April 2011 Issue
International English Agency
 
Language Lessons · Translations · Interpretations
In This Issue
Feature Article: The Easter Rabbit and his Eggs
Grammar Lesson
Common English Mistakes Made by Czech People
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ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND -

 by Lewis Carroll

The Origins of Easter

Easter is celebrated with a lot of fervor in Christian countries all around the world.  The celebrations of Easter by the Christians embody many converging traditions.

Easter can also be related to Pesach or Passover which gave birth to Pasch which is used by the Europeans for Easter. In the Jewish calendar, Passover is considered a very important festival which is celebrated to commemorate the freedom of Israelis who were enslaved by the Egyptians.Most of the early Christians had Jewish origins. They regarded Easter as a part of the Passover festival that celebrated the advent of Messiah. 

 

people in a circle
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Dear Readers,

 

The Easter holiday is once again upon us.  In this issue of our newsletter we give you an opportunity to practice your listening skills. 
  
We hope you enjoy the Easter long weekend and all the festivities that this tradition brings.
  
Sincerely,

Yvonne Havlicek, Director

The Easter Rabbit and his Eggs


The traditions that are related to Easter are said to survive in the Easter rabbit which symbolizes fertility. The colored eggs that are decorated by children and adults signify sunlight in spring and can be given as gifts.

Click on the YouTube video link for step by step instructions on how to decorate Easter eggs.

 
How To Decorate Easter Eggs
How To Decorate Easter Eggs

Easter is observed in churches on 1st

Sunday which follows the full moon occurring on or after
the spring equinox.
Grammar Lesson:  Modal Verbs 

A modal verb helps modify another verb so that the modified verb expresses more intention when expressed. Modal verbs are very common in languages that are of Germanic origin, which includes English. Modal verbs usually express necessity or a possibility. For example, verbs like "might" or "may" can be used to describe an action that is going to take place but has not happened.

 

Complete the following with an appropriate modal verb:

   

 

1.    She ran 15 rounds of the ground; she_______ be tired.

2.     Jim's car is very powerful! It _______ have cost a fortune.

3.     ______ I use your pen for a minute.

4.     I brought the ball inside, it _______ be in the bedroom.

5.     You will_______ study hard to get good grades.

6.     _______ we go to her house? She is not feeling well.

7.     You  _______ play this game otherwise we will lose.

8.     I_________ take a leave on Monday, I have to go somewhere.

9.     He_______ have told you about the game.

10.   Peter _______ propose to Jenny at the party.

* answers can be found at the end of the newsletter

Common English Mistakes Made by Czech People

"Czech people are using the present continuous too often."

 

There's no need to use the present continuous (BE verb + ~ing) to describe habitual or recurring actions. I hope you aren't using don't use the present continuous when it's not required! 

 

 

 "I take care about my sick grandmother."

 

Yes, there are too many phrasal verbs with "care" that have similar meanings. You take care of/look after/care for your grandmother (all three phrasal verbs have the same meaning). To care about something/someone is to think it/she/he is important and worth worrying about. I care about the rain forests in Brazil, but I can't take care of them because I don't live there. I just think they are important.

 

Matthew Barton- author

Answers:
 1) must  2) must   3) can   4) might   5) have to   6) can  7) have to  8) might   9) should  10) might