ENGLUISH Cheatsheet by Afrin Hossain

Grammar Essentials

Sentence Structure

Subject-Verb Agreement:	The verb must agree with its subject in number. Example: He walks (singular), They walk (plural)
Simple Sentence:	Contains one independent clause (IC). Example: I love pizza.
Compound Sentence:	Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). Example: I studied, and I passed.
Complex Sentence:	An independent clause (IC) + a dependent clause (DC). Example: I left because it was late.
Run-on Sentence:	Two independent clauses joined incorrectly. Example: I ate lunch I went out. (Incorrect)
Comma Splice:	Two independent clauses joined only by a comma. Example: I was tired, I stayed up. (Incorrect)

Punctuation Rules

Commas:	Use after dependent clauses, items in a list, and introductory phrases. Example: If hungry, eat.
Semi-colons:	Join related independent clauses. Example: I was late; I missed the bus.
Apostrophes:	Indicate contractions (can’t = cannot) and possession (Afrin’s pen).
Dashes:	Add emphasis or extra information. Example: He ran—fast!
Quotation Marks:	Used for direct speech. Example: She said, “I’m coming.”

Parts of Speech

Subject:	The doer of the action. Example: She runs fast.
Verb:	An action or state word. Example: She runs.
Predicate:	The verb and all info about the subject. Example: The dog barked loudly.
Preposition:	Shows time/place. Example: In class, under bed.
Auxiliary Verbs:	Helping verbs. Example: She is running.

Short Story Elements

Narrative Techniques

Show, Don’t Tell:	Describe through action/feeling, not direct statement. Example: Instead of “He was angry,” write “His fists clenched, and his face turned red.”
In Medias Res:	Begin in the middle of the story. Example: Start with a character running, rather than describing their background.
Withholding Information:	Keep key info secret for suspense. Example: Delay revealing a character’s true identity.
Slow Motion:	Time stretched in writing. Example: Describing each movement in a fight scene in detail.

Story Components

Protagonist:	The main character.
Antagonist:	The character/force against the protagonist.
Irony:	Opposite of what is expected.
Red Herring:	False clue to mislead the reader.

Dialogue Tips

Dialogue Punctuation: Use correct punctuation with quotes.

Example: “Hello,” she said, “how are you?”

Dialogue Tag + Participle: Tag with “-ing” verb.

Example: Laughing, he said.

Interrupted Dialogue: “I was—” he said, “about to speak.”

Poetry & Essay Writing

Poetry Terms

Rhyme Scheme:	The pattern of end rhymes (e.g., ABAB).
Rhythm:	The beat or pace of a poem.
Metaphor:	Direct comparison (“Time is money”).
Anaphora:	Repeating words at sentence starts.
Rhyming Couplet:	Two rhyming lines in a row.

Essay Structure

Opinion Essay: Introduction Hook + opinion/thesis.

Opinion Essay: Body Reason + explanation + example.

Opinion Essay: Conclusion Restate thesis + summary of points.

Literary Essay: Body Paragraph Focus on technique + quote + analysis.

Essay Tips

Specific Evidence:	Use real facts, quotes, or proof.
Different Reasons:	Each paragraph has a unique reason.
Clichéd Metaphors:	Avoid overused comparisons.

Shakespeare - Macbeth

Key Scenes

Act 1, Scene 1: Supernatural atmosphere, evil tone: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”

Act 1, Scene 2: Macbeth described as brave, noble, and heroic.

Act 1, Scene 3: The witches’ prophecy: Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and King.

Act 1, Scene 4: Ambition rises in Macbeth: “Stars, hide your fires…”

Act 1, Scene 7: Macbeth worries about killing Duncan, Lady Macbeth manipulates him.

Post Murder – Act 2: Macbeth feels guilt and shock. Lady Macbeth takes control.

Banquo’s Murder – Act 3: Macbeth fears Banquo’s children, becomes paranoid: “Fruitless crown.”

Themes & Traits

Ambition:	Can be good or evil.
Macbeth:	Brave, ambitious, manipulated, becomes ruthless.
Lady Macbeth:	Controlling, manipulative, angry when plan fails.
Guilt & Regret:	Macbeth suffers deeply.
Fate vs. Free Will:	Prophecies shape their choices.

Key Quotes

WITCHES: “Fair is foul…” – Paradox: nothing is as it seems.

CAPTAIN: “Brave Macbeth…” – Bloody execution shows savagery.

MACBETH: “Stars, hide your fires…” – Evil thoughts hidden.

MACBETH: “O! full of scorpions…” – Mental suffering and regret.

MACBETH: “Here lay Duncan…” – Metaphor: Golden blood shows regret.