Week 4
Subject: English Grammar
Topic: Idioms
Idiom are fixed expressions whose meaning are different from the literal meaning of the words that make
them. As a fixed expression, idioms cannot be modified or changed. For instance, the idiom, “to cost an
arm and a leg”, should not be written as “to cost a leg and an arm”.
Importance of idioms
1.
It broadens our vocabulary.
2.
It provides us with new and creative ways of expressing our thoughts.
3.
It enhances fluency and proficiency in the English language.
S/N
Idioms
meaning
1.
Beat around the bush
To avoid talking about what is really
important.
2.
Get your act together
Get organized and do things
effectively.
3.
Hit the sack
Go to sleep.
4.
Your guess is as good as mine
I do not know.
5.
To go back to the drawing board
To start all over all again.
6.
Break fresh/ new ground
Doing something that has never been
done before.
7.
Keep an ear to the ground
Staying informed and updated about
everything.
8.
By the skin of your teeth
By a very narrow margin.
9.
Cut corners
Doing something in an easier and
least expensive manner.
10.
To have a sticky finger.
To be a thief.
11.
Straight from the Horse’s mouth
Directly from the person involved.
12.
To bury the hatchet
To end a quarrel or conflict and
become friendly.
Examples in sentences:
1.
The criminal escaped the police by the skin of his teeth.
2.
It is not too late to go back to the drawing board and assess your mistakes.
3.
My father buried the hatchet by dividing the pasta equally between me and my
sister.
4.
The cashier had a sticky finger. He stole around $2000 and ran away from the bank.
For further reading, open the pdf below.
Idioms.pdf
Subject: English Composition
Topic: Differences between a formal and an informal letter.
A letter is a written message that is addressed to a specific person and sent through e-mail or post office.
A formal letter, also known as business letter, is a type of letter written for official purposes or
to someone in a position of authority, e.g. letter to an editor, manager, application letter and many more.
An informal letter is a personal letter written to a friend, a family member or an acquaintance.
Differences between a Formal and an Informal letter
1. Format: the format of a formal letter must be strictly observed. It include
a) In official letters, the writer writes his address at the top right hand corner.
b) The address of the addressee is written in the letter at the top left corner.
c) An official letter begins with Sir/Madam and informal letter begins with Dear Bola etc.
d) The heading or title of the letter is written immediately after the salutation, e.g. A Letter
of Complaint.
e) An official letter ends with “Yours faithfully” followed by the writer’s signature and full
name. An informal letter ends with “Yours sincerely” followed by a comma and the writer’s
first name only.
2.
Language: In an informal letter, you are allowed to use codes, slang, abbreviations and
contractions; but, in a formal letter, they are prohibited.
3.
Manner: In a formal letter, you go straight to the point, keep it simple and short. Also, you avoid
friendly chat and exchange of pleasantries; whereas, informal letters allows for exchange of
pleasantries and casual chat before writing on the issue at hand.
Do not write the letters below; it serves as a model to guide you.
A formal letter
An informal letter
A well-written formal letter