Exam Practice
Idiomatic language expresses ideas and feelings in a metaphorical rather than a literal way. Idiomatic expressions can rarely be translated from one language to another and cannot be made up on the spur of the moment – they are fixed and are used and recognised by native speakers in all aspects of life.
As with phrasal verbs, the best way to expand your range of idiomatic language is to read and listen to as many different kinds of text as you can.
What are Idioms?
Ideas?
Feelings?
Metaphors?
Idiomatic language expresses ideas and feelings in a metaphorical rather than a literal way.
Idiomatic expressions can rarely be translated from one language to another
They cannot be made up on the spur of the moment – they are fixed and are used and recognised by native speakers in all aspects of life.
How to learn them
As with phrasal verbs:-
Work them out as you come across them.
the best way to expand your range of idiomatic language is to read and listen to as many different kinds of text as you can.
Read the following sentences.
A.It was far too difficult for me.
B.We discussed things seriously.
C.Some problems have been eliminated.
D.She is being very extravagant.
E.She was extremely wealthy.
F.It upset him badly.
G.He’s very happy.
listen to the dialogues and note down any idioms you hear which mean the same as the sentences.
Compare the expressions you have written with those of your partner.
Then listen to the dialogues again and check your answers.
How many of the expressions were new to you?
To do the activities and the exam practice below and to check your answers you need to log in to your Learnclick account.
Read and Listen!
LISTENING TO RESPOND
Exam tips!
First read through the options.
Now listen to the recording.
You will hear a variety of idiomatic expressions used in a functional way.
Select the most appropriate response for each item and circle the letter.
1
a ‘It’s so annoying.’
b ‘He’s too busy.’
c ‘Okay, that’s fine.’
d ‘I’m delighted.’
2
a ‘Poor you!’
b ‘That’s great!’
c ‘Why not?’
d ‘Pardon me!’
3
a ‘If you don’t.’
b ‘Would you?’
c ‘Unless you will.’
d ‘Won’t you?’
4
a ‘It serves him right.’
b ‘It’s up to us.’
c ‘It’s fine with him.’
d ‘She went over the line.’
5
a ‘Are you sure?’
b ‘Certainly not!’
c ‘With pleasure!’
d ‘Whatever next?’
6
a ‘No. Just to be on the safe side.’
b ‘No. It’s all over, thank goodness.’
c ‘Yes. Things are looking up.’
d ‘Yes. That’s the best idea.’
7
a ‘Indeed. You go ahead.’
b ‘Yes. Nip it in the bud.’
c ‘Quite. It needs sorting out.’
d ‘I agree. Best to ignore it.’
8
a ‘He’s got a memory like a sieve.’
b ‘Oh, well, forgive and forget.’
c ‘An elephant never forgets.’
d ‘It always jogs his memory.’
Listen again.
Pick out the idiomatic expressions.
Discuss their meaning?
Why are the other options not appropriate?
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