I couldn't help but wonder... at what point does a learner stop reading for the lesson and start reading for themselves? Somewhere between the textbook and the novel, there's an empty shelf — nothing short enough, warm enough, or theirs enough. COSYzine is our attempt to fill that shelf, one folded page at a time, and to leave a little room in it for the learners' own words too — because being read is its own kind of fluency.
What's in Every Issue?
Crafted specifically for A2–B1 learners across English, French, Italian, Russian, and Greek.
📰 Wonder of the Month
This month's writing prompt, borrowed straight from our "I Couldn't Help But Wonder" Speaking Club. Submit your own 100-word "wondering" for a chance to see it printed.
🕵️ Idiom Detective
A short riddle built from three real idioms in your language. Solve it first, get named in the next issue.
📐 This Month's Grammar, Decoded
One tricky grammar point per language, explained the way our Conjugation & Gender Engines do: patterns, not rules to memorise.
🚧 False Friend of the Month
One dangerous look-alike word per language pair, illustrated as a tiny comic misunderstanding, so you never make that mistake out loud.
🗣️ Borrowed from the Streets
What people actually say vs. what the textbook says, plus when not to use it.
💌 Reader Mailbag & Learner Voices
Real reactions to last issue, and short submitted stories from students learning right now, printed with light corrections.
Something to Win, Every Issue
A magazine you read is nice. A magazine you might appear in is better.
✍️ Wonder Writing Contest
Answer this issue's "I Couldn't Help But Wonder" prompt in 100 words or fewer, in your target language. One winner per level (A2/B1/B2/C1) per language gets published next issue.
🕵️ Idiom Detective
Crack the idiom riddle first and get your name in print, plus a small discount on your next lesson pack.
📸 COSY Sightings
Spot your language "in the wild" — a menu, a sign, an overheard conversation. Submit a photo and a one-line caption for our "COSY Sightings" column.
🎨 Cover Art Contest
Draw or doodle next season's zine cover. The winning design gets printed for real, on the actual cover.
Same level, across every language — a Greek A2 learner and a French A2 learner compete on equal footing. Prompts are judged on creativity, not grammar.
Upcoming COSYzine Issues
Real downloadable PDF issues launching soon across all COSY languages.
🇬🇧 Issue #1: London Rain & Tea Culture
CEFR Level: A2–B1 | Language: English
Exploring British small talk, weather idioms, a coffee vs. tea dialogue comic, and a student story from our London Speaking Club.
This issue's Wonder: "Do raindrops select where to fall?" · False Friend: actually vs. actuellement.
🇫🇷 Édition #1: Le Café du Matin & Flânerie
CEFR Level: A2–B1 | Language: Français
The art of Parisian wandering, everyday boulangerie vocabulary, 5 essential French idioms, and a reader submission on learning French in Lyon.
Cette édition Wonder: "Pourquoi court-on après le temps?" · Faux ami: envier vs. envy.
🇮🇹 Edizione #1: La Dolce Vita & Aperitivo
CEFR Level: A2–B1 | Language: Italiano
Italian gestures decoded, regional food culture, conversational espresso bar prompts, and a learner story on moving to Tuscany.
Edizione Wonder: "Dove vanno i pensieri non detti?" · Falso amico: eventualmente vs. eventually.
🇷🇺 Выпуск #1: Уютные вечера и традиции
CEFR Level: A2–B1 | Language: Русский
Чайные традиции, пословицы о дружбе, комикс про путешествие на поезде и история ученика о первом разговоре на русском.
Выпуск Wonder: "Почему мы помним старые песни?" · Ложный друг: магазин vs. magazine.
✍️ Submit Your Text to 'Learner Voices'
Are you learning English, French, Italian, Russian, or Greek with us or in your own time? Write a short text (100–250 words) about a funny misunderstanding, a breakthrough moment, or your favorite local spot. Selected texts will be published in our printed COSYzine issues with language corrections!
Guidelines for Learner Submissions:
- Length: 100 to 250 words
- Language: English, French, Italian, Russian, or Greek
- Level: Any level (A1 to C1 welcome!)
- Topic: Language journey, cultural reflection, or travel story
The 8-Page Foldable Zine Format
COSYzine uses our standard single-sheet folding compiler implemented in Foldable Pocket Zines.
Generate Custom Vocabulary Zines Today 📖
While waiting for official newspaper issues, you can generate and print your own custom 8-page pocket booklets using any vocabulary category or your personal notebook words!
Get Notified When Issue #1 Drops 🚀
Message us on WhatsApp or send an email to be notified the moment COSYzine Issue #1 is available for download!
Questions or ideas for COSYzine? 🌱
Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram to suggest topics, recipes, or culture specials for upcoming issues.