2002 | The World of English

Gibraltar: The battle for the rock

Gibraltar is an island just off the coast of Spain. It has been a British colony since 1713. Spain wants it back. The EU is encouraging both countries to come to an agreement. But these negotiations were made even more difficult earlier this year, when British armed forces invaded Spain!

2002

Are Hip-Hop Videos Sexist?

The two best selling genres of popular music in the U.S. are country music and Hip-Hop. Consequently, MTV is full of videos by C&W and rap artists. Nobody seems to get very upset about the former, but the latter certainly seems to divide the record buying public. Are these videos degrading to females?

2002

Museums of London

2002

The Children of Lir

Don't love too deeply,and be mindful of how you display your affections! Wise advice,for jealousy lies in the heartof many and jealousy's victimsare often the innocent.

2002

Just who is St Andrew?

Everyone knows that St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. But you may not be aware that up in heaven, Scotland, Wales and England are equally loved and watched over by their own patron saints.

2002

The Anatomy of the EU

Now that Poland has been given the green light to join the European Union people here are asking: what do the various institutions in Brussels, Luxemburg, and Strasbourg actually do? What is the difference between the European Council, the Council of the EU and the Council of Europe, for instance? And why are there only 12 stars on the EU flag? Be confused no longer (hopefully) with our simple guide.

2002

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

Frodo, friends and foes

December 19th saw the worldwide release of The Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga of Good and Evil, peopled with Hobbits, Elves, Orcs, Goblins and other beasts (including humans!) and it has just hit cinemas in Poland. So what is it this "ring thing"? The whole world is talking about it, it's overtaking Harry Potter at the box office, and countless millions are watching a literary legend take shape on the big screen.

2002

The Mormons of Utah

"This is the place" were the now famous words uttered by Brigham Young in 1846, establishing the Mormon Church in the area of Salt Lake City, Utah. Recently the location of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, this is also the first time the Mormon Church in Utah has had widespread exposure in the international media. Known for not drinking tea or coffee, and for men having many wives, the reality of the Mormon faith is even more complex and interesting.

2002

A PC Fairytale: Three Pigs and a Big Bad Wolf

- a politically correct fairy tale

2002

Queen - The Show Must go On

A new musical, based on songs by one of Britain's best-loved rock groups, Queen, opened at the Dominion Theatre, London, on May 14. Part of the 10 million dollars for the production has been paid for by Hollywood screen legend Robert de Niro. Theatre critics are calling it a "futuristic extravaganza". The success of the musical is proof, 11 years after the death of Freddie Mercury, that Queen are still the champions.

2002

The Art of Bad Taste: The British Tabloid

12 million people everyday read The Sun newspaper in Britain. Infamous for it's page three topless models, its obsession with the private lives of the rich and famous, and its innovative way with the English language, Britain's most popular newspaper is just one of many tabloid titles that you can find at the newsagent's. But why are tabloids so popular in Britain?

2002

Teach Yourself English Online

Have you ever used the Internet to teach yourself something? The World Wide Web has many teach-yourself sites on all sorts of topics - from how to build yourself a house, to how to build yourself a bomb! There are also many teach-yourself English language sites. But which are the good ones and which should you not waste your time with? English teacher and WoE's resident computer genius, Deji Akala, takes a look at some of the best on the net.

2002

FAQs: Joining the European Union

When Poland joins the EU will everything in the shops be as expensive as in Paris or London?

Of course not. If Poland does join the EU, prices will gradually increase at the same rate as wages. There will be no dramatic increase in the cost of bread, beer or clothing.

Will we have to get rid of the zloty then?

2002

Best Wishes from the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The year 2001 was the first year of the new decade, new century and new millennium, but our magazine has only just completed its first decade of writing for students and teachers of English as "the universal second language." We began operations in 1992, but only two issues were published that year, so it is 2003 that really marks our 10th birthday. In today's fast-paced times, 1993 may now seem like ancient history. For the benefit of those too young to be with us then, let's recall what things were like back then.

2002

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

Going Green

Planning a trip to London in March? Make sure you're there on St Patrick's Day, March 17th, when everyone (well, almost) claims Irish ancestry. But wherever you are around the globe, if you really are Irish you can't fail to be popular; and if you haven't got green blood in you, you still can't fail to have a fantastic time.

2002

Africa and The World Summit

The World Summit on sustainable development was held in Johannesburg, South Africa last September. 6,500 delegates from 185 countries discussed issues such as how economic growth could be encouraged in developing countries without further damaging the earth's environment. Topics such as improving poor countries' water and energy supplies and education systems were also discussed.

2002

Eminem: Will the Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?

His album The Eminem Show has been one of the best selling records around the world this summer. But the white rapper from East Detroit has as many enemies and critics as he has fans. Is Eminem, as his detractors claim, homophobic and sexist? Are rap musicians like him a dangerous influence on kids everywhere, or are they just misunderstood geniuses? The answers to these questions, of course, can be found in their lyrics.

2002

The death penalty debate

British citizen Tracy Housel was executed on13th March 2002 in Jackson, Georgia, in the US. He received a lethal injection and took 11 minutes to die. Housel, born in the British colony of Bermuda, was convicted of the murder and rape of a woman in Georgia in 1986. He also confessed to the murder of 17 other people. His defenders say that he was mentally ill at the time. The British government had asked the US not to execute one of its citizens.

2002