Unit 7: Everyday Verbs 1 (Make vs. Do)

UNIT 7: EVERYDAY VERBS 1

This unit deals with make and do, two verbs that many learners have problems with. If you remember that the basic meaning of make is about producing something and the basic meaning of do is about performing an action, then the collocations on this page may seem more logical.

A. Collocations with MAKE

Collocation	Example
make arrangements for	The school can make arrangements for pupils with special needs.
make a change / changes	The new manager is planning to make some changes.
make a choice	Jill had to make a choice between her career and her family.
make a comment / comments	Would anyone like to make any comments on the talk?
make a contribution to	She made a useful contribution to the discussion.
make a decision	I'm glad it's you who has to make the decision, not me.
make an effort	Joe is really making an effort with his maths this term.
make an excuse	I'm too tired to go out tonight. Let's make an excuse and stay at home.
make friends	Karen is very good at making friends.
make an improvement	Repainting the room has really made an improvement.
make a mistake	They've made a mistake in our bill.
make a phone call	I've got to make some phone calls before dinner.
make progress	Harriet is making progress with all her schoolwork.

Thầy Anh's Note: Lưu ý tất cả các cấu trúc cụm từ mẫu bạn có thể thấy trong các bảng này[cite: 2]. Ví dụ, make a comment, make an excuse, make a contribution to a discussion đều được kết nối với việc nói mọi thứ[cite: 2]. Ghi nhớ từ theo nhóm chức năng này giúp tăng phản xạ viết bài IELTS cực kỳ nhanh.

B. Collocations with DO

Collocation	Example
do your best	All that matters in the exam is to do your best.
do damage	The storm did some damage to our roof.
do an experiment	We are doing an experiment to test how the metal reacts with water.
do exercises	We'll do some exercises practising these collocations tomorrow.
do someone a good turn / favour	Scouts and guides are supposed to do someone a good turn every day.
do harm	Changing the rules may do more harm than good.
do your hair	No, I'm not ready. I haven't done my hair yet.
do your homework	My son has to do his homework straight after school.
do the ironing/shopping/washing, etc.	I'll do the washing if you do the ironing.
do some work	We'll do some work on our project and then we'll go to the cinema.

PRACTICE EXERCISES

7.1 Use a collocation with make and a noun instead of the underlined words in each of these conversations[cite: 2].

1. Miriam: The bill says we've had three desserts. We only had two.
Rosa: The waiter must have been mistaken[cite: 2].

2. Kim: It's so difficult. Should I take the job or not?
Todd: I know it's difficult. But you have to decide one way or the other[cite: 2].

3. Jane: Can you and Brian come to dinner on Saturday?
Jill: Yes, we'll have to arrange to get a babysitter, but it should be OK[cite: 2].

4. Brona: Did you hear about the air traffic controllers' strike in the USA?
Aaron: Yes. We had to change our travel itinerary because of it[cite: 2].

5. Pete: Can I have chips and rice with my lunch?
Clare: No, you have to choose chips or rice, but not both[cite: 2].

6. Fran: Do you intend to speak at the meeting?
Gloria: Yes, I hope I can contribute to the debate[cite: 2].

7.2 Choose the correct collocation, do or make[cite: 2].

1. Did the fire ________ much damage to the factory?[cite: 2]

2. I hate ________ my homework at the last minute[cite: 2].

3. You must ________ an effort to work harder[cite: 2].

4. Did you ________ any work at the weekend?[cite: 2]

5. We are trying to ________ improvements to the system for registering[cite: 2].

6. Do you think it would ________ any harm if I cut some leaves off this plant?[cite: 2]

7.3 Questionnaire Design: Complete each question with do or make[cite: 1].

Điền động từ thích hợp vào khoảng trống của bảng câu hỏi khảo sát tâm lý dưới đây[cite: 1]:

Questions	Verb Input (do / make)
1. Do you always ____________ your best to be on time when meeting a friend?[cite: 1]
2. Do you ever ____________ the cooking at home?[cite: 1]
3. Do you ____________ excuses if someone asks you to ____________ a big favour for them?[cite: 1]
4. Do you ever ____________ negative comments about your friends' hair, clothes, etc.?[cite: 1]
5. Do you find it easy to ____________ friends?[cite: 1]

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