Patience GST 121

BOOK REVIEW
BY
HISTORY EDUCATION UNIT

DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM STUDIES, EDUCATIONAL
MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF UYO, UYO.
SUBMITTED TO
DR IDARA THOMAS
COURSE COORDINATOR
GST 121: USE OF ENGLISH II
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
UNIVERSITY OF UYO, UYO
FEBRUARY, 2022
Book Review
Title: English Idioms and Figurative Expressions: A Use of English Handbook
(Revised Edition)
Author: Luke Eyoh
Place of Publication : Calabar
Publishers : Saesprint (Nig) Co.
Year of Publication : 2005
Number of Pages: xii + 162 = 174
Price: Not Stated
Reviewer:
Introduction : Purpose of the Book

Luke Eyoh’s “English Idioms and Figurative Expressions: A Use of
English Handbook (Revised Edition)” endeavors to bring about a change in the
way the English language is used by addressing errors in grammar and the
improper utilization of idiomatic and figurative expressions. This publication
delves into various guidelines set forth by language experts, particularly for
individuals who are not native English speakers, with the aim of facilitating
effortless and precise language usage. The author showcases their expertise by
providing detailed explanations, corrections, and instructional guidance pertaining
to frequently misused expressions in both spoken and written contexts, as well as
in teaching scenarios. As a result, the book aims to eradicate the incorrect and
mishandled use of the English language.
Contents
The book consists of chapters 1 to 3, along with an appendix that includes
literary terms and a carefully curated bibliography.
Organization of Contents
The book follows a structured format comprising an introduction and three
chapters. The initial chapter is titled “Idioms and Figurative Expressions,” while
the second chapter is labeled “Lexis: Synonyms and Antonyms.” The third chapter
is named “Punctuation.” Each of these chapters is subdivided into various
subsections, which will be described in detail within this review.
Chapter 1: Idioms and Figurative Expressions

This chapter is divided into six sections, each addressing different
aspects of idioms and figurative expressions. The first section, titled “Idioms and
Figurative Expressions Relating to Personal/Interpersonal Behaviour,” examines
various types of idioms and figurative expressions. It covers idioms used for
accurate communication, those that may sound inappropriate, and those employed
for exaggeration. The author provides numerous examples to illustrate these
idiomatic and figurative expressions.
The second section, “Idioms and Figurative Expressions Relating to
Business Transactions,” focuses on idiomatic and figurative expressions commonly
used in the business world. The author presents a wide range of examples,
accompanied by clear explanations and comprehensive illustrations. By
highlighting the figurative language used in different business contexts, this section
enhances understanding and serves as a valuable resource for professionals looking
to improve their business acumen and linguistic skills.
The third section, “Idioms and Figurative Expressions Relating to Persons,
Society, Environment, and Politics,” explores the intricate relationship between
language and important domains such as individuals, society, the environment, and
politics. It offers a diverse collection of idioms and figurative expressions that
illuminate how language is employed to convey ideas in these areas. The examples
provided provoke thought and reveal the underlying meanings and cultural
implications of these expressions, making it a valuable resource for language
enthusiasts and social science students.
The fourth section, “Idioms and Figurative Expressions Relating to
General Life,” provides a delightful exploration of the everyday language we use
to navigate our lives. It covers a wide range of idioms and figurative expressions
that capture the essence of human experiences, emotions, and interactions. From
expressions related to love, friendship, and happiness to those reflecting challenges,
resilience, and personal growth, this section offers relatable examples that deepen
our understanding of these linguistic treasures.
The fifth section, “Idioms in Nigerian English,” offers an engaging and
enlightening exploration of Nigeria’s linguistic landscape. It presents a rich
collection of idiomatic expressions deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, providing
insights into the country’s diverse heritage. From traditional proverbs to
contemporary expressions, these idioms reflect the unique flavors and nuances of
Nigerian English. With clear explanations and contextual examples, this section is
a valuable resource for language enthusiasts and cultural explorers seeking to
appreciate Nigerian language and culture.
The sixth section, “Phrasal Verbs and Idioms,” serves as a concise and
invaluable resource for language learners and enthusiasts. It delves into the
intricacies of phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions, offering a comprehensive
understanding of these commonly used language constructs. Through clear
explanations and illustrative examples, it provides practical insights into the
formation and usage of these linguistic elements in everyday communication. This
sub-chapter is beneficial for language learners and those interested in expanding
their knowledge in this area.
Chapter 2: Lexis: Synonyms and Antonyms
This chapter is divided into two phases, each addressing different
aspects of Lexis: Synonyms and Antonyms. The first phase serves as a valuable
resource for language learners and enthusiasts looking to enhance their vocabulary
skills. It introduces and explores the topic of synonyms and antonyms, providing a
comprehensive examination that deepens understanding of word choices and their
subtle distinctions. Through clear explanations and extensive lists of synonymous
and antonymous words, readers are able to expand their linguistic repertoire.
Practical examples illustrate the nuanced differences in meaning and usage,
facilitating a better grasp of language intricacies.
By delving into the realm of synonyms and antonyms, this chapter
empowers readers to express themselves with precision, clarity, and versatility. It
encourages the development of a rich and diverse vocabulary, thereby enhancing
both written and spoken communication.
The second section of this chapter, titled “Further Information on Lexis
and Structure,” serves as a concise and valuable resource for language learners
seeking to deepen their comprehension of vocabulary and sentence structure. This
subsection specifically focuses on synonyms and antonyms, providing additional
insights into expanding word choices and improving language fluency. By
exploring the intricacies of synonymous and antonymous words, this section offers
practical guidance on selecting the most suitable terms to convey precise meanings
and nuances. It empowers readers to enhance their writing and speaking skills by
choosing appropriate synonyms and utilizing antonyms for contrast and emphasis.
Chapter 3: Punctuation
This chapter is divided into two parts: “What is Punctuation?” and
“Exercises on Punctuation.” The first section, titled “What is Punctuation?”
provides a comprehensive exploration of this crucial aspect of language mechanics.
Punctuation marks, despite their seemingly inconspicuous nature, play a profound
role in shaping the clarity and meaning of written pieces. The author undertakes
the challenging task of unraveling the intricacies of punctuation and successfully
delivers a concise yet informative overview.
The section begins by offering a clear definition of punctuation,
emphasizing its function as the framework that shapes written language, enabling
readers to navigate sentences and paragraphs with ease. The author highlights that
punctuation is not an afterthought, but an indispensable tool for effective
communication. Notably, this section systematically breaks down the different
punctuation marks. Each major punctuation mark, such as the period, comma,
question mark, exclamation mark, colon, semicolon, and more, is discussed in
detail. Accompanied by examples, the explanations elucidate their specific
functions and contextual usage. These examples greatly aid in understanding how
punctuation can impact the tone, rhythm, and structure of a sentence.
Furthermore, the section delves into lesser-known punctuation marks,
including the em dash, en dash, and ellipsis. By shedding light on these often
misunderstood marks, the author encourages writers to diversify their punctuation
repertoire and leverage the full range of possibilities available to them.
The section titled “Exercises on Punctuation” presents a brief yet practical
collection of exercises designed to reinforce and refine punctuation skills. It serves
as a valuable resource for writers seeking to sharpen their understanding and
application of punctuation marks. The exercises cover a range of punctuation rules
and scenarios, providing ample opportunities for readers to practice punctuating
sentences correctly and develop an instinct for punctuation usage. Engaging in
these exercises enables writers to enhance their grasp of the nuances surrounding
punctuation marks and improve the overall clarity of their writing. However, it is
worth noting that the brevity of this section leaves room for improvement.
Expanding the exercises to include a wider array of sentence structures and
punctuation challenges would provide a more comprehensive and engaging
practice experience.
Evaluation
English Handbook (Revised Edition)” is a remarkable resource for exploring the
intricacies of idiomatic expressions and figurative language. The book offers
comprehensive coverage of the topic, providing readers with a deep understanding
of these linguistic elements. Eyoh’s clear explanations and practical usage
examples make the content accessible and engaging for language learners.
One potential area for improvement could be the inclusion of more
interactive exercises to enhance the learning experience. Interactive exercises
would allow readers to practice applying the idiomatic expressions and reinforce
their understanding in a more hands-on way.
Nevertheless, the author’s expertise and meticulous approach shine through
in this handbook, making it an essential tool for mastering idiomatic expressions in
English. Whether you are a language learner or an enthusiast looking to expand
your linguistic repertoire, Eyoh’s book is a valuable resource that will enhance
your understanding and usage of idiomatic expressions.
Conclusion
English Handbook (Revised Edition)” is an exceptional resource that effectively
demystifies the world of idiomatic expressions in the English language. With
Eyoh’s expertise, clear explanations, and comprehensive coverage, this book
becomes an invaluable tool for language learners and enthusiasts alike. The content
is thoughtfully organized, and the inclusion of practical examples and cultural
insights further enhances the learning experience. By delving into this book,
readers gain the necessary knowledge and confidence to master idiomatic
expressions and improve their fluency in English. Whether you are a student,
teacher, or simply a language lover, this revised edition is a must-have addition to
your language learning journey.
Recommendation
I highly recommend “English Idioms and Figurative Expressions: A
Use of English Handbook (Revised Edition)” by Luke Eyoh to anyone seeking to
enhance their understanding and usage of idiomatic expressions in English. This
book is a comprehensive and well-organized resource that provides clear
explanations, practical examples, and cultural insights. Whether you are a language
learner, teacher, or language enthusiast, Eyoh’s expertise and meticulousness make
this handbook an indispensable tool for mastering idiomatic expressions and
improving fluency in English. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource for
expanding your language skills.

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BOOK REVIEW

HISTORY EDUCATION UNIT

Introduction : Purpose of the Book

Chapter 1: Idioms and Figurative Expressions

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