International Students NZ

Today’s picture: The Reader – a statue in a garden next to Takapuna Beach

Part 1: Today's word

Eliminate is a more formal way of saying ‘get rid of’. So it’s used to talk about ending all kinds of problems. It’s often used with words like ‘risk’, ‘danger’ and social problems which people generally don’t want. If you want to say 'get rid of gradually', then you might also be able to use 'phase out'.

This government will do all it can to eliminate homelessness.

Since the elimination of human error is impossible, it’s essential that all work must be subject to careful review.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The development of online services has eliminated the need for much time-consuming and expensive paperwork and meetings.

We’ll need to eliminate the old photocopier to make space for the new one.

It’s hoped that a more complete testing programme will eliminate – or at least greatly reduce - drug-taking within the sport.

With the complete automation of the process, the risk of human error has been effectively eliminated.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Has the government actually succeeded in eliminating any significant social problems?

Could your university or department do more to eliminate waste?

Part 4: The Idiomatic Five

not lift a finger
be very lazy
My husband doesn’t lift a finger around the house, despite the fact he’s been unemployed for ages.

put your finger on sth
identify
I just can’t put my finger on what exactly is wrong with me.

first come, first served
no booking in advance
There was no way to book tickets over the phone - it was strictly ‘first come, first served’.

go with the flow
be flexible – fit in with the others
I don’t have any strong opinions on the matter - I tend to just go with the flow.

(be) a fly on the wall
be present
I’d love to have been a fly on the wall when the boss gave Phil the sack. / British television viewers love fly-on-the-wall documentaries, especially ones set in hospitals.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which sea creatures have been visiting Auckland Harbour today?

check the story here

Part 6: Today's online listening:

This is short programme from the BBC about useful suggestions for academic reading skills

Which of the following sentences were included on the programme as suggestions for effective academic reading:

Make sure you read everything on your reading list

Start by skimming through the titles and sub-titles

Ask other students for suggestions on which books to read

Sometimes read slowly and other times read fast

Always check new words in the dictionary

Read the introduction and conclusion before the middle

Reduce the number of fixations when you read

Today’s Video suggestion: from Norway
Medieval HelpDesk
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