Archiwum miesięczne: Październik 2014

Things You Didn’t Know About: Halloween

Things You Didn’t Know About: Halloween

It is the end of October, and tonight children will be trick or treating around the world. Although the holiday is considered to be a US holiday – it is celebrated there more than anywhere else – the tradition originated in Ireland. There it was called Hallowe'en, and celebrated on All Saints Eve. The origins are a blend of pagan and Christian and honour the dead with festivities linking to departed loved ones. The iconic Jack-o'-lantern which today brightens the path of many revellers was originally a carved turnip. Eyes and a mouth…Czytaj dalej …

Video Comprehension – The Wonders of Gold

Gold is one of the world's most sought after elements. It has been the symbol of luxury for millennia, and to this day it is still an important factor in world economics. The metal's bling factor makes it something which is yearned for by everyone from criminal despots to rap stars, to royalty. James Bond author Ian Fleming used the metal as a thematic element in a number of his bestselling novels, including “The Man with the Golden Gun,” and “Goldfinger.” In fact Fleming was so obsessed with the element that he wrote…Czytaj dalej …
Getting to know: Autumn Idioms

Getting to know: Autumn Idioms

The weather is changing around us, with trees steadily shedding their yellow leaves, and the Polish landscape is ever changing, from summer's green, to the present oranges, reds and browns. Let's look at some expressions and idioms relating to this colourful season, where we are starting to cuddle up by the fireside at night! IDIOM: Turn over a new leaf DEFINITION: To forget the past and begin again. EXAMPLE: You should think about the mistakes which you have made in th past, and not make them again, and turn over a new leaf.…Czytaj dalej …
Hello, My Name Is: Malala Yousafzai

Hello, My Name Is: Malala Yousafzai

In the 17 years I have been on this earth, I have been through a lot. I have worked hard for children's rights in my native region of Swat in Pakistan, spoken at numerous institutions around the globe, and, most significantly of all, I was shot in the face for wanting to go to school. My story starts in 1997, when I was born in a modest family and grew up surrounded by my father, mother, two younger brother and handful of chickens. I was always a hard working girl, who saw great…Czytaj dalej …
Learning English Through Play – Shiritori

Learning English Through Play – Shiritori

This is not the first time we have featured games here at the English Matters Blog. But this is the first time a game has been influenced by the orient. Shiritori is a Japanese word game where players have to come up with words starting with the letter which ended the other player's contribution. The longer the word, the more points the respective player earns. At the end of the round, the player with the most points wins. According to the almighty Wikipedia, “'Shiritori' literally means 'taking the buttocks' or 'taking the end.'”…Czytaj dalej …
We Hate Mondays

We Hate Mondays

Mondays are the bane of our existence. Following a weekend of relaxation, we return to work, and face a new week of annoying coworker, evil teachers and nagging bosses. As the the graph below shows, you actually have no plans this week anyway, and as the week progresses, you only look forward to Friday and the multitude of plans which await you this weekend. Mondays have also inspired some to create art. Poet Jelisa Jeffery wrote a poem about the world's least favourite day. The poem, made up of three quatrains, talks about…Czytaj dalej …