Short Summary
The English Civil War and Cromwell's rule marked a dramatic transformation in Britain.
Beginning after Cromwell's death [k5: syntax – misplaced modifier; the narrative does not begin after his death, the historical period does] Set in the period following Cromwell's death, the narrative explores this uncertain period [k3: awkward phrasing] this period of uncertainty when the nation shifted from a powerful monarchy to a republic, and back to a limited monarchy.
This era saw fundamental changes. The old order, where power belonged to the nobility, was broken. The execution of King Charles I and the abolition of the House of Lords demonstrated that a king /monarch could be overthrown. Cromwell's government promoted merit over birthright, allowing ordinary people to advance in the army and administration.
However/That said/Nevertheless, these changes, however, came at a cost. The war brought violence, and Cromwell's strict Puritan laws banned popular festivities like Christmas [k3: style – too informal for academic register] such as Christmas. Economically, while trade and the navy grew, high taxes and the brutal conquest of Ireland caused suffering.
Ultimately, the story highlights themes of social mobility and the fragility of power. Although the monarchy was restored in 1660, it was never as absolute again. // While being restored in 1660, the monarchy was nere as absolute again. The revolution proved that political systems could be changed dramatically, leaving a permanent mark on British history.
/ In sum, the English Civil War and Cromwell’s rule reshaped Britain, replacing old hierarchies with meritocratic principles, curbing monarchical absolutism, and showing that political systems could be overturned. Yet the price of change included violence, repression, and hardship, ensuring that this upheaval left a lasting imprint on history.
The Story of a Landowner
My name is Sir Edmund Greville. I am writing this down so that people will remember what happened to men like me during Cromwell's time. I want to tell you how the English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell's rule completely destroyed [k3: slightly too colloquial/emotive; better to use elevated diction] utterly ruined my peaceful life. / …how the English Civil War and Cromwell’s rule shattered the peace of my life.
Before the war, about ten years ago [k3: vague/colloquial dating; could be more precise] some ten years earlier, everything was perfect and peaceful. I was a wealthy landowner with a large and beautiful estate in the countryside. We had wide green fields, fruitful gardens, and a large flock of sheep. I was a loyal subject to [k4: preposition; usually 'of' when expressing allegiance] of King Charles I. // Loyal subjects of King Charles, My family lived in a big, comfortable stone house that had belonged to the Grevilles for many generations. I was known as a kind and fair man to my tenants [k3: collocation; 'among my tenants' is more idiomatic] among my tenants, the people who worked on my land. My dear wife, Eleanor, was a very gentle and beautiful woman with long hair the colour of autumn leaves [k3: stylistic; more idiomatic 'the color of autumnal leaves'] the color of autumnal leaves. Our home was always full of laughter and happiness. Our young son, Thomas, played//use to play in the gardens all day long. We truly believed that this good and prosperous life would continue forever.
But then, in 1642, the terrible war started. I felt it was my duty to fight for the King against the Parliament [k3: article; normally just 'Parliament'] Parliament. I joined the Royalist army. Unfortunately, after many long and bloody battles, our side lost the war. The King was executed, and Oliver Cromwell came to power. One [k4: wrong article] a rainy morning, a group of serious-looking soldiers and a strict official in black Puritan clothes came to my house. The official showed me a paper and said coldly, "By the law of the Commonwealth, your estate is now the property of the state. You are a Royalist, and you must be punished." They confiscated everything from us: our land, our big house, our furniture, and even my wife's jewellery. We were given only two days to leave the home we loved.[k2: cohesion; You are supposed to used linking phrases] Needless to say, it was a very bitter and humiliating experience for my whole family. / …a humiliating blow that stripped us of everything dear.
[k2: cohesion; You are supposed to used linking phrases] Sadly, After these those sad events, our life changed completely for the worse. Instead of our big house, we were forced to move into a small, dark, and damp cottage on the edge of the county [k3: logic – likely 'village' or 'parish' rather than 'county'] village. We became poor. I, who once managed [k4: tense – past simple instead of past perfect; action clearly precedes current situation] had once managed a large estate, now had to work hard in a small garden to grow food for my family. I felt very sad and hopeless. One evening, my son Thomas looked at me with his big, worried eyes and asked, "Father, will we ever go back to our real home?" I looked down and could not answer him. I had no hope to give. / …I could offer him no hope, and my silence was answer enough.
In the end, I lost almost everything I had: my property, my status, and my comfortable life [k3: style – more elegant with parallel phrasing] my property, my standing, and my comforts. But I understood one important thing: I still had my memories of happier times and my family. They could take my land and my house, but they could never take my love for my family and my memories. I learned to appreciate what I had only after I lost it all. This was a very hard lesson from a cruel time. / …a bitter lesson taught by a cruel age.
Summary
The interview discusses society in 16th-century England with Professor George Davies, an expert on that period. The speaker explains that it was a "pre-literate" society where most people could not read and relied on spoken communication. He outlines how this shaped drama, education, and public life. Overall, the aim is to show that the culture of the spoken word [k4: article misuse] the spoken word directly influenced the nature of Elizabethan theatre.
First, the interviewee argues that face-to-face speech was the main communication form [k3: collocation] primary means of communication, which made people very sensitive to tone and body language. Next, he points out that this situation made drama the most suitable art form.
He also describes actor training, showing how school education [k2: factual inaccuracy / misattribution] this preparation with its focus on repeating lessons aloud provided excellent voice practice. /He also discusses actor training, noting that this professional preparation, centred on oral repetition, equipped performers with strong vocal skills./
In addition, the noisy atmosphere of public theatres is mentioned to demonstrate their difference from modern quiet ones [k3: phrasing] how they differed from today’s quieter venues. Finally, the speaker suggests that plays of that time focused more on public and political issues rather than private feelings [k4: parallelism] than on private feelings.
Taken together, these ideas present a picture of a collective and vocal society where spoken language was central to art and life.
Opinion
In my opinion, the professor's view is very relevant today. We now live in a screen-based society, which is the opposite of a spoken one. I agree that constant messaging weakens our communication skills. For example, people often feel awkward in real conversations because they miss non-verbal cues. Moreover, online communication can be less deep and personal [k3: phrasing + k5: syntax parallelism] shallower and less personal.
Therefore, we should consciously try to have more face-to-face conversations to build stronger relationships and better understand each other.
Interview with a british farmer who traveled to our time
Interviewer: You survived the Black Death. How?
Farmer: By the skin of my teeth. I barely survived My family... wasn't so lucky. They were not spared I buried them with my own hands. I laid them to rest myself Our village became a ghost town. It turned into a deserted wasteland I was the last soul left, alone with the silence. The silence was my only companion
Interviewer: What did you do then?
Farmer: I ran. I fled for my life leaving everything behind. I left everything behind and started a new life far away. I never spoke of the past, since It was like opening an old wound. It felt like tearing open a scar
Interviewer: Looking back, what was the hardest part?
Farmer:The [k5: syntax – missing space after colon] The guilt. The crushing weight of guilt Why was I spared? I had this... this small locket of my wife's. I held it every night, praying for an answer. I clasped it nightly, begging for meaning. It was my only comfort. It became my lifeline
Interviewer: A locket? Can you describe it?
Farmer: (Н[k5: wrong character – Cyrillic letter instead of Latin]He looks surprised.) It was simple. Plain and modest Silver, with a strange symbol like a twisting snake. Etched with a serpent-like motif
Interviewer: (The interviewer goes pale and slowly pulls out an old book.) This is my family's history book. It describes a locket, stolen from the first victim in a cursed village... a locket that carried the plague. The man who stole it... vanished.
Farmer: (The old man stares, his eyes wide with horror. He whispers.) I... I didn't know. I had no inkling I only took it to remember her. I clung to it as her keepsake I didn't mean to... to spread it. I never meant to unleash the pestilence
Great plot twist! Brilliant
Sponsored News Article
“Whistler’s Mother” Unveiling Set to Revolutionize the Art World This Season
Written by Emily Carter Maria Vasneva, Student Reporter, The Grierson Gazette
LONDON, October 26 – The countdown has begun for the exclusive “Whistler’s Mother” Unveiling [k2: consistency — clarify whether this is a proper event name; if treated as a title (“Whistler’s Mother Unveiling”), omit the article, but if used as a common noun (“the unveiling of ‘Whistler’s Mother’”), keep the definite article] “Whistler’s Mother Unveiling” / the unveiling of “Whistler’s Mother” //The countdown has begun for the exclusive “Whistler’s Mother Unveiling,” the highlight of London’s art season. , the most anticipated [k1: style—avoid overblown superlatives in news copy]one of the season’s most anticipated art event [k4: number agreement — after “one of the + superlative,” use a plural noun] events of the year //one of the season’s most anticipated art events / a marquee art event this season of the year, taking place in the prestigious Grierson Art Gallery from November 15 to December 15. Art connoisseurs, critics, and patrons from around the globe will converge at [k3: unnatural collocation]converge on the gallery to experience this masterpiece firsthand and connect with the leading figures [k4: article—generic reference; ‘leading figures’ without “the” reads more naturally]leading figures of the art scene.
This year’s event promises an unparalleled opportunity to witness a cultural icon up close and network with top art executives and historians. With over fifty related exhibits, a series of expert-led lectures, and thousands of visitors expected to engage [k2: vague reference (“engage” with what?)]expected to attend and engage with the program, this exhibition is set to redefine the appreciation of [k1: marketing hyperbole—tone down: a sweeping claim that rarely fits a gallery press piece]deepen public appreciation for 19th-century art.
“We are thrilled to welcome art lovers and pioneering cultural brands [k3: odd noun–noun pairing in this context: art-lovers and brands?] institutional partners and sponsors to this year’s unveiling,” said Mr. Percy, Head Curator at the Grierson Art Gallery. “This is more than an event—it’s a game-changing [k1: buzzword—overly promotional]significant platform where ideas spark, partnerships form, and public engagement with classic art [k3: unnatural collocation]classical art grows.”
What to Expect:
- Live Showcases – Witness the iconic painting in a stunning new display.
- Expert Discussions – Gain insights from art historians and thought leaders.
- Networking Opportunities – Meet potential patrons and fellow art enthusiasts.
- Special Recognition – Celebrate the achievement of our own gallery representative, Mr. Bean [k2: irrelevant idea + k1: too informal/pop-culture association]Mr. Jonathan Bean, who will be attending the official ceremony in France.
Art lovers can sign up today to secure their spot. Whether you are looking to broaden your cultural horizons, stay ahead of the art world trends [k2: consistency—elsewhere “art-world” used as compound; choose one style]art-world trends, or boost your brand’s visibility among affluent patrons, this exhibition is an unmissable opportunity. //This exhibition offers a rare chance to learn from experts, meet peers, and raise your profile with committed arts supporters.
Join us for the “Whistler’s Mother” unveiling [k2: consistency — capitalize and treat as the proper name of the event, or rephrase as a common noun with "the unveiling of"] the “Whistler’s Mother” Unveiling / the unveiling of “Whistler’s Mother” from November 15 to December 15 at the Grierson Art Gallery! //Join us for the “Whistler’s Mother” Unveiling — a month-long celebration of timeless art at the Grierson Gallery. from November 15 [k2: consistency with dates given above—provide full range]from November 15 to December 15 at the Grierson Art Gallery!
Register now at www.GriersonGallery-Whistler.event.uk [k2: incorrect/unstable link formatting—use site’s standard URL style; avoid raw “www.”]Register now at griersongallery.co.uk/whistler
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or donation details, contact Sarah Wilkins at press@griersongallery.co.uk.
Not bad! Learn it by heart and report ib class the body of the article.
Summary
The article is dedicated to the beginning of Roman influence in Britain. The central theme of the article is the first Roman invasion in 55 B.C.E. and its consequences. The author discusses the reasons for the invasion, the problems the Romans faced, and how British society changed because of contact with Rome.
First and foremost, the author tells us about [k1: informal reporting verb for an academic-style summary]explains Julius Caesar's motives. //First and foremost, the author explains Julius Caesar’s motives, emphasizing his pursuit of fame and wealth. He sought fame and wealth, and Britain was a tempting prize. Moreover, it was a refuge for his enemies in Gaul.
Concerning the military campaigns, the writer provides facts about the difficulties. //Regarding the military campaigns, the writer outlines the main difficulties the Romans encountered. The first expedition was not very successful because it was hard to ferry the troops. However, the second expedition was larger. Although the British tribes united under a leader, Caesar still won because of his strong army and by using the tribes' conflicts against each other.
Despite winning [k1: incomplete phrase — specify what was won, e.g., “Despite winning the battles” or “Despite winning initial victories” for clarity]Despite winning the battles, the Romans did not stay [k2: factual clarity — the Romans did not remain in Britain after Caesar’s expeditions, but later ruled the province for more than three centuries; specify that you refer only to these early campaigns]did not remain in Britain after these campaigns. The author points out that civil wars in Rome and other problems hindered further expansion. Consequently, Britain was not made a province at that time. //Although Caesar’s army withdrew, Rome would later establish a province in Britain that lasted for over three centuries.
As for the results, the author sheds light on the big [k1: vague adjective; a more precise academic choice is preferable]major changes. Trade and diplomatic relationships [k3: lexical collocation; use “relations” with “diplomatic”]relations flourished. British tribes began to compete for Roman trade and support. On the one hand, they sometimes fought each other. On the other hand, their lifestyle became more Romanized. For example, their food adopted [k3: semantic inaccuracy; food does not “adopt” products]included Roman products like wine and olive oil. Besides, they started to use coins made with the help of Roman craftsmen. //For example, their diet began to include Roman goods such as wine and olive oil, and they started to use coins produced by Roman craftsmen.
To sum up, the article shows that even though Caesar's invasion was short, it started a period of major transformation for British Celtic society. It makes the reader understand that conquest is not only about battles, but also about cultural and economic changes that can last for a long time. //To sum up, the article demonstrates that, although Caesar’s invasion was brief, it triggered a long-lasting cultural and economic transformation of British Celtic society.
Not bad! Learn it by heart and either send in an audio /video message reciting it, or be ready to recite in class.