislative chambers.

Both hold regular elections for legislative bodies.

Different legal foundations, but both systems uphold rule of law.

Both have executives formed from the legislative body.

Both have foundational documents defining governance, though one is unwritten.

Both have independent judiciaries.

Both countries have multi-party systems with various coalitions.

Both countries have devolution of powers to regional governments.

Both have official websites for public information.

Both have embraced digital platforms for governance transparency.


 

Scheme: Similarities

Aspect

British System (UK)

Italian System (Italy)

Similarities

Form of Government

Parliamentary Monarchy

Parliamentary Republic

Both are parliamentary systems.

Head of State

Monarch (currently King Charles III)

President of the Republic (currently Sergio Mattarella)

Both have ceremonial roles with limited executive powers.

Head of Government

Prime Minister

Prime Minister

Both have a Prime Minister as the head of government.

Type of Parliament

Bicameral (House of Commons, House of Lords)

Bicameral (Chamber of Deputies, Senate)

Both countries have a bicameral legislature.

Main Legislative Bodies

House of Commons (elected) and House of Lords (appointed/hereditary)

Chamber of Deputies (elected) and Senate (elected, but senators can also be appointed)

Both countries have two legislative chambers.

Elections

Members of the House of Commons are elected (First-Past-The-Post)

Members of both the Chamber of Deputies and Senate are elected (Proportional Representation)

Both hold regular elections for legislative bodies.

Legal System

Common Law

Civil Law

Different legal foundations, but both systems uphold rule of law.

Executive Power

Held by the Prime Minister and Cabinet (members of Parliament)

Held by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (appointed by the President)

Both have executives formed from the legislative body.

Constitution

No single written constitution (but key documents like the Magna Carta, Acts of Union, etc.)

Written Constitution (Constitution of 1948)

Both have foundational documents defining governance, though one is unwritten.

Judiciary

Independent judiciary, Supreme Court of the UK

Independent judiciary, Constitutional Court

Both have independent judiciaries.

Role of Political Parties

Major parties: Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats

Major parties: Partito Democratico, Lega, Movimento 5 Stelle

Both countries have multi-party systems with various coalitions.

Devolution

Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Regional governments (21 regions with varying degrees of autonomy)

Both countries have devolution of powers to regional governments.

Key Government Websites

gov.uk

gov.it

Both have official websites for public information.

Use of Technology

Parliamentary proceedings streamed, government services digitalized

Parliament sessions and services online

Both have embraced digital platforms for governance transparency.