December 2010 No 1
ZINGER
The English School Magazine
Business Academy, Topoľčany
CHRISTMAS
TRUCE
Proms or
Leavers´Balls
ALSO INSIDE
Interview with an Englishman
Fishing Strip
Jokes
Idioms
Crossword
3
EDITORIAL
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE
NEWS
Events of November and December
4-5
“Ribbon ball“
6-7
INTERVIEW
An Englishman living in Topoľčany
8
9
ABBREVIATIONS
A STORY OF THE MONTH
Christmas truce
10-11
MUSIC
The interview with a drummer
12
MOVIE
Review - Saw 3D
13
AN IDIOM FOR A DAY
Food idioms
14-15
JOKES
16
CROSSWORD
17
KEYS AND SOLUTIONS
18
SONG
Silent night
2
19
Dear readers,
I feel privileged to introduce you the first issue of ZINGER magazine,
a brand new school magazine of Business Academy, Topoľčany, Slovakia.
Why ZINGER? – you might be wondering – the reason is very simple: it
means, among the others, a witty or clever remark, which is exactly what we
hope to make it – as amusing and striking as possible.
As you have probably found out from the title page, it will be in English,
or to tell truth, most of it will be. At times you will be provided with a small
amount of your mother tongue just to make sure you will take advantage of all
the contents.
Furthemore, I would like to say we hope to make it your magazine.
I mean we hope it will be you who will mostly contribute to the contents of the
magazine and doing so you will improve you English language skills and show
how creative and resourceful you are.
Moreover, we hope that you, the students of this school, will overtake the
editorial office in the future and let us, your teachers of English, do the only job
– proof-read your contributions and help you with any language difficulties you
will face.
To cut this editorial short, let me draw your attention to the left side of the
page where you can see what we have prepared for you in this month´s issue.
There is some news about the recent work of the English department at school,
a few interviews, but the rest, due to the part of the year we have right now,
refers to Christmas.
In conclusion, let me thank first of all Mgr. Júlia Gálová, my precious
colleague for joining my idea of the school English magazine, next all our first
contributors (may they become regular ones and be followed by lots of others),
and last but not least Ing. Beata Gunišová, a school headmistress for approving
of the idea.
I wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and our magazine
lots of zingers and devoted readers. Enjoy reading.
Mgr.Martin Huba
3
DEPARTMENT
OF
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE
NEWS
English Is Easy :
Vladimír Anděl & Lukáš Hricák, II.A
Knowledge Quiz :
Marek Gális & Igor Matejovič, I.A
Matúš Gejdoš & Michal Tomaškovič, IV.A
Travel with the Internet:
Lucia Machová & Silvia Ticonová, II.A
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2010
On 18 Nov there was an Open Day
at our school. Students from the other
schools of our region, parents or whoever
was interested had the chance to visit our
premises, they were taken on tour of the
school facilities and classrooms, they could
see the display of Practice Firms, meet the
students and teachers of our school and
get any information about it.
On this special occasion we decided
to show the teaching process in an
untraditional way. Teachers of the
Department of English Language
prepared three types of activities for the
students: English Is Easy (a wide range of
communicative activities to practice
vocabulary),
Knowledge
Quiz
(an
amusing general knowledge oral and
writing quiz), Travel with the Internet (a
treasure hunt on PCs with various tasks
related to travelling).
And here are the winners of each
activity:
4
Students of II.A class have joined
the project „Living Together in Europe“ via
eTwinning School Partnership Programme
this year. Lycée Rabelais from a small
town of Fontenay le Comte on the west of
France has become our partnership
school.
Students of both schools have the
opportunity to share their knowledge and
experience while working on various topics
and tasks. Naturally motivated they are
able to improve their language, technical
and social skills more quickly and
effectively.
Mgr. Monika Filová, a coordinator of
eTwinning, attended the Slovak-PolishItalian Contact Seminar on 25-27 Nov 2010
in Bratislava, Slovakia where she
participated in a number of workshops and
lectures on IT, Art of Communication or
using TwinSpace.
ENGLISH OLYMPICS
WINNERS
1st and 2nd grade
3rd and 4th grade
1. Vladimír Anděl, II.A
Peter Komžík, III.D
2. Jakub Železník, II.D
Michal Gašparík, IV.E
3. Jana Štefkovičová, I.B
Jakub Zajac, IV.C
Special Category: Anglophone students
1. Matúš Gejdoš, IV.A
Vladimír Anděl, Peter Komžík and Matúš Gejdoš were the most successful in
proving their knowledge of grammar, listening, reading as well as speaking
skills in English languague. They are going to represent our school in a district
round in January 2O11. We´ll keep our fingers crossed for them.
5
STUŽKOVÁ
SLÁVNOSŤ
Proms or Leavers´ Balls
Stužková slávnosť as we call it in Slovak
language is a phrase which is difficult to
translate into English. The reason is simple they do not keep the tradition of pinning green
ribbons in any of English speaking countries,
so there is no reason to call it ribbon ball
(that could probably be the most appropriate
translation).
Prom is an American and
Canadian alternative and is a short for
promenade. Compared to our “stužková“
prom is just a formal dance or gathering.
There is no special performance or show given
by students to entertain parents and teachers.
At prom, a Prom Queen and Prom King may
be revealed.
However, there is nothing like a ceremonial
occasion of pinning green ribbons on
students´chests.
LEAVERS´
BALL
some schools in the UK have called the above
events proms. In Ireland and Australia the
terms Grad or Formal are most commonly
used and the event is usually held for those
graduating high school or middle school.
IV. C
In Ireland, the event is also known as the
Debs, which is derived from Debutante.
IV. D
The British synonym for the North American
event would be Leavers' Ball or Leavers'
Dinner. However,
6
PROM
From the history
The ”ribbon ball” belongs among quite recent
traditions and its beginnings are connected
with establishment of Secondary grammar and
vocational schools after World War I. The
tradition of the green ribbon itself is a bit
older.
IV. A
The first school to organize a ”ribbon ball”
was Mining school in Banská Štiavnica. Its
students followed the tradition held in
Germany and Kutná Hora in the Czech
Republic.
At the beginning “stužková“ was entirely
students´ and a few teachers´ business. Later
parents, teaching staff or friends were also
invited.
Gradually, a habit of drinking from one jug
and its consequent breaking into pieces or
“midnight court“ as well as many others have
developed and enriched this special occasion.
IV. E
Even before the period of the First
Czechoslovak Repulic the students of German
and Hungarian grammar schools pinned green
ribbons on the lapels of their coats. The green
ribbon has always symbolized hope and it also
carries the message of upcoming adulthood
and graduation as well as responsibilities and
future success.
IV. B
KEY VOCABULARY:
ribbon (stuha, stužka), gathering (stretnutie,
zhromaždenie), pin pripnúť), lapel (chlopňa na
kabáte), adulthood (dospelosť), jug (džbán),
court (súd)
REFERENCES:
www.wikipedia.com
www.tvoravia.sk
www.pluska.sk
Mgr. Júlia Gálová
7
An Englishman living
in Topoľčany
Topoľčany
Frank Correia comes from England and was born in London. Eleven years ago he met a
beautiful Slovak woman, they got married and lived in London with their two children Sophia,
10 and Jessica, 5. Last year they moved to a village near Topoľčany. Our students asked him a
few questions.
Why have you decided to leave London and live in
Slovakia?
Is there anything about Slovakia you really don´t like
(you can´t stand)?
To enjoy the beauty of this country, its freedom and
nice food.
People’s attitude. When I came here for the first time 11
years ago, they seemed happier but one can feel the
power of money and competition.
Do you miss anything? Are you used to living in
Slovakia?
I’m used to being here as my family and I used to
come to visit the relatives at least twice a year before
we moved here. Well, I miss the walks in the
London’s parks, the huge shops and choice of
restaurants. It is well missed. People in Slovakia don’t
socialize a lot. The night clubs are full of teenagers
and adults usually stay at home. In England people go
out for a drink, eat out even in the week, or go to
playgrounds with their children. There are very few
facilities for young families here. Not much is
happening, only occasional events to visit or see. I
would encourage the government to think more
about the children in this country. In England no
mother is bored sitting at home. There is so much to
do with children of all age.
What are the differences between English and
Slovak people?
English people (not native English, but generally
people living there) are much friendlier and aren’t as
jealous of one another as the Slovak in recent years.
Native English are either too busy with their work or
unemployed. There isn’t such a big difference to the
situation in Slovakia.
What do you like most about Slovakia?
On the other hand it is nice that people still care about
one another. For example, we keep in touch, visit one
another whenever possible, Sunday lunch in parents-inlaw that in something that English people very rarely do.
Have you tasted bryndzove halusky and “slivovica“. If
so, did you like them?
I like bryndzove halušky but slivovica is a bit too strong
for me. I don’t drink this kind of spirit, I personally prefer
wine or scotch.
Have you visited the High Tatras?
We’ve been planning to visit the mountains in High
Tatras for some time, but haven’t got to it yet.
Christmas is coming. What Christmas traditions do you
keep in your family. Are they rather English or Slovak
ones?
Christmas time is a mixture of both.
You´ve started learning Slovak language. Do you find it
a difficult language?
It is a difficult language, as it has a bit complicated
grammar. Anyway I’m getting used to it having a great
support from my family.
II.C students, Mgr. Júlia Gálová
8
Saw 3D (2010)
Crime | Horror | Mystery
29 October 2010 (USA)
Directed by:
Kevin Greutert
Written by:
Patrick Melton, Marcus Dunstan
Stars:
Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Betsy
Russell
Storyline
As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw's brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw
survivors gathers to seek the support of a self-help guru and fellow survivor
Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.
About Movie
It was six years ago, when the first Saw movie was filmed. It was a pleasant
horror surprise with new game rules and unseen brutality, for fans of flesh and
fear. The second movie tried to continue, where the first one ended and
succeded quite well.
On the other hand next four parts suffered from the complete plot desillusion
and had the same actors with the same principles of killing, only some
interesting deaths occured from time to time.
Despite their low budgets, they made good money in only a few weeks of
screening. This would probably continue till 2013 or even 2015, but already last
year, the fewer number of visitors showed the cruel truth. The Saw movies are
becoming less and less interesting and high scores of Paranormal Activity have
their reason.
So here comes the final effort, converting Saw into 3D. Last year this strategy
helped the movie series Final destination. Will this happen to Saw, too? It's only
up to you what opinion you'll form after seeing this movie. I personally like every
part of the series and I'm looking forward to another part...
Simona Tomanová, III.C
9
CHRISTMAS TRUCE
By Mgr. Martin Huba, Dec 2010-12-15
World War I broke out within a few
weeks after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of
Austria, the heir to the throne of AustroHungarian Empire, had been assassinated
in Serbia on June 28, 1914, and which is
considered to be an immediate cause of
the war. However, there were also longterm causes, such as imperialistic foreign
policies of European great powers and the
existence of their colonies, due to which
the war spread all over the world very
quickly and became one of the bloodiest
conflicts in history.
Following
Austro-Hungarian
Empire´s invasion of Serbia at the end of
July the Germans tried to seize the
Western front before the Russians´
mobilization in the East. Despite their huge
offensive, French, Belgian and British
Forces managed to halt them. Soon there
was a stalemate as both sides were not
able to move forward more than just a few
hundred metres after having won a battle.
The whole front became a static battle,
which lead to building a big network of
trenches by both sides in which soldiers
got trapped under the enemy´s fire. Limited
in mobility, tens of thousands of them were
literally slaughtered particularly due to
technological advances in firepower.
As the winter was coming, the cold
and wet weather began to change the
trenches into mud holes. Soldiers lying in
them, covered in mud had to cope with
a lack of rest, watching out for enemy´s
raids all the time, keeping their heads
down to protect themselves from the sniper
fire.
They,
living
in
these
very
uncomfortable conditions, eating the same
10
rations every day, started to realize the
simple fact that the enemies live in the
same conditions as well.
In trenches only a few tens of yards
apart in some places, divided by a flat
area known as „No Man´s Land“ extremely
exhausted soldiers wondered about the
un-seen enemy, surely they hated them
for killing their friends, but otherwise they
knew that they all were in the same sort of
mess.
Both sides joked about
themselves, they shouted all sorts of rude
or witty remarks at each other just to
entertain
themselves.
They
sang
sentimental and patriotic songs which
were often followed by the applause from
the other side, they shared or recalled
their experiences from former stays or
visits of their countries, they were able to
cease fire during „the breakfast hour“. All
along the front there were such examples
of fraternization or a „pally“ atmosphere
between the enemy sides.
At the beginning of December, 1914
Pope Benedict XV suggested ceasing the
war in order to celebrate Christmas and its
spirit of goodwill to all men. Although it was
rejected by all fighting powers, but
Germany, families and friends of the
soldiers sent them parcels with anything
which could make their Christmas as
special as possible.
One of the most famous stories of
a Christmas spirit winning over the war
machinery comes from the front line near
Ypres in Belgium where German and
British soldiers agreed on a truce on
Christmas Eve, 1914. It all started when
the Germans put up small lighted
Christmas trees on the parapets of their
trenches. The British soldiers, who were
watching them closely, soon realized it was
not a strategem as they could hear
Germans sing, enjoy themselves and shout
Christmas messages at them. Next both
sides began exchanging Christmas carols,
such as Sillent Nacht (Silent Night) or
O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree) or
wishes of a Merry Chrismas. Eventually the
most men from both sides met in No Man´s
Land shaking their hands, exchanging
small
Christmas
presents,
sharing
pictures, having cigarettes and drinks and
conversing like long-time friends. Some of
them meeting there on Christmas Eve and
Day negotiated a truce (we won´t fire if you
don´t).
incredible example of the fraternization
was a game of football played between
British and German soldiers in one place in
northern France.
The truce did not last long, it ended
at midnight on Christmas night or in some
places on New Year´s Day, and was never
repeated again. In fact, soldiers were
ordered to start firing again by their
generals and all friendly intercourse with
the enemy was strictly prohibited.
However, this unusual and amazing
example of Christmas spirit and joy was
never forgotten and became legendary.
KEY VOCABULARY: truce (prímerie), Archduke
(arcivojvoda), heir (následník), foreign policy (zahraničná
politika), spread (šíriť sa), seize (ovládnuť), halt
(zastaviť), stalemate (patová situácia), trenches (zákopy),
slaughter (zmasakrovať), firepower (palebná sila), mud
(blato), cope with (vyrovnať sa s), raid (útok), rations
(proviant), witty (vtipný), recall (spomínať), cease
(prestať), fraternization (zbratanie sa), pally (priateľský),
goodwill (dobrá vôľa), reject (odmietnuť), strategem
(lesť), negotiate (rokovať), bury (pochovať), joint
(spoločný), service (bohoslužba)
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
The news of the truce spread
quickly down the front line and in many
other places soldiers joined it although it
was not officially organized. Besides
Christmas celebration and a need for
meeting the un-seen enemy there was also
another reason why the truce was
negotiated. Soldiers used it to sort through
the dead bodies often lying on No Man´s
Land for weeks or months and buried
them. Sometimes joint services were held
for their
fallen comrades. Another
Brown, Malcolm and Shirley Seaton. Christmas Truce.
New York: Hippocrene Books, 1984
Jennifer Rosenberg. Christmas Truce at the World War
I Front, About.com Guide
A Christmas Truce, e-lesson, insideout.net
World War I, en.wikipedia.org
11
THE
INTERVIEW
a drummer
with
Patrik Sojka (PS): Alright, I’m here with a
drummer from the band called Fishing
Strip. Could you tell us something about
you and your band?
Oto Paluš (OP): My name´s Oto Paluš, I play
the drums in a pop punk band Fishing Strip.
We have four members in our band: Števo
Valach – lead vocals, Maťo Mervart – guitar,
Palo Valach – bassguitar, and I play with
sticks.
(PS): When did you start playing the
drums?
(OP): Oh, it was about four years ago. My
parents bought me the drums for my 14th
birthday.
(PS): Was it your life dream to play the
drums?
(OP): Yeah, it´s been my dream since I was a
child. When I saw some drummers on TV, I
said to myself that I wanted to be a drummer. I
was going to take up playing drums and have
lessons at music school in Topoľčany, which
unfortunately was not possible then, so I had to
learn to play the violin instead. That gave me
the basics of music theory. Occasionally I had
the chance to try some drum rhythms at
school. However, the real beginning of my
drummer´s career wasn´t until my 14th birthday.
(PS): Why the drums?
(OP): Playing the drums gives me wings and I
can fly with music. I really enjoy doing it.
(PS): How long have you played with
Fishing Strip?
(OP): I´ve played with this band since 2 April,
2009. I had some other bands before that.
Fishing Strip started in January 2008. There
was the other drummer at that time, my friend
Patrik. He was fired after he´d kept missing
rehearsals due
12
to his love, so I was offered his post. At first I
didn´t accept their offer as he was my friend ,
but then I said yes. The current lineup has
been together since summer 2010.
(PS): Who composes your songs and who
writes the lyrics?
(OP): All of us, I mean someone comes with an
idea, we try to develop our parts into a song.
We all work together on the lyrics as well,
although I have to admit that I haven´t
contributed much in this area.
(PS): Have you got your band website?
(OP): Of course, we’ve got our songs there,
information about our concerts and everything
else about the band. Check our websites
www.bandzone.cz/fishingstrip
or
www.fishingstrip.tk. We also have a Facebook
profile, just search for Fishing Strip and you´ll
find us.
(PS): I know you´ve already made two
videos, where can your fans see them?
(OP): We have two videoclips (Nymfomanka,
Škola zvádzania) on YouTube. Just search for
Fishing Strip.
(PS): What are you going to do in the near
future?
(OP): At the moment we´re working on some
new stuff and we´re going to tour Slovakia and
the Czech Republic next spring. We´re also
thinking of shooting a new video clip. You can
check out the news on the web.
(PS): Ok, so that was Oto Paluš, a drummer
from Fishing Strip. Thanks for the interview
and have a nice day.
(OP): Bye guys.
Patrik Sojka, IV.E + Oto Paluš, IV.E
Abbreviations. They are used a lot. But do you know what they mean? ☺
Slovak meaning
Aabbreviation Full meaning
4U
For you
Pre teba; Tebe
AFAIK
As Far As I Know
Pokiaľ viem
AFAIR
As Far As I Recall
Pokiaľ si spomínam
AFK
Away From Keyboard
(Som) Preč od klávesnice
ASAP
As Soon As Possible
Podľa možnosti čo najskôr
B4
Be-four => Before
Pred tým
BB
Bye Bye
Čau čau
BRB
Be Right Back
Hneď som späť
BTW
By The Way
Mimochodom
CG
Ccongratulation
Blahoželám
DND
Do Not Disturb!
Nerušiť!
FYI
For Your Information
Pre tvoju/vašu informáciu
GG
Great Game; Good Game
Dobrá hra (v priebehu alebo na konci hry)
GG no Re
Great Game, no Replay
Dobrá hra (pri končení)
GL&HF
Good Luck & Have Fun
Veľa šťastia a príjemnú zábavu
GLP
Good Luck Partner
Veľa šťastia, partner (v online hrách)
IDK
"I don't know"
Neviem
ILU
I Love You
Milujem ťa
IMHO
In My Humble Opinion
Podľa môjho skromného názoru
k
OK
OK
L8R
Later
Neskôr
LOL
Lot Of Laugh; Laughing Out Loud Veľa smiechu
NP
No Problem
Bez problémov
NSFW
Not safe/suitable for work
Nevhodné v práci
NSN
Never Say Never
Nikdy nehovor nikdy
OIC
Oh, I See (ou aj sí)
Aha! (Oh, vidím)
OMG,
Oh My God
Oh môj bože
PL8
PL-eight => Plate(-mail)
Brnenie
PLS/PLZ
PLeaSe
Prosím
ROFL, ROTFL Rolling On (The) Floor Laughing Váľam sa po zemi od smiechu
Sec
Second!
Počkaj!; Sekundu!
SRY
SoRrY
Prepáč
SUS
See You Soon
Skoro sa uvidíme
THS, THX,
Thanks; Thank you
Ďakujem
Of course, there are more abbreviations used in everyday communication. If you are not
sure what they mean, then JFGI. ☺
Dominika Poláková, III.C
13
AN IDIOM FOR A DAY
By Mgr. Martin Huba, Dec 2010-12-15
Idioms are fixed expressions which have a meaning you cannot see from the meaning
of the individual words in them. The idiom kill two birds with one stone, for example, has nothing
to do with grabbing a piece of rock and slaughtering two little animals in one throw, which you could
consider to be obvious from the first look at it. The actual meaning of the idiom is to produce two
useful actions by just doing one action. By the way, this idiom is also common in Slovak
language, and its Slovak version in English would look like kill two flies in one shot.
That is why the best way to understand the meaning of an idiom is to see it in context.
Here is an example of the idiom mentioned above: By accepting the offer of Microsoft John had
killed two birds with one stone. He earned very decent money and did something he had always
wanted to do. This context can help us understand that John did not kill any animals, but accepting
the offer was beneficial for him in two ways.
Idioms are widely used in both spoken and written English, so they should become
a vital part of each English learner´s study. In this section of ZINGER magazine we are going to
provide you with the opportunity to learn some idiomatic expressions (grouped around a certain topic
area) and to practice them in a couple of exercises. In this issue of our our magazine you can find 20
FOOD idioms with their simple definitions and Slovak translations. Do not forget to practice them in
the exercises. You can check your answers as the KEY is provided on page 10.
FOOD IDIOMS
The icing on the cake is something that makes a good situation even better. (čerešnička na torte)
If something is a piece of cake for you, you can do it easily. (malina, ľahké na urobenie)
You can´t have your cake and eat it means that you can´t have two good things at the same time.
(nemôžeš mať jedno aj druhé)
If you have a finger in every pie means that you are involved in many things. (mať prsty vo
všetkom)
If something is not your cup of tea, you don´t like it or you don´t enjoy doing it. (nie tvoja šálka kávy)
If you have an egg on your face, you feel stupid or embarrassed because of something you did.
(mať maslo na hlave, strápniť sa, zosmiešniť sa)
If something bears fruit, it produces/makes a positive result. (prinášať ovocie, úspech, zisk)
If you butter someone up, you give false praise to them in order to get something.
(podlizovať/líškať sa niekomu)
If something is your bread and butter, it is something you do to get the money you need.(tvoje
živobytie)
If something is the best thing since sliced bread, it is absolutely fantastic.(výborná vec)
If something/someone is flavour of the month, it/they is/are very popular at the moment.(populárny)
Pass one´s sell-by date refers to something/someone not wanted or used any more because they
are too old.(za zenitom, zastaralý, staromódny)
If you are a rotten apple that spoils the barrel, you are a bad person influencing everyone and
make them bad too. (zlý človek, príklad pre druhých v skupine ľudí, ktorý ich kazí)
If you upset the apple cart, you mess up or ruin something. (pokaziť, skaziť niečo)
14
If two people are (like) chalk and cheese, they are completely different from each other.(byť ako
nebo a zem, rozdielni)
If you get out of a jam, you get free from a problem or bad situation. (dostať sa zo šlamastiky)
If you could eat a horse, you are very hungry.(hladný ako vlk)
If something makes your mouth water, it makes you want to eat it. (zbiehajú sa ti sliny)
If something leaves a sour taste in your mouth, you have an upleasant/negative memory of
it.(zanechať trpkú príchuť v ústach po zlej skúsenosti)
If you have a sweet tooth, you like eating sweet things very much.(maškrtný, mlsný)
PRACTICE EXERCISE A: Complete the sentences with one of the idioms above in the correct form.
1. I can´t stand Mike _____ the boss _____ all the time just to get the executive post in Mexico!
2. You´d never say Jake and Cathy are siblings. They´re _____ in so many aspects.
3. After months of hardwork, the project is finally starting to _____.
4. Have you heard about the new band called The Creatures? Oh yes, I guess they´re _____ in the
States,
5. I´m afraid I´ll need your help to _____. I´ve tried everything, but nothing worked.
6. I always put on a few kilos during Christmas. You _____ , don´t you?
7. I haven´t had anything since breakfast, so now I _____ ! Let´s get pizza, then.
8. Did you find this exercise difficult? No, it was _____.
9. Would you like to join me for a game of tennis tomorrow? Sorry, but tennis is not _____. I prefer
winter sports.
10. Ian´s win in the last race was _____ of our great performance in this year´s championship.
PRACTICE EXERCISE B: Choose the correct alternative.
1. What´s Sam´s (A)rotten apple / (B)bread and butter? He´s a plumber – a real professional.
2. Śhall we book this singer for the Christmas party? That would be a disaster - he (A) passed his
sell-by date / (B) got out of a jam a long time ago.
3. Jack (A) had an egg on his head / (B) had a finger in every pie when his solution had gone
wrong.
4. These steaks smell great. Yes, they (A)leave a sour taste in my mouth / (B)make my mouth
water as well.
5. You really (A)upset the apple cart / (B)could eat a horse by revealing this classified information.
6. Why is the class attendance getting worse and worse? Well, Tim seems to be (A) the rotten apple
that spoils the barrel / (B) the flavour of the month always coming late and unfortunately he is
followed by many others.
7. Why do you want to have your overtime paid when you get some time off. You (A)can´t have your
cake and eat it / (B)can´t upset the apple cart.
8. This is a wonderful piece of electronic device. Yes, in my opinion it´s (A)a cup of tea / (B) the best
thing since sliced bread.
9. Watching any Enland v. Argentina football match always (A)bears fruit /(B)leaves a sour taste in
my mouth. It reminds me of Maradona´s unfair goal in 1986 World Cup.
10. I don´t understand how Tom can work on all these tasks at the same time. Yeah, he certainly (A)
has a finger in every pie/(B)have an egg on his face.
REFERENCES:
English idioms in use, Michael McCarthy and Felicity O´Dell, Cambridge Unversity Press, 2003
English Vocabulary in Use (Pre-intermediate & intermediate), Stuart Redman, Cambridge University Press, 2003
English Voabulary in Use (Upper-intermediate), Michael McCarthy and Felicity O´Dell, Cambridge University Press, 2007
15
Keep
2
PUPIL: Yes, teacher,
but you asked me how
I spelled it.
D
TEACHER: Your
spelling is much
better. Only five
mistakes that time.
PUPIL: Thank you.
5
PUPIL:
Santa's helpers.
A
TEACHER:
TEACHER: What are
subordinate clauses?
C
TEACHER: What
does "coincidence"
mean?
smiling
B
TEACHER: Herman,
name two pronouns.
PUPIL: Who, me?
1
PUPIL: Funny, I was
just going to ask you
that.
School
jokes
Match the beginnings of the jokes with
their punchlines. (You can check your
answers in the KEY,p.18)
E
TEACHER: How do you spell "imbecile?"
PUPIL: I M B U S L.
TEACHER: The dictionary spells it "I M B E C I L E."
Mgr. Martin Huba
3
TEACHER: Correct!
16
4
TEACHER: Now let's go
on to the next word.
CROSSWORD
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
1, Someone who produces art, especially paintings or drawings
2, A frozen sweet food made of milk, cream, and sugar, with fruit, nuts or chocolate
3, An illness in which belly hurts us and we must often go to toilet
4, A member of the army of a country
5, Someone who paints houses and puts paper on the walls
6, Illness that makes you feel very tired and weak, gives you a sore throat, and makes you cough
and have to clear your nose a lot
7, A list of the times at which buses, trains, planes have arrive and leave
8, A small plastic card that you use to buy goods or services and pay for them
9, Someone whose job is to work in gardens
10, An area where people can park their cars
11, Manifested in the common colds
12, Someone whose job is to treat people's teeth
13, You wear and to protect your eyes when the sun is very bright
14, Someone who owns or manages a farm
Zuzana Maťová, II.C
17
SOLUTIONS AND KEYS
p. 15 – idioms
p. 16 - jokes
A
A-5
1. buttering...up
2. like chalk and cheese
3. bear fruit
4. flavour of the month
5. get out of a jam
6. have a sweet tooth
7. could eat a horse
8. a piece of cake
9. my cup of tea
10. the icing on the cake
B-3
C-1
D-4
E-2
B
1. B
2. A
3. A
4. B
5. A
6. A
7. A
8. B
9. B
10. A
p. 17 – crossword
A R T I
I
D I A R R
S
D E C
F
T I
C R E D I T C
C
S N E E
D E N T
S U
F A R M
18
p.
S
C
H
O
O
L
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
T
E
O
L
R
U
E
R
A
R
I
S
G
R
C
E
D
A
R E A M
A
I E R
T O R
T
D
R
P
N
T
L
A B L
E
D E N E
A R K
G
R
A S
S
S
E
SILENT NIGHT
The origin of the Christmas carol we know as Silent Night was a poem that was written in 1816 by
an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called
Oberndorf it is reputed that the organ at St. Nicholas Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the
poem of Silent Night (Stille Nacht) to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent
Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was therefore intended for a
guitar and the simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass. Silent Night is the most famous
Christmas carol of all time. And this Christmas you can try to enjoy it in English.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "
19
p.
We wish you all
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011
The full-colour version of ZINGER magazine will soon appear
on the website of Business Academy, Topoľčany:
www.oato.edu.sk
Do not forget to check it out.
And at the very end, here are all the people responsible for this December
issue:
Editor-in-chief: Mgr. Martin Huba
Assistant editor: Mgr. Júlia Gálová
Art & Graphic design: Mgr. Martin Huba, Mgr. Júlia Gálová
Editorial staff: Dominika Poláková, Oto Paluš, Patrik Sojka, Zuzana Maťová,
Simona Tomanová, II.C class