Swine Flu

Worried about swine flu?
Read this CNN article on the issue:
http://blogzonasul.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to leave your comments on the topic!

Colloquial English (Q.10)

There are many colloquial expressions with weather words.

Leave a message with TWO examples of colloquial expressions with weather word and their meanings. ;-)

(Image taken from iatwm.com)

Colloquial English (Q.9)

There are many colloquial expressions with body parts.

Leave a message with TWO examples of colloquial expressions with body parts and their meanings.

(Image taken from ego4u.com)

Visit http://portalgeo.rio.rj.gov.br/EOUrbana/ and see how Rio's landscape has developed over the past 500 years. It's really interesting!

Colloquial English (Q.8)

Complete the expression:

"to signal that one is going to quit; to quit"

The company threw in the ______ after losing all of its major customers.

(Image taken from sicoret.com)

Colloquial English (Q.7)

Complete the expression which means:

"be hoping for a positive outcome"

This morning I had an interview for a job. It went well, so keep your fingers ________!





(Image taken from 4.bp.blogspost.com)

Colloquial English (Q.6)

Complete the expression which means:

"extremely pleased or excited about something"

When Yorkshire won the cup, the players were ________ to bits!

(Image taken from yorkshirerfu.co.uk)

American Idol

Do you watch American Idol?
http://www.americanidol.com/
Who's your favourite contestant?

Colloquial English (Q.5)

Complete the expression

"to become unable or afraid to do something"

Karl was supposed to marry Elaine this weekend, but at the last moment he got cold _____.

a) head

b) hands

c) feet

(Image taken from img.timeinc.net)

Colloquial English (Q.4)

What's all the hype with this video that's been floating around the net for the past few days? Maybe it's the simple message it transmits, which can be translated into a simple colloquial expression...

Watch the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
Can you summarise the message of the video with only one colloquial expression?

Hint: it starts with "Don't..."

Talk to you soon,
Dani Bertolucci

Colloquial English (Q.3)

Look at this sentence:

A husband and wife don't always see eye to eye with each other, but a good marriage can survive small disagreements.

What's the meaning of the expression in bold?

a) agree
b) tolerate
c) argue

(Image taken from wordpress.com)

Colloquial English (Q.2)

Look at this sentence:

John stayed home because he was feeling under the weather.

What's the meaning of the expression in bold?

a) in a hurry
b) not feeling well, sick
c) sad, depressed

(Image taken from photobucket.com)

Colloquial English (Q.1)

Complete the expression
"to reach a decision, to decide finally"

Example: Sally is considering several colleges to attend but she hasn't made up her _____ yet.
a) head
b) brain
c) mind

(Image taken from utoledo.edu)

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Confessions of a Shopaholic is a new romantic comedy about a woman who’s addicted to shopping.
You can use the endings -oholic or -aholic to say a person is an addict.
Examples: alcoholic; workaholic; shopaholic; webaholic; chocoholic.

Have you seen this film? What's your opinion about it?
Do you know anyone who's a shopaholic? (leave comments!)

(Image taken from images.allmoviephoto.com)

Colloquial English

On 6th and 7th April we had a few workshops at the branch with teacher Aaron Dann. His lectures were about intonation and he also talked to the students about colloquial English.
By the way, during April, beginning next Monday (13), we're having a competition at the branch (and here on the BLOG too) related to colloquial expressions and idioms. The winner will get a very nice prize! You can't miss it! Keep posted!

Easter

Easter is around the corner and we have a new competition at the branch. In order to get a huge basket filled with chocolates, you need to go to the secretary's office and try to guess how many chocolates there are in the same basket. Make your guesses and GOOD LUCK!