School Application
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EN: Gerund as Subject: The word 'Applying' is a gerund (verb + -ing acting as a noun). When a gerund is the subject of a sentence, it is treated as a singular noun.
Learning a new language opens many doors.
EN: Collocation 'Make a difference': This common expression means to have a significant effect on a person or situation.
Your help really made a difference to our project.
EN: In Western education systems, the 'holistic review' process means that while academic scores (GPA) are important, personal effort and preparation (like the personal statement) are seen as equally vital to show a student's character.
EN: The conjunction 'Whether... or...' is used to introduce two or more possibilities, indicating that the situation remains the same regardless of which option is true. It often introduces an adverbial clause of concession.
Whether you win or lose, you should be proud of your effort.
EN: The Present Continuous tense (be + verb-ing) is used here to describe a current process or a planned future action. In this context, 'applying' refers to the ongoing state of being an applicant.
She is applying for a scholarship this semester.
EN: In the US, 'college' and 'university' are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, though 'university' usually refers to larger institutions with graduate programs. 'High school' application processes can vary significantly between public and private schools.
EN: The Oxford Comma (Serial Comma): In English, when listing three or more items, a comma is placed after each item except the last one. The comma before 'and' is called the Oxford comma, which helps clarify that the items are separate.
I need to buy apples, oranges, and bananas.
EN: Infinitive as Object: The verb 'want' is often followed by an 'to-infinitive' (to + verb) which functions as the direct object of the sentence, expressing a desire or intention.
She wants to study medicine in the future.
EN: In Western education systems, especially in the US and UK, schools value 'holistic review.' This means they look beyond just grades (academic ability) and care deeply about a student's personality (character) and hobbies (interests) to see if they fit the school culture.
EN: The sentence uses a relative clause starting with 'that' to provide more information about the noun 'parts'. In this case, 'that' acts as the subject of the clause.
I have a computer that works very fast.
EN: The phrase 'who you are' is an indirect question (noun clause) acting as the object of the verb 'show'. It follows statement word order (Subject + Verb) rather than question order.
The movie tells a story about who he is.
EN: In Western education systems, a 'strong application' is often 'holistic,' meaning schools look beyond just grades (GPA) to understand a student's personality, values, and potential contribution to the community.
EN: The structure 'One of the + superlative + plural noun' is used to identify a specific item from a group. Note that the noun must be plural (parts), but the verb remains singular (is) because the subject is 'One'.
One of the best ways to learn English is to practice every day.
EN: Superlative adjectives (e.g., 'the most important') are used to compare three or more things, indicating the highest degree of a quality.
This is the most difficult exam I have ever taken.
EN: In Western education systems, the 'personal statement' is a crucial qualitative measure. Unlike some systems that rely solely on test scores, schools in the US and UK use this essay to assess a student's character, voice, and fit for the institution.
EN: The word 'where' is used as a relative adverb to introduce a relative clause that provides more information about a noun (in this case, 'an essay'). It functions similarly to 'in which'.
This is a situation where you need to be very careful.
EN: The Oxford Comma is the final comma in a list of three or more items, placed before the conjunction (and/or). It helps ensure clarity in complex lists.
I like reading, swimming, and cooking.
EN: In Western education systems, the 'personal statement' is a critical component of applications. Unlike a resume which lists facts, the personal statement is expected to be a narrative that reveals the applicant's unique voice and character.
EN: The 'to-infinitive' (to + base verb) is used here to express purpose, answering the question 'Why?'. It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the main verb 'use'.
I study hard to get into a good university.
EN: The Present Simple tense is used to describe general truths, facts, or habitual actions. In this context, it describes a standard procedure in the school application process.
The sun rises in the east.
EN: In Western education systems, the 'personal statement' is a crucial qualitative measure. Unlike some systems that rely solely on exam scores, admissions officers use this essay to find 'well-rounded' students who fit the school's culture.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to give advice or make recommendations. It is followed by the base form of the verb.
You should research the company before your interview.
EN: An indirect question (noun clause) starting with 'why' acts as the object of the verb 'explain'. Unlike direct questions, indirect questions use statement word order (subject + verb).
Please tell me why you chose this major.
EN: In Western academic applications, 'demonstrated interest' is a key concept. Schools want to know that you have researched them specifically and aren't just sending a generic application to many places.
EN: The sentence uses 'It' as a dummy subject (anticipatory it) to introduce the real subject, which is the infinitive phrase 'to mention...'. This structure is common when the actual subject is long or complex.
It is important to finish your homework on time.
EN: The word 'that' introduces a relative clause (adjective clause) to describe the noun 'challenges'. In this case, 'that' acts as the object of the verb 'overcome'.
The movie that we watched yesterday was exciting.
EN: In Western academic culture, especially in personal statements, discussing challenges is not seen as complaining. Instead, it is highly valued as a way to demonstrate 'resilience' and problem-solving skills.
EN: The sentence uses the 'Subject + Linking Verb + Adjective' structure. The linking verb 'is' connects the subject (personal statement) to multiple adjectives that describe its qualities.
The final report is concise, accurate, and professional.
EN: Parallel Structure: When listing multiple items (honest, clear, and well-organized), they should all be in the same grammatical form. Here, all three are adjectives describing the noun.
She is kind, smart, and helpful.
EN: In Western academic culture, a 'personal statement' is a critical component of applications. Unlike a simple resume, it focuses on 'soft skills' and narrative storytelling to show a student's unique personality beyond grades.
EN: Relative Clause (Adjective Clause): The phrase 'that schools consider' is a relative clause modifying the noun 'factor'. The relative pronoun 'that' acts as the object of the verb 'consider'.
This is the book that I bought yesterday.
EN: Adverbial Clause of Time: The word 'when' introduces a subordinate clause that indicates the time or situation in which the main action occurs.
Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
EN: In the US education system, GPA (Grade Point Average) is a standardized measure of academic achievement on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0. It is a critical component of school applications, though many institutions now use a 'holistic review' process that considers extracurriculars and personal essays alongside grades.
EN: The phrasal verb 'stand for' is used to explain what an abbreviation or symbol represents. It is an inseparable transitive verb.
In this document, 'UN' stands for the United Nations.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'and' is used here to connect two independent clauses (complete sentences), creating a compound sentence.
He studied hard for the exam, and he passed with high marks.
EN: GPA is a standard way of measuring academic achievement in the United States and many other international school systems, typically on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0. It is a critical metric for school admissions and even some job applications.
EN: The sentence uses a 'Noun Clause' starting with 'that' as the direct object of the verb 'tells'. This clause functions as a noun to provide the specific information being communicated.
He believes that hard work leads to success.
EN: The verb 'tell' is a ditransitive verb, meaning it takes two objects: an indirect object (the school) and a direct object (the that-clause).
She told me that the meeting was canceled.
EN: In the U.S. and many other educational systems, GPA (Grade Point Average) is a standard measure of academic achievement, typically on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0. While it is a primary factor in admissions, many modern institutions now emphasize 'holistic review,' looking at the whole person beyond just numbers.
EN: The verb 'mean' is followed by a noun clause (that-clause) acting as the direct object. In this sentence, the conjunction 'that' is omitted, which is common in informal and semi-formal English.
A rainy morning doesn't mean the picnic is canceled.
EN: The phrase 'get accepted' uses 'get' as a passive auxiliary verb instead of 'be'. This structure often emphasizes the process or the result of an action.
She worked hard to get accepted into the program.
EN: In the U.S. and many international school systems, 'Holistic Review' is a common practice. This means admissions officers look at the 'whole person' (extracurriculars, essays, character) rather than just grades (GPA), which is why a lower GPA isn't always a deal-breaker.
EN: The conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides a reason or explanation for the main clause.
I study hard because I want to go to a good university.
EN: The phrase 'what you do' is a noun clause acting as the object of the verb 'show'. It uses the structure: question word + subject + verb.
He didn't hear what I said.
EN: In Western education systems, especially in the US and UK, 'extracurricular activities' are highly valued. Admissions officers look for 'well-rounded' students who contribute to their community, not just those with high grades.
EN: Passive Voice (be + past participle): This structure is used when the action is more important than the person performing it. In this sentence, 'are valued' emphasizes that the activities receive the appreciation.
Hard work is valued by most employers.
EN: Prepositional Phrase with 'like': The word 'like' is used here as a preposition to introduce examples, functioning as 'such as'.
I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
EN: In Western education systems, especially in the US and UK, 'holistic review' is common. This means admissions officers look beyond grades (GPA) to see if a student is well-rounded through their extracurricular activities.
EN: Passive Voice (be + past participle): This structure is used when the action is more important than the person performing it. Here, 'is written' emphasizes the document itself.
The report was finished by the team yesterday.
EN: Relative Clause (who...): A relative clause starts with a relative pronoun like 'who' to provide more information about a person (the antecedent).
I have a friend who lives in London.
EN: In Western academic culture, a recommendation letter is a critical component of an application. It provides a third-party perspective on a student's character and potential, which grades alone cannot show.
EN: The Oxford Comma (Serial Comma): In English, when listing three or more items, a comma is placed after each item except the last one. The comma before 'and' is called the Oxford comma, which helps clarify that the items are separate.
The recipe requires flour, sugar, and eggs.
EN: Parallel Structure: When listing items in a sentence, they should follow the same grammatical form. Here, the sentence lists three noun phrases: 'your strengths', 'your work ethic', and 'your character'.
He likes swimming, hiking, and cycling.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, 'work ethic' is a highly valued trait. It refers to the belief that hard work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability to strengthen character.
EN: The sentence uses 'It' as a dummy subject (preparatory subject) to introduce the real subject, which is the infinitive phrase 'to ask someone...'. This structure is used to avoid long subjects at the beginning of a sentence.
It is necessary to finish the project on time.
EN: The relative clause 'who has seen your growth and effort' uses the Present Perfect tense ('has seen') to describe an action that happened in the past and has relevance to the present situation.
I want to hire a manager who has worked in this field for years.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, a recommendation letter is most effective when it comes from someone who has observed your personal development over time, rather than just someone with a high title. Authenticity and specific examples of 'growth' are highly valued by admissions committees.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to give advice or express what is the right thing to do. It is followed by the base form of the verb.
You should start your homework early.
EN: The phrasal verb 'ask for' means to request something from someone.
He decided to ask for a raise.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, giving a recommender at least a month's notice is considered standard etiquette. It shows respect for their busy schedule and ensures they have enough time to write a thoughtful letter.
EN: Imperative Mood: The sentence starts with base verbs ('Be', 'give') to give instructions or advice. The subject 'you' is understood but omitted.
Stay calm during the test and read the questions carefully.
EN: Adverbial Clause of Time: The word 'when' introduces a subordinate clause that indicates the specific time or situation in which the main action should occur.
Call me when you arrive at the station.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, asking for a recommendation letter requires at least 3-4 weeks' notice. It is considered disrespectful to ask for a letter with a short deadline, as writers need time to reflect on your achievements.
EN: The causative verb 'make' is followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb base) to express that someone or something causes a particular result or action.
The funny movie made me laugh.
EN: The phrasal verb 'stand out' means to be much better than other similar people or things, or to be very noticeable.
Her bright red dress made her stand out in the crowd.
EN: In Western academic culture, recommendation letters are crucial because they provide a third-party perspective on a student's character and soft skills, which grades (GPA) alone cannot show.
EN: The word 'require' is a transitive verb used to indicate that something is necessary or mandatory. In this sentence, it follows the subject 'Some schools'.
The job requires three years of experience.
EN: The phrase 'as part of' is used to show that something is a component or a member of a larger group or process.
He received a certificate as part of the training program.
EN: In many Western educational systems, especially in the US and UK, interviews are a standard part of the holistic review process. They are used to assess a student's soft skills and fit for the school culture, rather than just academic grades.
EN: The Passive Voice (be + past participle) is used here ('be asked') because the subject 'you' is the receiver of the action, not the one asking the questions.
Students will be notified of the results by email.
EN: Modal Verbs for Possibility: 'May' is used to express a possibility or a likely situation in the future or present.
It may rain later, so you should take an umbrella.
EN: In Western academic and professional interviews, it is common to be asked about 'goals' and 'interests' to assess cultural fit and long-term commitment, not just technical skills.
EN: The sentence uses 'It' as a dummy subject (formal subject) to introduce the real subject, which is the infinitive phrase 'to practice answering...'. This structure is common when the actual subject is long or complex.
It is important to arrive on time for the meeting.
EN: The verb 'practice' is followed by a gerund (verb-ing). In English, certain verbs like 'practice', 'enjoy', and 'suggest' must be followed by the -ing form rather than an infinitive.
You should practice speaking English every day.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, preparation through 'mock interviews' or practicing common questions is highly encouraged. It shows the candidate is proactive and takes the opportunity seriously.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to give advice or recommendations. It is followed by the base form of the verb (dress, arrive).
You should study hard for the upcoming exam.
EN: The conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides a reason for the action in the main clause.
I stayed home because it was raining.
EN: In Western professional and academic contexts, punctuality and 'dressing for success' are highly valued. Arriving even a few minutes late to an interview can be seen as a sign of poor organization or lack of respect.
EN: The Imperative Mood is used to give commands, advice, or instructions. It starts with the base form of the verb (e.g., 'Remember') and usually omits the subject 'you'.
Speak clearly during the presentation.
EN: The structure 'Remember + to-infinitive' is used to remind someone to do something in the future. This differs from 'Remember + gerund (-ing)', which refers to a past memory.
Remember to lock the door when you leave.
EN: In Western academic and professional contexts, 'being yourself' and 'speaking confidently about achievements' is highly valued. Unlike some cultures that emphasize extreme modesty, candidates are expected to clearly articulate their strengths and successes without sounding arrogant.
EN: The First Conditional (If + Present Simple, Will + Verb) is used to talk about things that are possible in the future if a certain condition is met.
If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle) is used here within the 'if' clause to emphasize the completion of an action before the result occurs.
If she has finished her work, she can go home.
EN: In Western academic and professional culture, an interview is increasingly viewed as a two-way conversation rather than a strict interrogation. Preparation is key to reducing anxiety and appearing confident.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To be much better than other similar people or things.
The initial opinion or feeling you have about someone when you meet them for the first time.
The belief that work is important and the commitment to working hard.
To successfully deal with or control a problem or difficulty.
A short essay written by a candidate to describe their skills, experience, and reasons for applying to a school or job.
A number representing the average value of the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time.
The group of people at a college or university who decide which students will be accepted for enrollment.