December 2010 No 1

ZZIINNGGEERR The English School Magazine Business Academy, Topoľčany

CHRISTMAS TRUCE

Proms or

Leavers´Balls

ALSO INSIDE Interview with an Englishman Fishing Strip Jokes Idioms Crossword

EDITORIAL 3

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE

NEWS

Events of November and December 4-5

“Ribbon ball“ 6-7

INTERVIEW

An Englishman living in Topoľčany 8

ABBREVIATIONS 9

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 19

2

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

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:

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

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-Polish-Italian 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.

4

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

PROM LEAVERS´LEAVERS´LEAVERS´LEAVERS´ BALLBALLBALLBALL

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.

The British synonym for the North American event would be Leavers' Ball or Leavers' Dinner. However,

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

6

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 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

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

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 livingAn Englishman livingAn Englishman livingAn Englishman living in Topoľčin Topoľčin Topoľčin Topoľčanyanyanyany

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? To enjoy the beauty of this country, its freedom and nice food. 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.

Is there anything about Slovakia you really don´t like (you can´t stand)? 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. 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-in-law 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 TRUCECHRISTMAS TRUCECHRISTMAS TRUCECHRISTMAS 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 Austro-Hungarian 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 long-term 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

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.

10

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).

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

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: 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 with a drummer

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

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

12

Abbreviations. They are used aAbbreviations. They are used aAbbreviations. They are used aAbbreviations. They are used a lot. But do you know what they mean? lot. But do you know what they mean? lot. But do you know what they mean? lot. But do you know what they mean? ☺☺☺☺

Aabbreviation Full meaning Slovak 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

KKKKeepeepeepeep smilingsmilingsmilingsmiling

Mgr. Martin Huba

16

4444 TEACHER: Now let's go TEACHER: Now let's go TEACHER: Now let's go TEACHER: Now let's go on to the next word.on to the next word.on to the next word.on to the next word.

1111 PUPIL: Funny, I was just going to ask you that.

EEEE TEACHER: How do you spell "imbecile?"TEACHER: How do you spell "imbecile?"TEACHER: How do you spell "imbecile?"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."TEACHER: The dictionary spells it "I M B E C I L E."TEACHER: The dictionary spells it "I M B E C I L E."TEACHER: The dictionary spells it "I M B E C I L E."

CCCC TEACHER: What TEACHER: What TEACHER: What TEACHER: What does "coincidence" does "coincidence" does "coincidence" does "coincidence" mean?mean?mean?mean?

AAAA TEACHERTEACHERTEACHERTEACHER: What are : What are : What are : What are subordinate clauses? subordinate clauses? subordinate clauses? subordinate clauses?

BBBB TEACHER: Herman, TEACHER: Herman, TEACHER: Herman, TEACHER: Herman, name two pronouns.name two pronouns.name two pronouns.name two pronouns. PUPIL: Who, me?

DDDD TEACHER: Your TEACHER: Your TEACHER: Your TEACHER: Your spelling is much spelling is much spelling is much spelling is much better. Only five better. Only five better. Only five better. Only five mistakes that time.mistakes that time.mistakes that time.mistakes that time. PUPIL: Thank you.

3333 TEACHER: Correct!TEACHER: Correct!TEACHER: Correct!TEACHER: Correct!

2222 PUPIL: Yes, teacher, but you asked me how I spelled it.

School School School School jokesjokesjokesjokes

Match the beginnings of the jokes with Match the beginnings of the jokes with Match the beginnings of the jokes with Match the beginnings of the jokes with their punchlines.their punchlines.their punchlines.their punchlines. (You can check your answers in the KEY,p.18)

5555 PUPIL: Santa's helpers.

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

CROSSWORDCROSSWORDCROSSWORDCROSSWORD

17

SOLUTIONS AND KEYSSOLUTIONS AND KEYSSOLUTIONS AND KEYSSOLUTIONS AND KEYS p. 15 – idioms A

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

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 S T I C E C R E A M D I A R R H O E A

S O L D I E R D E C O R A T O R

F L U T I M E T A B L E

C R E D I T C A R D G A R D E N E R C A R P A R K S N E E Z I N G

D E N T I S T S U N G L A S S E S F A R M E R

18 p.

p. 16 - jokes

A-5

B-3

C-1

D-4

E-2

SILENT NIGHTSILENT NIGHTSILENT NIGHTSILENT 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