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[A] Going the Extra Mile

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

dwindling

[ 'dwin-duh-lung ]

adjective

- gradually becoming smaller in size or amount, or fewer in number

We are dealing with dwindling resources and aging buildings.

war-torn

adjective

- severely damaged by a long war, especially between different groups from the same country

It is a long-term task to rebuild the infrastructure of a war-torn country such as Angola.

unwavering

[ uhn-'way-vr-uhng ]

adjective

- never changing or becoming weaker

One thing pet owners always point out as very important about their companion animals is their unwavering devotion.

steadfast

[ 'sted-fast ]

adjective

- staying the same for a long time and not changing quickly or unexpectedly

The group remained steadfast in its support for the new system, even when it was criticized in the newspapers.

mediate

[ 'mee-dee-eyt ]

verb

- to help solve a disagreement by talking to the separate people or groups involved, or to communicate information between people

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.

2024_Going the Extra Mile A

Dialogue

Icon_Staff

Emma

How’s the project coming along?

Icon_Sally

Mia

It’s been an uphill struggle, but we’re making progress despite all the setbacks.

Icon_Staff

Emma

Stay strong, you’ll get through it eventually.

B. an abortive attempt

  • an unsuccessful or failed attempt to achieve something.

2024_Going the Extra Mile B

Dialogue

Icon_Staff

Emma

Did you manage to climb to the summit?

Icon_Sally

Mia

Unfortunately, we had an abortive attempt. The weather turned bad, and we had to turn back.

Icon_Staff

Emma

That’s disappointing. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck next time.

C. strenuous efforts

  • intense or vigorous efforts to accomplish something difficult.

2024_Going the Extra Mile C

Dialogue

Icon_Staff

Emma

How did you prepare for the marathon?

Icon_Sally

Mia

It took months of strenuous efforts—daily runs, strength training, and a strict diet.

Icon_Staff

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.

2024_Going the Extra Mile D

Dialogue

Icon_Staff

Emma

We lost the match, but the team gave it their all.

Icon_Sally

Mia

It was a valiant effort. You can’t win every time, but the determination was evident.

Icon_Staff

Emma

Exactly, we’ll be better next season.

E. a joint effort

  • a collaborative effort between two or more people or groups.

2024_Going the Extra Mile E

Dialogue

Icon_Staff

Emma

The event turned out amazing. How did you pull it off?

Icon_Sally

Mia

It was a joint effort—everyone contributed in their own way.

Icon_Staff

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
  1. Despite , they were unable to break through the security system.

  2. Climbing Mount Everest is , with challenges at every step that require determination and strength.

  3. His to rescue the injured animal earned him admiration from the local community.

  4. Winning the championship was , requiring all the players to work together and give their best.

  5. 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.

  1. 🔊

  2. 🔊

  3. 🔊

Part III

Direction: Paraphrase the following sentences. Make sure to paraphrase the underlined idiomatic expressions.

  1. Despite their strenuous efforts to mediate the peace talks, the opposing factions remained steadfast in their demands, prolonging the conflict.

  2. Transforming the war-torn region into a thriving economic hub has been an uphill struggle, requiring years of unwavering dedication and diplomatic negotiations.