1. Articles
  2. All Articles

All Articles

Tracking Down the Hackers

If you have seen The Matrix you will have some idea of how sinister the world of computers could be. It' s not like that really (we hope!), but computing is certainly not always confined to the innocent activities of typing text, sending emails and downloading web pages. Enter the world of the hackers.

1999

Hurrah for Harry!

Third in line to the throne, young Prince Harry has started to make his mark on the nation's consciousness in more ways than one...

2002

Jokes!

Here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods. We in the West are not all this stupid, honestly! Shop carefully!

1. On a Sears hairdryer: "Do not use while sleeping."

2. On a bag of Fritos: "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside."

3. On a bar of Dial soap: "Directions: use like regular soap."

4. On some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestions: defrost."

5. On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom of box): "Do not turn upside down."

2001

Olympiad

Fundacja Kopernikańska w Polsce, the publisher of THE WORLD OF ENGLISH and the official sponsor of the XXIII English Language Olympiad, congratulates the 20 Laureats who advanced to the final stage from 26,442 starting participants.

Agnieszka Wendorff, the 1st prize winner of the XXIII English Language Olympiad, being congratulated by dr Henryk Krzyżanowski, the author of the tests.

1999

Exiled on the Emerald Isle

During and after the Second World War, a small community of Polish people developed in Ireland. The two peoples shared religion and a history of oppression, while marriage brought them closer together.

2001

A Continent Short on Bridges

Somewhere over the River Ubangi, in Likuali, the land of the pygmies, a white hunter once told me:" In this world all national borders are artificial. For thousands of years the only thing that has counted here has been the tribes and their laws. But who can work out the complicated geography of ethnic and tribal divisions?"

1999

Secret Shopper

Each June, high school and university students across America pack away their books for three months and go to work. For some of these students, summer jobs are a way to soak up the sun while earning pocket money as a lifeguard at the beach or a caddy in a posh golf club. For others, they're the first rung on the professional ladder, padding a résumé and imparting essential business skills. But as Steve DeBretto from Chicago explains, some summer jobs can be just plain weird.

2003

Letters to the Professor

When listening to native speakers they do not seem to say 'one hundred' or 'one kilometre' properly. The 'one' sounds more like an 'er' sound. Can you please explain to me why this is and if I should try to do it too? Małgorzata J., Warszawa.

Dear Malgorzata,

2000

Golden Jubilee

The origins of Royal Jubilees date back to the days of Ancient Egypt. Pharaohs were obliged to take part in various ceremonies to demonstrate their continuing virility and competence to rule. The word Jubilee is Hebrew and comes from Yobel, which refers to the ram's horn that was used in those days to proclaim that celebrations were about to begin.

2002

What on earth is the Council of Europe?

What on earth is the Council of Europe?

1999

We are Europe's Future!

"We are the future of Europe. The future shape of our continent depends on us." So said the young people who came to Strasbourg from 43 countries for the 50th anniversary of the Council of Europe.

1999

Notting Hill, Actually

After the film Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, was released in 1999 house prices in that area of west London shot through the roof. Everyone suddenly wanted to live there. But was the film a realistic portrayal of that part of London - or was it simply the product of the imagination of Britain's most successful screenplay writer in recent years, Richard Curtis?

2004

Ghosts of Christmas Past

Many of the things that the British and Americans associate with Christmas - the tree, the greetings cards, giving presents - have their origins in Victorian Britain. Lets go back in time and see what Christmas was like for an average family living in London in the mid-eighteen hundreds.

2003

No Dope, No Hope?

"You are what you eat" is a favourite health catchphrase, but in sport it seems more and more to be a case of: "You are when you cheat."

2001

The Great British Beach Holiday

Martin Hinton has ten pieces of advice for those of you considering taking a holiday by the seaside in the UK. If you want to not look out of place among the Brits sitting on the beach, then remember to do the following:

2004
/
UK
Travel
/

You Are Now Entering the Phone Zone

An incredible 24 million mobile phone text-messages are sent and received every day in Britain. The young, especially, love this way of communicating, but many academics and teachers are increasingly worried about the quality of English they use when sending an SMS.

2001

Thanks to the Yanks

You'll find everything in America, so naturally the Yanks have found a name for everything...

Strictly speaking, the term "America" comprises the entire Western Hemisphere, encompassing North, Central and South America. Colloquially, however, when most people say America, they mean the United States. For centuries, the world's richest country has fascinated travelers and attracted immigrants from all over the globe. And America continues to be a dream destination both for tourists and people seeking a better life.

2002

Linux

Say Windows and most people will know that you mean the operating system owned by Microsoft. Say Linux and youll probably get a blank stare either that or theyll think youre trying to sell them a new brand of washing powder.

2001

Letters to the Professor

I am learning English at school and I enjoy it very much. But I have one problem, so perhaps you can help me. Do I say: "I live in Zakopane" or "I am living in Zakopane"? Having two present tenses in English is difficult for me. - Stephan P., Zakopane

Dear Stephan,
Yes, I understand your problem. But the problem is not with English, it is with the English teachers and the grammar books.

2000

Australia Celebrates its First Century

2000 was a special year for Australia, as we had the honour of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In 2001 our celebrations have continued, this time to mark the 100th anniversary of Australia as a Federation, our system of Government.

Before 1901

2001