Grammar
Transform: “She didn’t know anyone at the party.” → Use negative inversion starting with: No one
No one at the party did she know
Choose the most precise synonym for “important.”
A) seminal
B) grandiose
C) meaningful
D) critical
Seminal
Critical
Complete: “Phase ___ a project” to mean "eliminate or get rid of"
out
What’s implied by “Let’s not kid ourselves”?
That we should face the truth instead of deceiving ourselves
Does “eventually” mean “actualmente”?
No—“eventually” = in the end; “actualmente” = currently
Add ellipsis: “She went to the party and I went to the party too.”
She went to the party, and I did too.
Choose best: “A ___ analysis”? (thorough/deep/profound)
“in‑depth” or “profound”
Complete: “Come ___ against resistance” to mean "face resistance"
Up
Interpret: “He has a chip on his shoulder.”
He’s angry or resentful about something perceived as unfair
What confusion arises from “actual”?
In English it means “real,” not “current/present”
Rewrite order with fronting: “The main problem is the delay.”
“The delay is the main problem.”
Define “circumvent” + use it in a sentence
To find a way around an obstacle; “They tried to circumvent the regulations by …”
Complete: “Brush ___ the criticism and keep going” to mean "not pay attention to something"
“off”
Which of the following is a rhetorical question?
A) What time does the train leave?
B) How could I be so stupid?
C) Why didn’t you call me last night?
D) Do you know where the restroom is?
How could I be so stupid? — This is not meant to be answered; it expresses regret/frustration.
Why is “sensible” tricky for Spanish speakers?
English “sensible” = practical or logial, not “sensitive”
Combine: “He was tired. He kept working.” → Use concessive clause + participle. Start the sentence with "though"
"Though he was tired, he kept working.”
Collocate “stark” + explanation
“stark contrast” = very clear, complete difference
Complete: “Play ___ the importance of something” to mean "exaggerate"
“up”
Meaning of “This begs the question”
Raises the question; doesn’t assume the answer
Explain “assist” vs. Spanish “asistir”
English = help; Spanish “asistir” = attend
Rewrite the following sentence using ellipsis, inversion, and a participle clause:
"Although she had been warned about the risks, she continued with the experiment, and she later regretted it."
Warned about the risks, continue she did — and regret it she later did, too."
Use or define “ephemeral” and “noteworthy” in contrast
The fame was ephemeral, whereas the research had been genuinely noteworthy.”
The committee finally _________ the proposal after months of resistance and negotiation."
A) gave up on
B) came around to
C) settled down with
D) got away with
B) came around to — “The committee finally came around to the proposal…” = They eventually accepted it after initial resistance.
What does the expression “to throw shade” mean in modern English conversation? Use it in a sentence.
“To throw shade” means to subtly insult or criticize someone, often in a sly or indirect way.
Example: “She was throwing shade at his new project during the meeting without naming him directly.”
Explain why the English word “sympathy” often causes confusion for Spanish speakers.
English “sympathy” means feeling compassion or sorrow for someone’s misfortune, often implying emotional support.
Spanish “simpatía” means being pleasant, friendly, or likable, which is closer to English “likability” or “charm.”
The false friend confuses learners because they may incorrectly translate “sympathetic” as “nice” or “friendly,” rather than “compassionate.”