Summary of Intermediate English Language Syllabus

## Introduction A brief guide to grammar and useful expressions for high school students, focusing on the passive voice, verb patterns with the passive infinitive, modal expressions (I wish, I hope), conditionals, reading comprehension, and written production. The goal is to understand forms and uses, and to practice with real-world examples and short exercises. > **Definition:** The **passive voice** emphasizes the action and the receiver of the action rather than the subject performing it. ## 1. The Passive Voice: Basic Concepts ### When to Use the Passive Voice - When the focus is on the action or the receiver of the action. - When the agent is unknown, irrelevant, or obvious. > **Definition:** In the **passive voice**, the object of an active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence. ### Forms and Examples - **Simple Present Passive**: am/is/are + past participle - Example: The book is read by many students. (El libro es leído por muchos estudiantes.) - **Simple Past Passive**: was/were + past participle - Example: The window was broken yesterday. (La ventana fue rota ayer.) - **Simple Future Passive**: will be + past participle - Example: The message will be sent tomorrow. (El mensaje será enviado mañana.) > Note: The phrase "by + agent" is optional; it can be included to indicate who performs the action. Comparison Table: Tense vs. Structure vs. Example | Tense | Structure | English Example | Translation | |---|---:|---|---| | Simple Present Passive | am/is/are + participle | The homework is done. | La tarea está hecha. | | Simple Past Passive | was/were + participle | The car was repaired. | El coche fue reparado. | | Simple Future Passive | will be + participle | The test will be corrected. | El examen será corregido. | Fun fact: Did you know that many signs and notices use the passive voice to sound more formal or impersonal? For example, "No smoking" or "Entrance restricted." ## 2. Verb Patterns: Passive Infinitive ### Structure - Modal + be + past participle - Examples of Modals: can, should, have to, need to > **Definition:** The **passive infinitive** is used to talk about the necessity, possibility, or obligation for something to be done by someone. Practical Examples: - Plastic bottles can be reused. - The report should be finished by Monday. - This document has to be signed. Table: Modal + Main Meaning + Example | Modal | Main Meaning | Example | |---|---:|---| | can | possibility | The form can be completed online. | | should | advice/expectation | The homework should be submitted. | | have to | obligation | The application has to be sent today. | | need to | necessity | The room needs to be cleaned. | ## 3. Modal Expressions: I wish... ### Usage and Forms - **I wish + past simple**: to express a wish or regret about the present - Example: I wish I had more free time. (I wish I had more free time.) - **I wish + past perfect**: regret about the past - Example: I wish I had studied harder. (I wish I had studied harder.) - **I wish + would + base verb**: anger or a desire for change regarding the future or others' behavior - Example: I wish he would stop complaining. (I wish he would stop complaining.) > **Definition:** "I wish" is used to express desires that often contrast with reality. Quick Exercises: - Transform: I don’t have a pen. -> I wish I ___ (have). (Answer: I wish I had a pen.) ## 4. Modal Expressions: I hope... ### Usage and Forms - **I hope + present simple**: expressing hope for the present or near future - Example: I hope everything goes well. - **I hope + will + base verb**: expressing a wish for the future - Example: I hope you will come to the party. > **Definition:** "I hope" expresses expectations or desires with a generally positive attitude. Tip: "I hope" is often used when the situation depends on external factors or future decisions. ## 5. Conditionals: Types and Uses ### Zero Conditional (General Truths) - Structure: If + present simple,