DET Collocations and Idioms 3 | Education

To continue our Collocations and Idioms series to help Duolingo English Test takers learn new vocabulary and apply them to practice in order to aim for higher scores. In today’s content, we will focus on the Education topic that students will learn some common collocations, idioms and phrases.

This is your Idioms and Collocations series, No. 03, Education topic.

1. Hit the books (idiom)

Meaning: To start studying seriously

Example: My boy started hitting the books last week after finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard in the first semester.

2. Pull an all-nighter (idiom)

Meaning: To stay up all night, especially to study or work

Example: I have to put several all-nighters to complete my thesis by next Friday.

3. Learn/know by heart (idiom)

Meaning: To learn by using only your memory; learn by memorizing things

Example: I’ve seen the show so often I know all the songs by heart.

4. Burn the midnight oil (idiom)

Meaning: To study or work until late at night

Example: My wife has been burning the midnight oil recently to pursue her PhD.

5. Catch on (to something) (phrasal verb)

Meaning: To understand something

Example: She finally caught on to the history lesson.

6. Show somebody/ know/ learn the ropes (idiom)

Meaning: To show somebody/know/learn how a particular job should be done

Example: We have been baking biscuits for a living for years, but my mother just learnt the ropes.

7. Learn your lesson (idiom)

Meaning: To learn what to do or not to do in the future because you have had a bad experience in the past

Example: He learns his hard lesson after getting bad scores for cutting class very often.

8. Cut class (collocation)

Meaning: To not go to a class when you do not have permission to be absent

Example: She usually cut classes early in the semester to earn money from her part-time job.

We have done studying new vocabulary, it’s time to put them all into practice on the DET Practice Website and get your instantly detailed feedback. 

Here is our first sample question: Interactive Writing (the main question), Level 3, question number 6 on the DET Practice Website.

Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample answer:

I disagree with the notion that studying literature is a waste of time for high school students. While some might argue that hitting the books in subjects like science and math is more pragmatic, literature offers invaluable benefits that shouldn't be overlooked.

Firstly, immersing oneself in novels and poems helps students catch on to different perspectives and cultures, broadening their understanding of the world. It’s not just about burning the midnight oil over texts but learning the ropes of empathy and critical thinking. Additionally, engaging with literature can significantly enhance writing skills and vocabulary, which are essential for academic success and beyond. Even if students might cut class occasionally, the lessons learned from literature are worth the effort. These lessons aren’t just theoretical; they provide real-life applications and insights that students can know by heart.

In conclusion, literature equips students with skills and knowledge that go beyond the classroom. Though it may seem like extra work, the benefits of studying literature far outweigh the time spent, making it a valuable component of a well-rounded education.

Feedback on the DET Practice Platform:

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Here is our second sample answer: Writing Sample, Level 3, Question number 12 on the DET Practice Website.

Is online schooling as effective as in-class education? What makes it (not) effective? Will classes be fully online in the future?

Sample answer:

Online schooling has certainly made its mark, but whether it’s as effective as in-class education is up for debate. Both methods have their pros and cons, and it’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully.

Online learning can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, students can hit the books and burn the midnight oil from anywhere, offering flexibility and convenience. However, some might struggle to catch on to concepts without face-to-face interaction, which can make it harder to learn the ropes of complex topics. The temptation to cut class is more pronounced online, potentially impacting motivation and discipline. While online platforms allow students to learn by heart at their own pace, the lack of in-person engagement can be a drawback.

In the future, it’s likely that education will blend both online and in-class methods. While online schooling is evolving and becoming more effective, the traditional classroom setting still offers irreplaceable benefits that make it a crucial part of education.

Feedback on the DET Practice Platform:

And here is your instant feedback when you practice on the DET Practice Website.

Question for you: Are there any other idioms, collocations, or phrases that you want to know their meanings? Share your thoughts in the comment section so we can help!

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