SLANG English

Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's dialect or language. Slang is often to be found in areas of the lexicon that refer to things considered taboo (euphemism). It is often used to identify with one's peers and, although it may be common among young people, it is used by people of all ages and social groups.

PRACTICE

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He's an ace reporter.
Meaning very good

My sister's boyfriend is a real airhead.
Meaning stupid person

Your ideas about politics are all wet.
Meaning completely wrong

I almost fell asleep during the test after an all-nighter.
Meaning after studying all night.

This town is really an armpit.
Meaning undesirable place

What an awesome sunset.
Meaning great

Wow, that was really a bad movie.
Meaning intense

After working all day I am really beat.
Meaning exhausted

The movie was a bomb.
Meaning bad

This is a really cool place to work.
Meaning good

How did you get the road sign? I copped it.
Meaning stole

He is a couch potato.
Meaning lazy person

Doing homework on the weekend is a drag.

His older sister is a fox.
Meaning very attractive

It takes a lot of guts to give the boss your true opinion.
Meaning courage

I am glad you got yourself out of that jam.
Meaning trouble

I think that he is a nut.
Meaning crazy person

You are completely nuts if you think I will go with you.

When did you hit the sack last night?
Meaning go to bed

I want you to give me a straight answer.
Meaning honest

Don't be a sucker.
Meaning be deceived

______________________________________SOURCE: http://www.manythings.org/slang/slang5.html

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Dulce

Bonfire Night...

For 400 years, bonfires have burned

on November 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot. 

The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very same year as the failed coup. The Plot was foiled in the night between the 4th and 5th of November 1605. Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners who knew little more than that their King had been saved, joyfully lit bonfires in thanksgiving. As years progressed, however, the ritual became more elaborate.

Soon, people began placing effigies onto bonfires, and fireworks were added to the celebrations. Effigies of Guy Fawkes, and sometimes those of the Pope, graced the pyres. Still today, some communities throw dummies of both Guy Fawkes and the Pope on the bonfire (and even those of a contemporary politician or two), although the gesture is seen by most as a quirky tradition, rather than an expression of hostility towards the Pope.

Preparations for Bonfire Night celebrations include making a dummy of Guy Fawkes, which is called "the Guy". Some children even keep up an old tradition of walking in the streets, carrying "the Guy" they have just made, and beg passersby for "a penny for the Guy." The kids use the money to buy fireworks for the evening festivities.

On the night itself, Guy is placed on top of the bonfire, which is then set alight; and fireworks displays fill the sky.

The extent of the celebrations and the size of the bonfire varies from one community to the next. Lewes, in the South East of England, is famous for its Bonfire Night festivities and consistently attracts thousands of people each year to participate.

Bonfire Night is not only celebrated in Britain. The tradition crossed the oceans and established itself in the British colonies during the centuries. It was actively celebrated in New England as "Pope Day" as late as the 18th century. Today, November 5th bonfires still light up in far out places like New Zealand and Newfoundland in Canada. 

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SOURCE: http://www.bonfirenight.net/bonfire.php

Halloween Customs and Traditions

A Brief History of Halloween

Halloween has its origins in the ancient Samhain festival celebrated by the Celts to signify the end of summer. Many of today’s Halloween customs can be traced back to Celtic times. Halloween is also known as All Saint’s Day. The Roman Catholic Church created this name to celebrate saints without their own specific days during the rest of the year.

European Halloween Customs

Bonfires are often lit in Ireland on October 31st. This tradition dates back to the Celts, who used fire to ward off evil spirits. The Celts also dressed in animal skins on Halloween, and believed that the dead returned to earth disguised as various creatures.

One of these creatures was a black cat, which remains a familiar symbol of Halloween.

Apples also have strong ties to Halloween. Some believe the fruit can be used to predict future partners. Another Halloween custom involves bobbing for apples in water. In Scotland this is referred to as “dooking.”

Jack o’ Lanterns are a familiar site at Halloween. There are several theories about where they originate from. An 18th century Irish folk tale features a character called Jack, who is refused entry to both heaven and hell upon his death. The Devil shows him pity and presents Jack with a lump of coal. Jack then places the coal inside a hollowed out turnip, lights it and uses I to illuminate his path.

Other explanations include references to the will o’ the wisp phenomena, when peculiar lights are seen to form over peat bogs. Night watchmen were sometimes referred to as Jack o’ Lanterns, providing yet another possible origin for today’s pumpkin carving.

Halloween in America

Halloween did not become a major festival in America until the early 19th century, when it was popularised by the huge number of Irish immigrants arriving. Nowadays it is the second largest festival in the country, after Christmas. European customs such as trick or treating and wearing fancy dress are widespread.

WATCH THIS INTERESTING VIDEO...

LIstening ADVANCED

Some extra listening practice 

for advanced students

JOB HUNTING

Click on link and do the activities.


 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

discourse markers linkers

Choose the correct answer.

1. The concert was cancelled in spite of due to owing to poor ticket sales.
2. He pretended to like her new haircut in case in order not to so that hurt her feelings.
3. The factory closed and due to nevertheless consequently many workers lost their jobs.
4. He decided to resign from his post so that in order so as to spend more time with his family.
5. The police are unable to arrest them as in case because of there is not enough evidence.
6. Because of Since Because her inability to arrive at work on time, she was sacked.
7. Though Despite Even though knowing the risks, he decided to climb the mountain alone.
8. Although Despite However it wasn't always easy, I managed to have a successful career.
 

 

(Answers in comments...)

  Source New English File Advanced

 

Why learn English?

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Beginning of Classes!

HELLO everyone,

How was your summer? Great I guess!

Well... HERE is some information you might find useful:

-Tuesday 14th > Presentation of lists of students,  their groups, timetable, classrooms and teachers!

-Wednesday 15th > Presentation in class with the teacher to give general and important information about the course to start for groups A (Mondays & Wednesdays)

 -Thursday 16th >Presentation in class with the teacher to give general and important information about the course to start for groups B (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

HAPPY START!

Read more in EOI ARUCAS Webpage 

and FACEBOOK

An Englishman playing The Timple...

MASSIVE!

MISTAKES FOUND BY THE TEACHER> Where is says "When I was a child I played subbuteo on "

It should say ONE

"And around my neck you know I wear the sony budokan"> VIDEOCAM

MASSIVE ATTACK

This Bristol trio has become one of the best trip-hop groups ever, even possibly responsible for the trip-hop genre, featuring the skills of Grant Marshall (aka Daddy Gee), Robert del Naja (3D), and Andrew Vowles (Mushroom). In 1988 they formed the creative core of Massive Attack. Three years later in 1991 their debut album Blue Lines was greeted with much acclaim. While 1994's album Protection was even a greater artistic and commercial success (both albums sold over a million units worldwide).

The albums feature contributions from Horace Andy and Tracey Thorn of Everything But The Girl; also appearing are Nicolette and fellow Bristolian Tricky, both now in their own solo careers. Not until 1998 did their long awaited third album, Mezzanine, come out. Mezzanine features vocals from Horace Andy, Elizabeth Fraser, and Sara Jay. This album is a bit darker and more abrasive than it's predecessors. Massive Attack also contributes work to various soundtracks and collections.

Some of the soundtracks that feature their music are; Batman Forever, Best Laid Plans, Fan, Insider, Jackal, Mission Impossible, Moulin Rouge, Nowhere, Sliver, Stigmata and Blade 2.
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Joke 1