We Were Liars Part I & II
Why does the Sinclair family spend every summer on the private island of Beechwood?
It is a tradition established by the patriarch, Harris Sinclair, to display the family’s wealth, unity, and "perfect" upper-class status.
When Cadence returns to Beechwood in Summer Seventeen, what major physical change has occurred on the island?
"Clairmont," the original large Victorian house, has been demolished and replaced by "New Clairmont," a cold, modern, and sterile home.
Which tense is used to describe a permanent truth or a habitual action (e.g., "The sun rises in the east")?
The Present Simple. It is used for facts, schedules, and things that happen regularly.
a way of behaving or a belief that has been established for a long time, or the practice of following behavior and beliefs that have been so established
tradition
including all related things, esp. expenses:
all-inclusive
What does Cadence mean when she describes her father leaving as "shooting her in the chest"?
It is a metaphor for the intense emotional trauma and physical sensation of heartbreak she felt when he abandoned her and her mother.
Why are the three sisters (Penny, Carrie, and Bess) constantly fighting during the summers?
They are fighting over their father's inheritance, specifically the houses on the island and his vast fortune, as he uses his money to manipulate them.
What is the difference between the Past Simple and the Present Perfect?
The Past Simple (e.g., "I ate") is for an action finished at a specific time in the past. The Present Perfect (e.g., "I have eaten") is for an action that happened at an unspecified time or has a direct connection to the present.
the fact of being, or feeling that you are, a particular type of person, organization, etc.; the qualities that make a person, organization, etc. different from others
identity
not damaged, ruined, or lacking freshness
unspoilt
Who are the "Liars," and why are they given this nickname?
The Liars are Cadence, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat. They are called this because they are a tight-knit group of cousins (and Gat) who are known for their rebellious behavior and secrets on the island.
What is the significance of the "possessions" Cadence gives away in Part III?
It represents her attempt to reject the Sinclair obsession with material wealth and to purge herself of the weight of her family's expectations.
If you are describing an action that was interrupted by another event (e.g., "I was sleeping when the phone rang"), which two tenses are you using?
You are using the Past Continuous (for the ongoing action: "was sleeping") and the Past Simple (for the interruption: "rang").
features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages, or buildings, that were created in the past and still have historical importance:
heritage
a book that gives information for visitors about a place, such as a city or region of a country:
guidebook
What are the few specific details Cadence remembers about her "accident" during Summer Fifteen?
She remembers being in the water alone at night, wearing only her underwear, and hitting her head, which resulted in selective amnesia and chronic migraines.
How does the relationship between Cadence and Gat change during Summer Seventeen?
They rekindle their romance, but it is shadowed by Gat’s guilt and Cadence’s frustration that he won’t fully explain what happened during the two years she was gone.
When do we use the Past Perfect tense (e.g., "The train had left before I arrived")?
It is used to show which of two past actions happened first. It represents the "past of the past."
to say or show publicly that (someone or something) is great or important
celebrate
a place where people, especially young people, can stay cheaply for short periods when they are travelling, with shared rooms and sometimes some private rooms
hostel
How does Gat’s presence on the island create tension among the adults?
Gat is the nephew of Penny’s partner (Ed). Because he is not a "blood" Sinclair and is of South Asian descent, Harris Sinclair treats him as an outsider, highlighting the family's underlying prejudice and elitism.
What does Cadence discover about the "mottoes" or stories her grandfather tells her during her recovery?
She realizes he uses these stories to reinforce the idea that Sinclairs must always be strong and never show emotion, which she begins to see as a toxic way of living.
Correct the mistake in this sentence: "I am living in this house since 2015."
The correct sentence is "I have been living in this house since 2015." We use the Present Perfect Continuous for actions that started in the past and are still continuing today.
to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less:
maintain
animals and plants that grow independently of people, usually in natural conditions:
wildlife