Mastering High-Frequency English Phrases for the Postgraduate Entrance Exam
Are you preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of English phrases to memorize? Fear not! This guide is here to help you navigate the most common and essential phrase groups, breaking down their usage in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. Whether you’re struggling with idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs, we’ve got you covered with practical examples and tips to boost your confidence. Let’s dive in and make your exam prep smoother than ever!
1. What Are the Most Common Phrasal Verbs in the Exam?
Phrasal verbs are a critical part of English, especially in academic and exam contexts. They consist of a verb plus a preposition or adverb, and their meanings often differ from the individual words. For example, "look forward to" means "期待," not just "look." In the postgraduate exam, mastering phrasal verbs can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills.
A few high-frequency examples include:
"Take off": Used for leaving early or achieving sudden success (e.g., "The plane will take off at 8 AM").
"Put up with": Means tolerating something unpleasant (e.g., "I can’t put up with his laziness anymore").
"Break down": Can refer to mechanical failure or emotional distress (e.g., "My car broke down on the highway").
Understanding these verbs in context is key. For instance, "break down" isn’t just about cars—it can also describe mental health struggles. In essays, using phrasal verbs appropriately can make your sentences more natural and dynamic. Practice by creating your own sentences or rephrasing given examples to solidify your grasp.
2. How Do Idioms Affect Your Exam Score?
Idioms are phrases with meanings that aren’t literal, and they often add color to your language. However, using them incorrectly can confuse readers or examiners. For example, "bite the bullet" means "忍受困难," not literally chewing on a bullet. In academic writing, idioms are generally best avoided unless they fit the tone perfectly.
But in speaking or more creative writing tasks, idioms can impress. Consider these common ones:
"Piece of cake": Something very easy (e.g., "The test was a piece of cake").
"Break the ice": Initiating conversation in a social setting (e.g., "Complimenting her dress broke the ice").
"Hit the nail on the head": Describing something exactly right (e.g., "You hit the nail on the head when you said the project needs more funding").
To use idioms effectively, ensure you understand their literal and figurative meanings. Practice by listening to native speakers or reading articles where idioms are naturally used. This way, you’ll know when—and how—to employ them without sounding unnatural.
3. Why Are Collocations Important for the Exam?
Collocations are words that frequently go together, like "make a decision" or "heavy rain." Using them correctly makes your English sound fluent and professional. In the exam, mismatched collocations (e.g., "heavy snow rain") can seem awkward or incorrect.
Some common collocations to memorize include:
"Strong coffee": Not "powerful coffee."
"Deeply regretted": Not "seriously sorry."
"Make progress": Not "do development."
To improve, pay attention to word pairs while reading. Notice how words like "analyze" (not "analyse") or "conduct" (not "do") are used. You can also use flashcards with collocations on one side and definitions on the other. Over time, these pairings will become second nature, helping you avoid common pitfalls.
By focusing on these areas, you’ll not only boost your exam score but also enhance your overall English proficiency. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using these phrases effortlessly!