Understanding Idiomatic Expressions
It's time for more practice of a skill you learned in Unit Six—guessing the meaning of idiomatic expressions. Remember that in the case of idiomatic expressions, word formation clues can be misleading, but that context clues—examples, explanations, contrasts or parallel phrases—can help you figure out the meanings.
“Understanding Idiomatic Expressions” was introduced in unit 6 and this time we have more practice of these expressions.
As has been stated in Unit 6, the meaning of idiomatic expressions can be very difficult—even impossible—to guess. And it is very important for us to understand the meaning of the overall reading passage.
Now here are more examples picked up from Reading Passage A, Unit 10.
Example 1
My grandparents believed that you were either honest or you were not. There was no middle point. (Para. 1, Passage A, Unit 10)
middle point: a position which is between two very different ones; something just between A and B
Example 2
She was responsible for ensuring that all surgical instruments and materials were accounted for during an operation. (Para. 4, Passage A, Unit 10)
accounted for: give a statement or explanation about how something is used and kept
Example 3
Always give others credit that is rightfully theirs. Don’t be afraid of those who might have a better idea or who might even be more intelligent than you are. (Para. 9, Passage A, Unit 10)
give others credit/give credit to: praise someone
Example 4
A life of principle, of not yielding to the tempting attractions of an easy morality, will always win the day.. (Para. 14, Passage A, Unit 10)
win the day: be successful
Now here is a brief summary of the reading skills we have covered in Book 1 for your quick reference in convenience.
Reading Skills for Book 1
Unit 1: Guessing New Words
Unit 2: Opinion or Facts
Unit 3: Key Ideas in Sentences
Unit 4: Reading for Main Ideas in Paragraphs
Unit 5: Reading for Major Details
Unit 6: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions
Unit 7: Reading between the Lines
Unit 8: Scanning and Predicting
Unit 9: Predicting from Subtitles
Unit 10: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions
Web Site Resources: The Best Aid for Cheating? 阅读技巧/Reading Skill
»