Grammar, Usage / english verb tense (simple past, present perfect, past perfect) [2]

Hi Sarah, I had to fillout a verb tense worksheet, but was absolutely not sure if I did it right, please I need some feedback, and would appreciate if you could let me know if I have done the worksheet corret. We had to choose the correct verb tense of the sentence.

Here you basically have to choose between simple past/or past perfect!

Here are the sentences:
The one I thought is the correct answer is the one with the questinmark "?".
Please could you let me know if I choose the correct verb tense in the sentences below.

1. By the time firefighters finally arrived (the fire (destroyed/?had destroyed?) most of the building.
2. Tenants who (?rushed?/had rushed) outside when the fire began now watched in shock and disbelief as the firefighters turned their hoses on the blaze.

3. Firefighters were relieved to see that everyone (?got?/had gotten) out of the building safely.
4. Although there were no major injuries, paramedics (?treated?/had treated) two of the tenants for mild smoke inhalation.
5. A cat that never before (ventured/had ventured?) out of its apartment came racing down the stairs at the first sign of flames.
6. Firefighters also (rescued?/had rescued) a pet rabbit.
7. As the sun set that evening, authorities (declared?/had declared) the building a total loss.
8. Once the fire finally (?burned?/had burned) itself out, investigators began sifting through the ashy ruins.
9. The next day investigators reported that someone (left?/had left) a saucepan filled with water on top of a lighted stove burner.
10. After all the water (boiled?/had boiled) away, the bottom of the saucepan began to melt.
11. Investigators also (suggested?/had suggested) that a roll of paper towels may have been left on top of the stove.

Thank you so much. I hope you can help me out here. Some sentences are very tricky!

Research Papers / how can I analyze articles better? [2]

For my ESL class we have to analyze every week articles. We have to find the main points of the articles and then write it down with my own words what the article is about in one short paragraph. I am really having a hard time with that and it takes me a long time to analyze the articles in order to figure out what the main points are, without being sure that I found them. Can you give me any advise how I can improve myself with that?

Thanks in advance,
Colla26

Writing Feedback / Reading response to "Talking Up Close" [3]

Hi there, I have two write two parapraphs.
In the first paragraph I have to give the title of the article, the author's name, and the main points of the article. Only major points and not details or examples.

In the second paragraph I have to answer the following questions:
A. In your culture is it generally more acceptable to agree or argue in conversations? Explain your response.
B. Have you had to change your conversational style when talking with Americans? Why or Why not?

I would like to have a feedback on my writing and how well I answered the questions in the second paragraph. Please check on grammar, writing style.

Thank you so much in advance. Again, I really appreciate your time and effort.
I am happy to get any kind of feedback on this essay.
Thanks, Colla26

Essay:

Reading Response to "Talking up Close"

The article "Talking Up Close" was written by Deborah Tannen, and is a excerpt from Tannen's book called "Talking From 9 to 5", published in 1994. The article is classified in two sections. The heading of the first section is called "Fighting to Be Friends" where Tannen gives examples that demonstrate how male more likely establish a strong status and connection to others through both verbal and active fighting than females. Tannen shows that this aggressive behavior results rather for the sake of fun than from mutually animosity motives. In addition, Tannen used real-life examples of different cultures to illustrate that there are a variety of ways and styles of fighting by having arguments in order to show friendliness and to create connections to others. In the second section, called "Is It You or Me?" Tannen is pointing out that no one style of speaking is superior. The real meaning or motive of any conversation cannot ...

Writing Feedback / my writing rituals when I begin working on writing assignments [2]

I just finished up my second paragraph for my essay. I would appreciate if you could look over. I would be more than happy for any kind of feedback . Especially grammar etc..!

I need to write about my writing rituals (academic writing) and I also may evaluate my writing rituals and think about what rituals works or/and doesn't work for me.

There are certain writing rituals I have, when I begin working on writing assignments. Usually, I begin working on writing assignments right away, because I don't want to fall behind with my classwork .In addition, I don't like to write essays under time pressure, and therefore I never postpone writing assignments until the day before it's due. Also, I prefer to write essays at home, not only because the seats in my house are much more comfortable than at the library, but also I have the freedom to be myself and do what ever I want in order to get my assignments done. When I come home, I normally get changed into casual cloth, before I force myself to sit down and begin working on my writing assignments. Moreover, I cannot write without background noise. I like to listen to the radio, but mostly I turn on the television while I write on essays, but only on a low volume level, so I don't get distracted too much. It helps me to relax and calm down, especially after a long, stressful day at school. For example, as soon as I enter my room at home, I, like in trance turn on the television in order to break the silence. Also, I love to sit on my bed, with laptop on my knees. Furthermore, I am more concentrate and productive, when I write essays at night, because I am more relaxed and my mind is clear at this time of the day. To save time and energy; I usually write my essays by using my laptop. Another writing ritual I have is that I need to have something to eat and drink, placed on my desk, right next to my bed. For example, when I write on essays, I love to drink coffee, with having small bites of a donut in between. By looking over all of my writing rituals, I have to admit, that some are good and works for me and others are not that good and effective the way they should be. The fact that I like to write essays with background noises maybe needs to be changed in order to become a better writer. Instead of listen to the radio or turn on the television, perhaps working in silence is more beneficial for me than I ever assume. The problem is that once I am adjusted to a writing ritual that I have done for years, makes it difficult for me to let go and change it into one that perhaps could work better for me.

Writing Feedback / When it comes to writing, my attitude is instinctual negative/Attitude toward writing [3]

This paragraph is about my attitude toward writing, in this case " academic writing".
I would like to have some feedback on it, since I am not good at writing.
Thanks for your time
colla26

When it comes to writing, my attitude is instinctual negative. I never feel confident when I am faced with a variety of writing task in and outside of class. Since middle school I realized, that writing, no matter in what language, is one of my weakest subjects in school. Especially academic writing represents always a challenge for me. It is not only time consuming, but also a lot of work. For example, when writing about topics I am not familiar with, I have to do research, that takes a lot of time and energy. Since there are many rules to follow, I as well must worry about how to use words and sentences wisely, written in certain tenses and structures. Furthermore, my resistance toward writing is also influenced by various types of fear. For example, the feeling of fear, not to meet my and the professor's expectation inhibits my mind and unable me to clearly express myself by using words; leaving the paper blank. Moreover, I am getting nervous and anxious, when I need to write essays under time pressure due to deadlines. The pressure is overwhelming. I definite enjoy reading more than academic writing. Reading allows me to be creative; stimulate my imagination/able to picture images in my mind, without any pressure. Nevertheless, fact is that I lack of creativity when it comes to academic writing with all its boundaries and limitations. Even though, I know that I don't have much confidence in my writing skills just yet, I believe the more writing I do; the more comfortable I get with my writing in the future. However, for this class, I will strongly agree to call myself a writer, though I know there is a long way to go till I will have enough writing skills and self-esteem to actually feel and perform like one.