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ESSAY
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Tuesday, 14 June 2011

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IDIOMS IN ESSAY

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What Is An Idom...?

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1 6 5 1 8 6 2
An idiom is an expression consisting of a
combination of words that have a figurative
meaning. The figurative meaning is comprehended
in regard to a common use of the expression that is
separate from the literal meaning or definition of
the words of which it is made.Idioms are numerous
and they occur frequently in all languages. There
are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English
language. (source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiom)

Blog Archive

2011 (17)
June (3)
SPM ESSAY DIRECTED WRITING
SPM ENGLISH ESSAY FORMAT
CONTINUOUS WRITING
IDIOMS IN ESSAY
July (2)
August (1)
September (1)
October (4)

Can I Use Idioms In My Essay...?

Students are encouraged to
use idioms in PT3 and SPM
examinations.Using relevant and suitable idioms in an essay will help
students to get a better mark for their essay.
Don't simply use idioms just for the sake of getting better grades for your
essay paper, this will backfire if the idioms you use are irrelevant or
out of place.
You can use idioms in the beginning paragraph or in the body paragraph
or in the closing paragraph. It all depends on the topic and suitability of
the idioms used.
Be careful not to over do it.You might be impressed but it does
not necessarily mean the examiner would be.
Do not use idioms when writing formal letters or business letters.
So, for a better grade use at least three idioms.If you can't write three at
least write one idiom in the closing paragraph.

November (5)
December (1)
2012 (19)
2013 (4)
2014 (1)
2015 (3)
2016 (1)

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Sample Sentences With Idioms...

1.

The suffering Adam went through in life was actually a blessing

in disguise,for it has taught him to be prudent and thrifty with his finances.

2.

Many obese Malaysians are actually couch potatoes.They just like to sit
and eat on a couch all day long watching movies without moving an inch.

3.

Students who like to drag their feet will not be able to finish their
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4.

Students need to widen their horizons in order to face the challenges of

globalisation.

5.

People who like to be mules for drug traffickers must learn to face the music
if caught by the authorities.

6.

Sam has a gut feeling that something bad is going to happen today.

7.

Parents need to have a heart to heart talk with their teenage

children often.This will help them to understand the emotional turmoil their
teenage

https://kopitiamenglish.blogspot.my/2011/06/idiomsinessays.html

which yo...

PT3 ESSAY DESCRIPTIVE

SECTION D (40 marks)
(Time suggested : 45
minutes) Question 1 The
picture below shows a
snatch theft incident

THE RAILWAY
CHILDREN CHARACTER
ROBERTA (BOBBIE)
Roberta is 12 years old.
She has a brother named
Peter and a younger
sister named Phyllis.She is fondly known
as Bo...
IDIOMS IN ESSAY
What Is An Idom...? A
n idiom is an expression
consisting of a
combination of words
that have a figurative
meaning. The f...
THE RAILWAY
CHILDREN MORAL
VALUE
There are some beautiful
moral values / lessons we
can see and learn from

11/
10

7/27/2016

@: IDIOMS IN
ESSAY

children are going through better.

8.

Reading helps a person to be knowledgeable about his surroundings and not

be in the dark.

9.

Parents need to keep an eye on their children's after school activities.

10.

We packed our things and headed to the remote village in Manjala. The
journey was quite challenging and dangerous but we managed to steer
clear of danger and reached the village safe and sound.

1.

My father and mother are always at loggerheads, they never once agreed
on anything, always pointing fingers at one another over silly matters.

2.

Sandy was on cloud nine as she got through her SPM examination with
flying colours.

3.

After waiting for six long years, Pat and Mandy finally tied the knot.
Their parents gave them an out of this world wedding reception as a
wedding gift.

4.

Henry is quite wrapped up with his construction work. He just can't afford to
take a break or put up his feet even for a second.

5.

Miranda has put on weight after giving birth to her baby girl. She plans to
work out more to shed the extra pounds.

6.

Starting from 2013, every student must pass their History paper. Students are
worried that they might not be able to sail through it because History is
all Greek to them.

7.

The old house opposite my house has a ghostly presence, it gives me

goose bumps just looking at it.

8.

The bank was robbed in broad daylight.The police are not leaving any
stones unturned, they are working out a game plan to catch the
mastermind.

9.

People around the world must have an attitude of give and take in order to
enjoy continuous peace.Insensitive words or religious undertones will only
create ripples which can turn into a vicious cycle of unnecessary violence.

10.

The two opposing political parties are hoping for a landslide victory this
coming election. Working committes from both parties have rolled up
their
sleeves for some serious campaining.

this novel. The moral

values / lessons are BRAVE,
KINDHEARTED, S...
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They are as stated below
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PT3 Descriptive Essay
How I spent my holidays

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

SYNOPSIS
Roberta(Bobbie), Peter
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a hous...

+4 Recommend this on Google

Posted by Kopitiam English

Helpful (3)

Reactions:

Informative (1)

Thanks (1)

68 comments:
Anonymous 21 June 2011 at
06:13 good use of idioms on
essays.... its very inspiring
Reply

Anonymous 21 June 2011 at 06:16

good ideas of use of idioms on essay....... i want more please give me more ideas on my yahoo
id fran k_n iraj22@yah oo.com
Reply
Anonymous 3 February 2012 at 05:13
Helloooo. Idioms SHOULD NOT be used in essays. In fact, they're on par with cliches and should
be avoided because they show a lack of originality and expression.

Friends Following This Blog

Reply

Replies

https://kopitiamenglish.blogspot.my/2011/06/idiomsinessays.html

22/
10

7/27/2016
zuraimi85 10 September 2014 at 20:03

@: IDIOMS IN
ESSAY

Remember, this is Malaysia, where English is a second language. In some parts, it is

Followers (64) Nex t

considered as foreign language. I don't see that it is wrong to teach students to use
idioms in their essay. Yes, it might kill the creativity, but remember as well that
there are still many students who are not fluent enough in English language,
making it not easy for them to come out with 'original expressions.'

Reply

Kopitiam
07:29

4 February 2012 at

Follow

Dear
Anonymous,
I want to kill myself

Thanks for the comment,

I want to kill myself

It is alright to use idioms in your essay. Just be careful not to overdo it.The idiom(s) that
you choose must be relevant and appropriate to the theme or the topic of your essay.I agree
that one must original in using idioms in his/her essay.Keep it simple and genuine.
But, if you are not familiar on how to use them, then I would advise that you refrain from using
them.
*As for me,I prefer to teach my students to think out of box rather than following mundane one
tracked essay writing style. A writer must be free to explore all boundries of his thoughts and
imaginations and setting rules and boundries will only stifle and choke the life out of
one's creative mind.
Reply

Replies
Anonymous
20:35

18 May 2013 at

Hello
Kopitiam,
What did you mean by 'keep it simple and
genuine'? Did you mean we can make our own
idioms?
I agreed your point that there's a thing that restrain us students to be artistic, which
is rules.

Kopitiam
08:43

21 May 2013 at

Simple try not to over do it, one or two idioms will do.As for genuine, use the
original idioms which you can find in books or on the net.Well, if you can create
your own idioms then that would be really cool.
Be free to explore and if you manage to come up with your own idioms check it
out with your English teacher(s). All The best.
Reply

Anonymous 15 September 2012 at 04:03

Good examples OF idioms =)
Can you help me ? i am confused with the sentence no.7 .
> This will help them to BETTER UNDERSTAND the emotional turmoil their teenage children
are going through.
~ BETTER UNDERSTAND or UNDERSTAND BETTER ???? please explain . thank you
:) Reply
Replies
Kopitiam
23:13

9 October 2012 at

Hi Anonymous :
"To better understand" or "To understand better" which is right and which is wrong or
can I use them both and if so how?
Let's start with "Split Infinitive" What are
they...?
1.A split infinitive is an Englishlanguage grammatical construction in which a word or
phrase, usually an adverb or adverbial phrase, comes between the marker to and the
bare infinitive (uninflected) form of a verb.

https://kopitiamenglish.blogspot.my/2011/06/idiomsinessays.html

33/
10

7/27/2016

@: IDIOMS IN

2.Split infinitives happen when you put an adverb between to and a

ESSAY
verb.

Now that we know what they mean, let's move on to the next issue, which
is
"Die hard Grammar Guys" whom I call Sticklers (Splitting the infinitive is a big No!
No!).

and "Creative and Explorative Guys" whom I call Stylists (It's okay to be creative
for language is subject to change)

https://kopitiamenglish.blogspot.my/2011/06/idiomsinessays.html

44/
10

The Answer
[Stickler]

Formal

English

7. Parents need to have a heart to heart talk with their teenage children
often.This will help them to understand the emotional turmoil their teenage
children going through better.

The Answer
[Stylists]

: Informal

/ Creative

English

7. Parents need to have a heart to heart talk with their teenage children
often.This will help them to better understand what kind of emotional turmoil their
teenage children are going through.
*In conclusion "YES" you can use both termsjust be careful how you use
them.In formal writing you should not split it....
for better understanding on this matter check out the links below,they will clear
your doubts for sure...
1.h ttp ://en .wikipe dia.or g/wiki/Split_in fin it i
ve
2.h ttp ://oxforddiction ar ie s.com/wor ds/split
infinitives
2.h ttp ://gr ammar.qu ickan ddir tytips.com/spl it
infinitives.aspx

Adriana
02:37

7 April

2015 at

Hello. I am a student sitting for SPM this year. My teacher tells the class that we
should write our own narrative essay and submit it to her so she could correct them.
After that, we would be using that essay in SPM for Section B's narrative essay. I have
already made mine but I'm more into gory stuff and I tend to insert gory elements
into my writing. I'm hesitant to submit my essay to my teacher because I'm afraid her
impression of me might change.I'm hoping you could asses my writing instead. Please
email me if you're okay with it; shut.the.hellup.16@gmail,com

Kopitiam English
07:24
Send it to my
permits...ok!

7 April 2015 at
gmail

add....I'll

check it

when

time

Reply

memei kerry 5 November 2012 at

04:41 this is a helpful information.
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam 26 January 2013 at 17:34
Glad that it could be a help to you!
Reply

niko loh 24 January 2013 at 05:54

Teacher, can you give me some information and examples for the idioms . Please send
to n ikon in g17@yah oo.com ~ Thanks a lot.
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam 26 January 2013 at 17:32
I will try....no promises.
Reply

Maiza Keroro 25 January 2013 at

23:32 thanks for the great idioms :)
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam 26 January 2013 at 17:33

You're welcome!

Reply

Anonymous 14 March 2013 at 22:48

Good Examples..
Reply

bakal jenazah 24 June 2013 at 07:39

teacher,i copy these idioms. thanks. *broken
english. Reply
Replies
Kopitiam 24 June 2013 at 21:04
lol, no problemuse them wisely.
Reply

Anonymous 14 September 2013 at

20:40 it was useful...
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

3 November 2013 at 18:34

Glad it was helpful....

Reply

x Putz 2 October 2013 at 07:07

Dear Writer,
Nice idioms.
Love,
Cats
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

2 October 2013 at 11:03

Glad that you like it....!

Reply

_ 2 November 2013 at 17:56

Thank you for the idioms
:) Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

3 November 2013 at 00:11

You're welcome...
Reply

Anonymous
04:20

3 November 2013 at

For my SPM trial this year i almost lost out on my essay because my English teacher said that I
did not use enough idioms and creative phrases. However my previous English teacher always
told me to keep it simple and to dumb down my essays a little as it might make the examiners
miss the point. Who do I trust?
Reply

Kopitiam English
18:32

3 November 2013 at

There are some truth in what both your teachers told

you....

Firstly, when writing an essay try not to overdo it by using bombastic words/some classy phrases
which might look/sound cool but it may cause you to miss out on the point/fact you are writing
about.
As for using idiomschoose idioms which are suitable and in accordance with your point(s). Usage
of wrong idiom(s) can cause you to loose marks.Don't use too many idioms as well in your essays.
Min 1
Max 35
*The most important thing when writing an essay is understanding the subject matter
and writing accordingly. Flowery words or too many idioms do not promise high marks.
Keep it simple,understandable and readable by using strong verbs,adjectives,adverbs,phrasal
verbs and touch up with some idioms/words of wisdom.
Reply

Anonymous
03:03

6 November 2013 at

this is sooooooooooooo awesome like crazy

babe
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

6 November 2013 at 07:04

All the best in your SPM!

Reply

Anonymous 6 November 2013 at 05:19

Is that the Word highlighted in Red Colour Are
Wrong? Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

6 November 2013 at 07:03

Not at all.
The 'RED' letters shows how you can use 'TWO' idioms in a sentence.
The 'BLUE' letters show how you can use more than two idioms in a sentence.
Reply

Anonymous 6 November 2013 at 07:16

Thanks ! It would be a big help for tomorrow exam
XD Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

28 January 2014 at 07:41

You're welcome
Reply

Anonymous 6 November 2013 at

10:34 this is very helpful!
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

28 January 2014 at 07:41

You're welcome...
Reply

Anonymous 28 January 2014 at 03:35

Great! Thank you teacher..
:) Reply
Replies

Kopitiam English

28 January 2014 at 07:41

You're welcome...
Reply

saumitra 19 February 2014 at

08:39 thanks for good use of idioms
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

19 February 2014 at 21:26

You're Welcome....
Reply

Tiffany Hee 9 May 2014 at 05:44

i do think it is gooh anonymous,and tq 4 giving this
Reply

sethupathy sundram 13 May 2014 at 06:40

tq kopitiam.my teacher gave me this web site.she told everyone in the class about your
blog. Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

13 May 2014 at 10:24

You're Welcome,Sundram. Do thank your teacher for me for mentioning about my blog. I
really appreciate it.....
Reply

Anonymous 14 May 2014 at 06:02

waa Nice. Thank you. wish me succses on my middle examination. To all students break a leg for
ur exam ^^
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

15 June 2014 at 09:27

All the best!

Reply

Anonymous
04:01

13 June 2014 at

Hi, my mum always encourages me to include idioms in my essays but my teacher tells me
to refrain from using them. Is there a certain way to get away with using idioms and somehow
please both people? Thanks:)
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

15 June 2014 at 09:31

My advice listen to your mum. She has foresight.

There many reasons why some teachers discourage their students from using idioms
in their essays. I can list them out but it will be of no benefit to you.
As for me, I encourage my students learn to use idioms in the essay and in their
daily conversation. It adds colour to your writing and speech.
Reply

Anonymous 3 August 2014 at 11:39

Dear kopitiam,i can remember idiom but i cannot/don't know how to put it in my essay..what must

i do?
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English
05:28

4 August 2014 at

Hi Anonymous, I can see your struggle....knowing idioms and knowing how to use
them correctly are two different things.
First of all, you must understand its meaning. Only then you'll be able to use
them(it) properly or correctly. Many students memorize the idioms but fail to use
them(it) correctly. This is one of the reasons why many teachers don't encourage
students to use idioms in their essays.You can learn how to use them by trial and
error. Don't be afraid but use them as much as you can in your essays. For every
mistake you make check with your teacher for clearity.
Reply

Anonymous 5 October 2014 at

20:21 this is great ever. ! thanx !
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

3 November 2014 at 08:16

You're welcome...!
Reply

Anonymous 27 October 2014 at 12:48

Nice & helpful. You should put the meaning too so that readers can understand more. Thanks!
:D Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

3 November 2014 at 08:16

You're welcome...!
Reply

Anonymous 3 November 2014 at 03:10

Dear writer,
it is very useful for me as a
student thank you
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

3 November 2014 at 08:16

You're welcome...!
Reply

Mc Millen
05:27

3 November 2014 at

Mr kopitiam,i really need your help.My English is so lousy.I wish that you can teach me during
the holiday.Next year I have to sit for SPM.And guess what,my English teacher always scold
me..I never get other greds instead A before,but this year,i cannot pass with flying coloura for
English.I dont
know
her
technique
actually.She
only
say
the
same
thing
everyday,ABOUT THE WORLD...Inbox me through my Messenger..this is my FB Villavicer Park.
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

3 November 2014 at 08:15

Hello young man, I have sent a friend's request to FB page add me and tell me
your problem in detail....let me see what I can do..ok!

Anonymous 11 January 2015 at 01:55

It was a bit helpful can you tell me how to use "end in smoke" idiom in essay.

Kopitiam English
02:54

11 January 2015 at

First, let's look at the meaning of 'end(s) in smoke' If something ends in smoke, it
produces no concrete or positive result.
Example 1 : They lost the football match again. All their hard work and training just
ended in smoke.
Example 2 Mr Benny invested a lot of money in his new beauty product business
venture But, it can end in smoke if he doesn't manage to make a profit within
two months time.
Reply

afiqXDyuhuu 18 March 2015 at

19:24 how can i improve in my
essay.... Reply

Ow Amirul 2 June 2015 at 18:11

Teacher can i submit my essay to you? Im PT3
student.. Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

3 June 2015 at 07:30

You can submit but don't ask me to check your school work....
If it is school then it is your teacher's job to check it for
you....
Reply

aifos 11 September 2015 at 10:36

Thanks so much. This is very
useful. :) Reply

sathya gana 18 January 2016 at 02:11

Teacher,can I use Malay proverbs or idioms in my english essay?
For example "reading is the bridge of knowlege" (a translation of "mambaca jambatan
ilmu") If can,how can add them to my essay.
Can teacher give me an example?
Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

18 January 2016 at 18:07

I don't think there should be any problem with that...You can write it like this....as the
Malay proverb says 'reading is the bridge of knowledge'.

sathya gana 19 January 2016 at 23:52

Thank you teacher.
Reply

Anonymous 19 March 2016 at 06:40

It's very informative and useful...I like it very much.Hope to get more from this blog
soon! Reply
Replies
Kopitiam English

26 April 2016 at 20:56

Thanks for the comment....

Reply

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