Tarea: El subjuntivo/indicativo en cláusulas nominales

Assignment:

1. Translate the passage given below [the parts in brackets are optional],
       OR
2. Compose your own sentences, dialogue, essay, or letter (approximately 200 words). Try incorporating as many noun clauses as possible. One way to do this is to give a series of recommendations, for example:
   • How we might improve the course, or what a student might do to improve his/her mastery of the subject matter.
   • What IPFW should do to improve its image, student retention rate, campus appearance, etc.
   • How an individual might change, or what he/she should do to get more out of life.
   • What a company should do to improve its productivity, image, etc.

Madre:

Luis, I want you to bring me the book you're reading.

Luis:

But Dad just1 told me to start doing my homework.

Madre:

Let's2 not quarrel; I insist that you show it to me.

Luis:

Well, here it is, but I doubt that you can read it.

Madre:

So you think I don't remember Spanish? Don't you realize3 that I've been reading books in Spanish for over 20 years? Let's see...

Luis:

[His mother pages through the book.] Will you permit me to get back to what I was doing?

Madre:

I demand that you tell me what you're doing with this filthy book.

Luis:

Mom, don't get angry. I know it's not a masterpiece, but it's not good to condemn a book without reading it.

Madre:

I say it's horrible. I forbid you to look at it any more.

Luis:

But it's important that I read it, and that I start tonight.

Madre:

I don't think it's necessary at all.

Luis:

Mr. Gómez is requiring us to read it all by Thursday.

Madre:

I hope this isn't the horrible man I met Sunday at church. If so, I'm afraid your father and I will have to talk to your principal.

Luis:

It's possible he is... No, it's more likely that you're thinking about Mr. Ramírez.

Madre:

Well, why is your teacher requiring you to do this?

Luis:

He's having us learn more about bilingual cultures in the U.S.

Madre:

Don't tell me this is a sociology project!

Luis:

Yes, the book describes people of Mexican origin, their customs, and what they have contributed to our country. It seems that they have accomplished a great deal.

Madre:

Good heavens!

Luis:

And I suggest you let me continue with my work... please?

Madre:

Ok, but is it possible for me to read the book when you're done?

     ¹ The construction “just” + a past tense verb: see the handout entitled Los tiempos perfectos. If you use the preterit in this sentence, it will cause problems.
     ² “Let's” + verb. You remember the nosotros commands, right?
     ³ You're not even considering using the verb realizar, right?