School Application
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EN: The Oxford Comma (Serial Comma): In a list of three or more items, a comma is placed after each item except the last one, which is preceded by a coordinating conjunction like 'and'.
The application requires a resume, a transcript, and a photo.
EN: Parallel Structure in Noun Phrases: When listing items, it is important to maintain the same grammatical form. Here, all three items are plural nouns representing components of a school application.
Apples, oranges, and bananas are on the table.
EN: In the context of Western higher education, these three components are the pillars of a holistic review process, where admissions officers look beyond test scores to understand a student's character.
EN: Gerund as Subject: The word 'Applying' is a gerund (verb + -ing acting as a noun). It functions as the subject of the sentence, representing the action or process of application.
Learning a new language requires patience and practice.
EN: Linking Verb + Adjective: The verb 'feel' is a linking verb (stative verb) followed by the adjective 'overwhelming' to describe the subject's state or quality.
The task seems difficult at first glance.
EN: In Western education systems, particularly in the US and UK, applying to 'competitive schools' (Ivy League, Oxbridge, etc.) involves a holistic review process. This means academic grades are not the only factor; personal essays and extracurriculars are equally vital, which often leads to the 'overwhelming' feeling mentioned.
EN: The phrase 'based on' is a compound preposition used to indicate the foundation or evidence for a judgment, decision, or action.
The movie is based on a true story.
EN: The present participle 'including' functions as a preposition here to introduce specific examples that are part of a larger group.
The price is $50, including tax.
EN: In the context of Western higher education, 'prestigious institutions' often refers to Ivy League schools or top-tier research universities. These schools emphasize 'holistic review,' meaning they look at the whole person (qualities and experiences) rather than just test scores.
EN: Compound Subject: When multiple nouns or noun phrases are joined by commas and a coordinating conjunction (like 'and'), they function together as a single plural subject. In this sentence, four distinct elements form the subject.
Hard work, patience, and luck are necessary for success.
EN: Phrasal Verb 'Contribute to': This verb phrase means to be one of the causes of something or to help bring about a result. It is followed by a noun or a gerund (V-ing).
Regular exercise contributes to better health.
EN: In the holistic admissions process common in the US and many international schools, academic grades (GPA) are just one part of the evaluation. Personal attributes and external validation (recommendations) are equally weighted to ensure a 'well-rounded' student body.
EN: Gerund as Subject: A gerund (verb + -ing) functions as a noun and can serve as the subject of a sentence. It is treated as a singular noun.
Learning a new language requires patience and practice.
EN: Help + Object + (to) Verb: The verb 'help' can be followed by an object and then either a bare infinitive (verb without 'to') or a full infinitive (with 'to'). Both are grammatically correct.
This exercise will help you build stronger muscles.
EN: In Western academic and professional contexts, being 'well-rounded' is highly valued. It suggests that a person is not just academically capable but also has diverse interests, social skills, and character. 'Compelling' in this context means having a story or profile that is so interesting and strong that it convinces the admissions committee.
EN: Passive Voice (be + past participle): Used when the action is more important than the person performing it. Here, 'is considered' emphasizes how the personal statement is perceived by others.
The project is considered a success by the committee.
EN: Noun Clause with 'who': A dependent clause starting with 'who' functions as the object of the verb 'reveals', answering the question 'what does it reveal?'.
The documentary shows who she really is.
EN: In Western holistic admissions, the 'personal statement' is crucial because it allows applicants to showcase their character, resilience, and unique voice, which cannot be reflected in standardized test scores or GPAs.
EN: The verb 'want' is a transitive verb that is followed by a 'to-infinitive' (to + base verb) when it expresses a desire to perform an action. In this sentence, 'to understand' acts as the direct object of 'want'.
The committee wants to review your application by Friday.
EN: The Oxford Comma (serial comma) is used before the conjunction 'and' in a list of three or more items (motivations, experiences, and aspirations) to ensure clarity and separate each distinct element.
You need to submit your transcript, essay, and test scores.
EN: In Western holistic admissions, 'voice' is crucial. Admissions officers look for 'authenticity'—the idea that the student is speaking honestly and personally, rather than using a professional consultant to write for them.
EN: The sentence uses a relative clause starting with 'that' to provide more information about the noun 'story'. This is a defining relative clause that identifies which kind of story is being discussed.
She wrote a book that inspires young entrepreneurs to take risks.
EN: The verb 'connect' is used with the preposition 'with' to show a relationship or link between two distinct things (past achievements and future goals).
The bridge connects the small island with the mainland.
EN: In Western academic culture, especially for US college admissions, a 'personal statement' is expected to be a narrative rather than a list of facts. The emphasis on a 'coherent story' reflects the value placed on self-reflection and individual identity.
EN: The sentence uses the imperative mood to give advice, starting with the base form of the verb 'Avoid'. It also employs the 'Avoid doing... and instead focus on...' structure to contrast a negative action with a recommended positive one.
Avoid using complex jargon, and instead focus on clear communication.
EN: The sentence contains two relative clauses: 'that could apply to anyone' (modifying 'generic phrases') and 'that shaped your perspective' (modifying 'specific moments'). These clauses provide essential information about the nouns they follow.
He shared a story that inspired the whole team.
EN: In Western academic and professional applications, 'show, don't tell' is a critical principle. Admissions officers value specific anecdotes over vague self-praise because concrete examples prove character and skills more effectively than generic claims.
EN: Perfect Gerund as Subject: The structure 'Having + past participle' functions as a gerund phrase acting as the subject. It emphasizes that the action of revising was completed before the main action (improving).
Having finished the project early gave him a sense of relief.
EN: Future Tense with Modal Verb 'Will': Used here to express a logical consequence or a prediction based on a specific condition (the revision).
Regular practice will significantly improve your fluency.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, 'revision' is seen as a critical stage of writing, not just a correction of errors. A 'personal statement' is a high-stakes document where clarity and impact can determine admission success.
EN: Relative Clauses with 'that': A relative clause is used to provide more information about a noun (the antecedent). Here, 'that your own writing cannot fully capture' modifies 'an external perspective'.
The feedback that the teacher gave helped me improve my essay.
EN: Transitive Verbs and Objects: The verb 'provide' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object ('an external perspective') to complete its meaning.
The sun provides light for the earth.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, recommendation letters are highly valued because they offer a 'third-party' validation of a candidate's character and skills, which is seen as more objective than self-praise.
EN: Relative Clauses (Adjective Clauses): The word 'who' introduces a relative clause ('who know you well') that modifies the subject 'Teachers or supervisors'. It provides essential information about which specific teachers or supervisors are being discussed.
Students who study hard usually get good grades.
EN: Prepositional Phrase 'On behalf of': This phrase means 'as a representative of' or 'for the benefit of' someone else.
The lawyer spoke on behalf of his client.
EN: In Western academic culture, recommendation letters are highly valued. A 'strong' letter comes from someone who can provide specific anecdotes about a student's character, rather than just a famous person who barely knows the student.
EN: The sentence uses 'It' as a dummy subject (anticipatory it) to introduce a real subject that is an infinitive phrase ('to ask...'). This structure is common when the actual subject is long or complex.
It is necessary to provide evidence for your claims.
EN: The relative pronoun 'who' introduces a defining relative clause that specifies which 'recommenders' the speaker is referring to.
We need a leader who can inspire the team.
EN: In Western academic culture, a recommendation letter is not just a formality. Admissions officers look for specific anecdotes and evidence of character. Choosing a recommender who knows you personally (rather than just the most famous teacher) is a strategic move.
EN: Imperative Mood: The sentence starts with a base verb 'Give' to provide advice or instructions. In English, the subject 'you' is implied but omitted in imperative sentences.
Read the instructions carefully before starting the exam.
EN: Indirect and Direct Objects: The verb 'give' is a ditransitive verb, followed by an indirect object (your recommenders) and a direct object (enough time).
She sent her professor a thank-you note.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, asking for a recommendation letter requires significant lead time (usually 4-6 weeks). It is considered polite to provide the recommender with your CV and personal statement to help them write a more detailed letter.
EN: Relative Clause (Adjective Clause): The phrase 'that lacks detail' is a relative clause starting with the relative pronoun 'that'. It functions as an adjective to modify the noun 'recommendation'.
A project that requires teamwork will help you develop social skills.
EN: Future Simple Tense with Negation: 'Will not' (won't) is used to express a prediction about the future or a statement of fact regarding a future outcome.
This strategy will not work without proper planning.
EN: In Western academic culture, recommendation letters are highly valued as qualitative evidence of a student's character. A generic or 'rushed' letter is often seen as a 'red flag' by admissions committees, suggesting the teacher may not know the student well or lacks enthusiasm for their candidacy.
EN: Relative Clauses with 'that': A relative clause is used to provide more information about a noun (the antecedent). In this sentence, 'that cannot be measured...' describes the 'qualities'.
He has skills that are highly valued in the tech industry.
EN: Passive Voice: The structure 'be + past participle' (be measured) is used when the subject receives the action rather than performing it. It focuses on the qualities being measured.
Success cannot always be measured by money.
EN: In Western education systems, especially in the US, 'extracurricular activities' are highly valued as they show leadership, time management, and character, which are seen as equally important to academic grades for holistic admissions.
EN: Relative Clause (Adjective Clause): The word 'who' introduces a clause that describes the noun 'students'. It specifies which type of students the schools value.
The company hires employees who demonstrate strong leadership skills.
EN: Present Perfect Tense: 'Have pursued' is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to be relevant or have been completed by the present time.
She has participated in several volunteer projects this year.
EN: In Western education systems, especially for competitive university admissions, 'holistic review' is common. This means schools look beyond test scores to see a student's character and impact through extracurricular activities.
EN: The sentence uses a 'Whether... or...' noun clause as the subject. This structure presents multiple alternatives and functions as a single singular unit, followed by the verb 'matters'.
Whether you win or lose doesn't change my opinion of you.
EN: Parallel structure is used within the 'Whether' clause. Three present perfect verb phrases ('have led', 'participated', 'played') are coordinated to maintain grammatical balance.
She has traveled to Japan, studied in France, and worked in Italy.
EN: In Western holistic admissions (especially in the US), 'well-roundedness' is highly valued. Schools look for commitment and excellence in any field—be it service, academics, or sports—rather than just high test scores.
EN: The use of gerunds (-ing forms) as subject complements: In this sentence, 'showing' and 'listing' function as nouns to describe what the 'key' is. They follow the linking verb 'is'.
The goal is improving your communication skills.
EN: The phrase 'rather than' is used to show preference or to contrast two ideas, often connecting parallel structures (in this case, two gerund phrases).
I prefer walking to work rather than taking the bus.
EN: In Western holistic admissions, 'depth' refers to long-term commitment and significant impact, whereas 'superficial activities' refers to 'resume padding'—joining many clubs briefly just to look good on paper.
EN: The Relative Clause (Adjective Clause) starting with 'who' is used to provide essential information about the noun 'applicants'. It functions as the subject of the clause.
The company hires employees who demonstrate strong leadership skills.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle) is used here to describe an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has relevance or impact on the present situation.
She has made several contributions to the local community.
EN: In Western holistic admissions, 'impact' is highly valued. It suggests that the candidate didn't just participate in activities but actively changed or improved their environment, which is seen as a predictor of future success.
EN: The infinitive phrase 'to bring... and make...' functions as an Adjectival Phrase, modifying the noun 'opportunity'. It explains what kind of opportunity it is.
She has the ability to solve complex problems quickly.
EN: The idiom 'bring something to life' means to make something more interesting, exciting, or realistic.
The illustrator's drawings really brought the story to life.
EN: In Western academic and professional contexts, the interview is seen as a 'holistic' evaluation tool. It's not just about repeating your resume, but about showing soft skills like communication, personality, and cultural fit.
EN: The modal perfect 'should have + past participle' is used here to express an expectation or a recommendation for an action that ought to be completed by a specific point in time.
By the time the guests arrive, you should have finished cleaning the living room.
EN: The adverb 'thoroughly' modifies the verb 'researched', indicating the depth and completeness of the action.
The police investigated the crime scene thoroughly to find any clues.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, 'doing your homework' on an organization before an interview is considered essential. It demonstrates respect, initiative, and genuine interest, rather than just waiting to be asked questions.
EN: The conjunction 'while' is used here to express simultaneity, followed by a present participle phrase ('remaining...'). This structure indicates that two actions or states are happening at the same time.
She listened to music while studying for her exams.
EN: The sentence uses the Imperative Mood, which starts with a base verb ('speak') to give advice, instructions, or commands. The subject 'you' is understood but omitted.
Drive carefully when the roads are slippery.
EN: In Western academic and professional interviews, there is a delicate balance between 'self-promotion' and 'intellectual humility.' Candidates are expected to showcase their achievements confidently but must also demonstrate coachability and a willingness to learn from others.
EN: Relative Clauses (Adjective Clauses): The word 'who' introduces a relative clause that modifies the noun 'candidates'. It provides essential information to identify which specific candidates the interviewers appreciate.
The manager hired the assistant who spoke three languages fluently.
EN: The Oxford Comma: In a list of three or more items ('programs, culture, and community'), a comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction 'and' to ensure clarity between the items.
We need to buy apples, oranges, and bananas.
EN: In Western academic and professional interviews, asking questions is not just allowed—it is expected. It demonstrates that the candidate is proactive, has done their research, and is genuinely interested in the fit between themselves and the institution. Silence when asked 'Do you have any questions for us?' can be perceived as a lack of interest.
EN: The Future Perfect tense (will have + past participle) is used to describe an action that will be completed before a specific point in the future. In this sentence, 'will have built' indicates the completion of the application relative to the time all steps are finished.
By next month, I will have finished my final project.
EN: The phrase 'By the time' functions as a subordinating conjunction that introduces a time clause. Note that even though it refers to the future, we use the Present Perfect ('have completed') or Simple Present within the clause, not the future tense.
By the time the movie starts, we will have bought our popcorn.
EN: In Western academic culture, the concept of 'potential' is highly valued. Admissions officers are not just looking at past achievements, but are trying to predict a student's future growth and contribution to their community.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
representing you or for your benefit
having a personality or education that is fully developed in all aspects
to make something more interesting, vivid, or realistic
the principle that hard work is intrinsically virtuous or worthy of reward
A formal essay written by an applicant, typically for admission to a college or university, describing their achievements, interests, and motivations.
University staff members responsible for reviewing applications and deciding which students to admit.
A specific course of study or a major offered by a university (e.g., a Master's program).