WEEK EIGHT
GRAMMAR:IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION
CONTENT:
What are idioms?
Definition
An idiom (also called idiomatic expression ) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom individual elements. In other words, idioms don’t mean exactly what the words say. They have, however, hidden meaning.
Examples
“Kick the bucket”
“Spill the beans”
The meaning of these expressions is different from the literalmeaning or definition of the words of which they are made. Their meaning are however used figuratively. They mean respectively:
“to die ”
“to tell people secret information”
Idiomatic expressions are a type of informal English that have a meaning different from the meaning of the words in the expression.
Here’s an example of an idiomatic expression.
Hold your tongue.
This idiom does not actually mean that you should stick your fingers in your mouth and grab a hold of your tongue. It means that you shouldn’t talk. People “hold their tongues” when they are in situations where they want to talk, but it would be better if they didn’t. So, while their tongue is ready to do some talking, they “hold” it and don’t say anything.
Every language has idioms, and they can be difficult to learn if you’re not a native speaker of that language.
20 Common Idiomatic Expressions & Their Meanings
1. She was tickled pink by the good news.
Made very happy
2. You were hands down the best player on the team.
There was no competition
3. I’ve been feeling pretty down in the dumps lately.
Sad or depressed
4. I’m feeling sick as a dog!
Very sick
5. I’ve been feeling under the weather .
Not well
6. Rise and shine!
Wake up and be happy!
7. Close, but no cigar .
You were very close, but you did not make it.
8. I could play outside till the cows come home .
For a very long time
9. Wow! It’s raining cats and dogs out there!
Very hard rain
10. That sound is driving me up the wall !
Making me very annoyed
11 . This assignment is a piece of cake.
Very easy
12. Although he broke the rules, he was only given a slap on the wrist .
A mild punishment
13. Yikes! This shirt costs an arm and a leg .
It is extremely expensive.
14. No, I was just pulling your leg .
Just joking
15. It’s Greek to me !
I don’t understand.
16. Keep your chin up .
Be happy.
17. Hold your horses .
Be patient.
18. We’re all in the same boat .
All of us are in the same position.
19. He’s a bit of a loose cannon .
Unpredictable
20. I will clean my room when pigs fly.
Never.
ASSIGNMENT.
Write with meaning twenty Idiomatic expression.
COMPOSITION: DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
CONTENT:
Writers use the descriptive essay to create a vivid picture ofa person, place, or thing. Unlike a narrative essay, which reveals meaning through a personal story, the purpose of a descriptive essay is to reveal the meaning of a subject through detailed, sensory observation. The descriptive essay employs the power of language and all the human senses to bring a subject to life for the reader. If readers come away from a descriptive essay with the feeling that they have really met a person, gone to a particular place, or held a certain object, the writer has done a good job. If readers also feel an emotional connection and deep appreciation for the subject’s significance, the writer has done a great job.
The Five-Step Writing Process for Descriptive Essays. Professional writers know one thing: Writing takes work, Understanding and following the proven steps of the writing process helps all writers, including students. Here are descriptive essay writing tips for each phase of the writing process:
1. Prewriting for the Descriptive Essay:
In the prewriting phase of descriptive essay writing, students should take time to think about who or what they want to describe and why. Do they want to write about a person of significance in their lives, or an object or place that holds meaning? The topic doesn’t have to be famous or unusual.
The person could be a grandparent, the object, a favorite toy, and the place, a tree house.
Once a topic is chosen, students should spend time thinking about the qualities they want to describe. Brainstorm about all the details associated with the topic. Even when not writing about a place, reflect on the surroundings. Where is the object located? Where does the person live? Consider not just physical characteristics, but also what memories, feelings, and ideas the subject evokes. Memory and emotion play an important role in conveying the subject’s
significance. Plan the focus of each paragraph and create an outline that puts these details into a logical sequence.
2. Drafting a Descriptive Essay:
When creating the initial draft of a descriptive essay, follow the outline, but remember, the goal is to give the reader a rich experience of the subject. Keep in mind, the most important watchword of writing a descriptive essay is show, don’t tell. One of the best ways to show is to involve all of the senses— not just sight, but also hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Write so the reader will see the sunset, hear the song, smell the flowers, taste the pie, or feel the touch of a hand.
Don’t Tell…Show! Use descriptive and figurative language, as well as concrete images to describe the subject. Similes and metaphors workwell. Here are some examples:
Telling the house was old.
Showing ,The house frowned with a wrinkled brow, and inside it creaked with each step, releasing a scent of neglected
laundry……………
Enjoy the process of describing the subject—it can be a rewarding experience. A descriptive essay doesn’t rely on facts and examples, but on the writer’s ability to create a mental picture for the reader.
3. Revising a Descriptive Essay:
In the revision phase, students review, modify, and reorganize their work with the goal of making it the best it can be. In revising a descriptive essay, students should reread their work with these considerations in mind:
Does the essay unfold in a way that helps the reader tofully appreciate the subject?
Do any paragraphs confuse more than describe?
Does the word choice and figurative language involve the five senses and convey emotion and meaning?
Are there enough details to give the reader a complete picture?
Has a connection been made between the descriptionand its meaning to the writer? Will the reader be able to identify with the conclusion made?
Always keep the reader in mind from opening to concluding paragraph. A descriptive essay must be precise in its detail, yet not get ahead of itself. It’s better to go from the general to the specific. Otherwise, the reader will have trouble building the image in their mind’s eye. For example, don’t describe a glossy coat of fur before telling the reader that the essay is about a dog!
4. Editing a Descriptive Essay
At this point in the writing process, writers proofread and correct errors in grammar and mechanics. It’s also the time to improve style and clarity. Watch out for clichés and loading up on adjectives and adverbs.