LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐
dwindling
[ 'dwin-duh-lung ]
adjective
We are dealing with dwindling resources and aging buildings.
war-torn
adjective
It is a long-term task to rebuild the infrastructure of a war-torn country such as Angola.
unwavering
[ uhn-'way-vr-uhng ]
adjective
One thing pet owners always point out as very important about their companion animals is their unwavering devotion.
steadfast
[ 'sted-fast ]
adjective
The group remained steadfast in its support for the new system, even when it was criticized in the newspapers.
mediate
[ 'mee-dee-eyt ]
verb
Senior government officials backed down on threats to halt oil production when the US offered to mediate in the dispute.
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
Direction: Read and understand the different idiomatic expressions below.
A. an uphill struggle
- a difficult or challenging situation that requires significant effort.
Dialogue
Emma
Mia
It’s been an uphill struggle, but we’re making progress despite all the setbacks.
Emma
Stay strong, you’ll get through it eventually.
B. an abortive attempt
- an unsuccessful or failed attempt to achieve something.
Dialogue
Emma
Mia
Unfortunately, we had an abortive attempt. The weather turned bad, and we had to turn back.
Emma
That’s disappointing. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck next time.
C. strenuous efforts
- intense or vigorous efforts to accomplish something difficult.
Dialogue
Emma
How did you prepare for the marathon?
Mia
It took months of strenuous efforts—daily runs, strength training, and a strict diet.
Emma
All that hard work must’ve paid off when you crossed the finish line.
D. a valiant effort
- a brave or courageous attempt, often in the face of difficulty.
Dialogue
Emma
We lost the match, but the team gave it their all.
Mia
It was a valiant effort. You can’t win every time, but the determination was evident.
Emma
Exactly, we’ll be better next season.
E. a joint effort
- a collaborative effort between two or more people or groups.
Dialogue
Emma
The event turned out amazing. How did you pull it off?
Mia
It was a joint effort—everyone contributed in their own way.
Emma
That’s the best kind of teamwork!
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
Part I
Direction: Choose the appropriate expressions to complete each of the sentences.
an abortive attempt | a joint effort |
a strenuous efforts | an uphill struggle |
a valiant effort |
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Despite , they were unable to break through the security system.
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Climbing Mount Everest is , with challenges at every step that require determination and strength.
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His to rescue the injured animal earned him admiration from the local community.
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Winning the championship was , requiring all the players to work together and give their best.
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She made to finish the marathon, but her body gave out before the final stretch.
Part II
Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.
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Part III
Direction: Paraphrase the following sentences. Make sure to paraphrase the underlined idiomatic expressions.
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Despite their strenuous efforts to mediate the peace talks, the opposing factions remained steadfast in their demands, prolonging the conflict.
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Transforming the war-torn region into a thriving economic hub has been an uphill struggle, requiring years of unwavering dedication and diplomatic negotiations.
How’s the project coming along?