Companion to The Composition Ladder · Primary 4

Sixty Days of Words

Ten a day for sixty days: five idioms and five describing words, grouped by the situations a composition actually asks for. Every item comes with a plain meaning and a model sentence she can lift straight into a story.

60 days 600 items 300 idioms 300 describing words ~10 min/day
01

How to run a day

Ten minutes in the morning, three minutes at night, and one paragraph a week. The list is worthless on its own — it only becomes vocabulary when she writes with it.

Morning · 7 min

Read and copy

Read all ten aloud, meanings included. Copy them into the Word Bank notebook under the day’s heading. Handwriting them is half of why they stick.

Night · 3 min

Cover and recall

Cover the meanings and say them back. Then recall yesterday’s ten, and one earlier day picked at random. Three passes, spaced, beats thirty in one sitting.

Weekly · 20 min

Write one paragraph

Choose five items from the week and write a single paragraph that uses all five naturally. If a word will not fit, that is useful information — it is not hers yet.

The rule of two. No more than two idioms in one composition, and only where they genuinely fit. A story stuffed with idioms reads worse than a plain one — markers spot padding immediately. Idioms earn marks the way salt seasons food.

Count an item as learnt only when she has used it in her own sentence, not when she can recite the meaning. Tick a day off below once she has written with it.

Be realistic about 600. That is the menu, not the target. If half of these become words she reaches for without thinking, her Language mark moves two bands. Chasing all six hundred at speed produces a child who recognises words but cannot use any of them.

0 of 60 days ticked

Feelings

Days 1–10

The unit that moves marks fastest. Pairs with Week 11 of the course — showing feelings instead of naming them.

Day 01

Feeling afraid

Five idioms
  1. butterflies in my stomacha nervous, fluttery feelingI had butterflies in my stomach as I walked onto the stage.
  2. jump out of my skinbe badly startledWhen the balloon burst, I nearly jumped out of my skin.
  3. break out in a cold sweatbecome suddenly frightenedI broke out in a cold sweat when I saw the empty wallet.
  4. shake like a leaftremble with fearThe lost puppy was shaking like a leaf under the bench.
  5. my heart was in my mouthextremely frightened or anxiousMy heart was in my mouth as the lift jerked to a stop.
Five describing words
  1. petrifiedso frightened you cannot moveI stood petrified at the top of the diving board.
  2. tremblingshaking slightlyMy trembling fingers could not undo the zip.
  3. clammydamp and cold, of skinMy palms turned clammy as I opened the report card.
  4. a lump of ice in my chesta cold, sinking dreadA lump of ice settled in my chest when the teacher called my name.
  5. boltedran away suddenlyThe cat bolted under the sofa at the first clap of thunder.
Day 02

Feeling happy

Five idioms
  1. over the moonextremely happyMother was over the moon when I passed my swimming test.
  2. on cloud ninecompletely delightedI was on cloud nine for the whole week after the trip.
  3. grinning from ear to earsmiling very widelyRavi came out of the hall grinning from ear to ear.
  4. walking on airso happy you feel lightI was walking on air as I carried the trophy home.
  5. made my daymade me very happyHer thank-you card made my day.
Five describing words
  1. beamedsmiled brightlyGrandmother beamed when she opened the parcel.
  2. a warm glow spread through my chestquiet, deep happinessA warm glow spread through my chest as I walked home.
  3. bubblingfull of excitementThe class was bubbling with excitement before the excursion.
  4. delightedvery pleasedI was delighted to find my name on the list.
  5. lit upbecame bright with joyHis whole face lit up at the sight of the cake.
Day 03

Feeling sad

Five idioms
  1. down in the dumpsfeeling lowSiti was down in the dumps after losing the match.
  2. a lump in my throatabout to cryA lump rose in my throat as I said goodbye.
  3. cry my eyes outcry a great dealI cried my eyes out when my hamster died.
  4. my heart sankfelt sudden disappointmentMy heart sank when I saw the broken vase.
  5. put on a brave facehide sadnessHe put on a brave face, but I knew he was hurting.
Five describing words
  1. miserablevery unhappyI sat miserable and damp on the bench.
  2. eyes stungtears were comingMy eyes stung as I read the last page.
  3. hollowempty feeling insideThe house felt hollow without her.
  4. sniffledcried quietlyThe little boy sniffled all the way home.
  5. downcastsad, looking downShe walked in with downcast eyes.
Day 04

Feeling angry

Five idioms
  1. see redbecome very angryI saw red when I found my book torn in half.
  2. fly off the handlelose your temper suddenlyFather rarely flies off the handle.
  3. blow my topexplode with angerMrs Tan blew her top at the state of the classroom.
  4. bite my tonguestop yourself saying something angryI bit my tongue and walked away.
  5. at each other’s throatsquarrelling fiercelyThe two boys were at each other’s throats over the ball.
Five describing words
  1. fumingextremely angryI stood fuming outside the classroom.
  2. clenchedsqueezed tightMy fists clenched at my sides.
  3. glaredstared angrilyHe glared at me across the table.
  4. snappedspoke sharply“Leave it alone!” she snapped.
  5. ears burnedwent hot with angerMy ears burned as the laughter grew louder.
Day 05

Worry and nerves

Five idioms
  1. on pins and needlesanxiously waitingI was on pins and needles until the results came out.
  2. a weight on my shouldersa heavy worryThe secret sat like a weight on my shoulders.
  3. lose sleep overworry a great deal aboutI lost sleep over the missing key.
  4. keep my fingers crossedhope for good luckI kept my fingers crossed as the names were read out.
  5. my mind was racingthinking fast and anxiouslyMy mind raced through every possible excuse.
Five describing words
  1. uneasyslightly worriedI felt uneasy the moment we entered the empty corridor.
  2. fidgetedmoved restlesslyI fidgeted with my pencil case throughout assembly.
  3. gnawinga worry that keeps biting at youA gnawing doubt followed me home.
  4. restlessunable to settleI spent a restless night before the competition.
  5. pacedwalked back and forthFather paced outside the ward.
Day 06

Surprise and shock

Five idioms
  1. out of the bluecompletely unexpectedOut of the blue, my cousin appeared at the gate.
  2. caught me off guardsurprised meThe question caught me off guard.
  3. could not believe my eyesastonishedI could not believe my eyes when I saw the state of the room.
  4. a bolt from the bluesudden shocking newsThe news came like a bolt from the blue.
  5. froze in my tracksstopped, shockedI froze in my tracks halfway down the stairs.
Five describing words
  1. gaspedbreathed in sharplyThe whole class gasped.
  2. stunnedtoo shocked to reactI stood stunned, the letter still in my hand.
  3. jaw droppedmouth open in shockMy jaw dropped at the size of the fish.
  4. wide-eyedeyes open in wonderThe children stared wide-eyed at the fireworks.
  5. lurchedjolted suddenlyMy stomach lurched at the sound.
Day 07

Embarrassment and shame

Five idioms
  1. as red as a beetrootblushing deeplyI turned as red as a beetroot when I tripped.
  2. wish the ground would swallow me updeeply embarrassedI wished the ground would swallow me up.
  3. hang my headshow shameI hung my head as the teacher read out the mark.
  4. face the musicaccept the consequencesI had to go home and face the music.
  5. a slap in the facea humiliating blowBeing left out felt like a slap in the face.
Five describing words
  1. flushedwent red in the faceMy cheeks flushed as everyone turned to look.
  2. mumbledspoke unclearly and quietlyI mumbled an apology.
  3. cringedshrank with embarrassmentI cringed at the sound of my own voice on the recording.
  4. sheepishembarrassed and guiltyHe gave a sheepish grin.
  5. shrankmade yourself smallI shrank into my seat.
Day 08

Relief

Five idioms
  1. a weight off my shouldersfreed from worryHanding in the project was a weight off my shoulders.
  2. breathe a sigh of reliefrelax after worryWe all breathed a sigh of relief.
  3. in the nick of timejust in timeThe bus arrived in the nick of time.
  4. off the hookno longer in troubleHis confession let me off the hook.
  5. safe and soundunharmedThe kitten was found safe and sound behind the store.
Five describing words
  1. slumpeddropped down looselyI slumped into the chair, exhausted.
  2. unclenchedreleased its tightnessMy shoulders finally unclenched.
  3. floodedfilled all at onceRelief flooded through me.
  4. steadiedbecame calm againMy breathing steadied at last.
  5. loosenedbecame less tightThe knot in my stomach loosened.
Day 09

Pride and confidence

Five idioms
  1. hold my head highbe proudI held my head high as I walked back to my seat.
  2. burst with pridebe extremely proudMother burst with pride at the ceremony.
  3. a pat on the backpraise for good workCoach gave the whole team a pat on the back.
  4. rise to the occasionperform well when it mattersNadia rose to the occasion in the final round.
  5. really shinedo outstandingly wellHe really shone in the oral examination.
Five describing words
  1. beamingsmiling proudlyBeaming, she lifted the medal above her head.
  2. squared my shouldersstood up confidentlyI squared my shoulders and stepped forward.
  3. glowedshowed quiet prideFather glowed as he read my report.
  4. triumphantvictorious and proudA triumphant cheer went up from the back row.
  5. steadycalm and sureHer voice was steady from the very first line.
Day 10

Disappointment and regret

Five idioms
  1. let downdisappointed by someoneI felt let down when nobody came.
  2. could have kicked myselfregretted my own mistakeI could have kicked myself for forgetting the form.
  3. a bitter pill to swallowhard to acceptComing second was a bitter pill to swallow.
  4. count your chickens before they hatchassume success too earlyI had counted my chickens before they hatched.
  5. back to square onestarting all over againOne mistake and we were back to square one.
Five describing words
  1. crestfallenvisibly disappointedThe crestfallen team trudged off the field.
  2. deflatedlike air let out of youI walked home deflated.
  3. gnawed at mekept troubling meThe lie gnawed at me for days.
  4. a hollow victorya win that feels emptyIt was a hollow victory.
  5. trudgedwalked heavily and slowlyWe trudged back to the bus in silence.

People

Days 11–20

Faces, voices, hands and movement. This is where a story stops having “a boy” in it and starts having a person.

Day 11

Faces and expressions

Five idioms
  1. a face like thundera furiously angry expressionMr Lim walked in with a face like thunder.
  2. her face fellshe looked suddenly disappointedHer face fell when she read the notice.
  3. a poker faceshowing no feeling at allHe kept a poker face throughout the questioning.
  4. wear your heart on your sleeveshow your feelings openlyAmira wears her heart on her sleeve.
  5. turn up your nose atlook down on somethingHe turned up his nose at the plain porridge.
Five describing words
  1. furrowedcreased with worryHis brow furrowed as he studied the map.
  2. scowledfrowned angrilyThe shopkeeper scowled at the noisy boys.
  3. radiantglowing with happinessShe looked radiant in the morning light.
  4. paledrained of colourShe went pale at the news.
  5. crumpledfolded up, about to cryHis little face crumpled.
Day 12

Eyes and looking

Five idioms
  1. keep an eye onwatch carefullyPlease keep an eye on my bag.
  2. out of the corner of my eyewith a sideways glanceOut of the corner of my eye, I saw him slip away.
  3. see eye to eyeagree completelyMy brother and I do not always see eye to eye.
  4. turn a blind eyepretend not to noticeThe prefect turned a blind eye.
  5. eyes like a hawkvery sharp sightGrandmother has eyes like a hawk.
Five describing words
  1. peeredlooked closely and with difficultyI peered into the dark cupboard.
  2. glancedlooked quicklyShe glanced at the clock and stood up.
  3. staredlooked long and fixedlyThe baby stared at the ceiling fan.
  4. scannedlooked over quickly, searchingMy eyes scanned the crowd for a familiar face.
  5. squintedhalf-closed the eyes against lightI squinted into the afternoon sun.
Day 13

Voices and speaking

Five idioms
  1. at the top of my lungsas loudly as possibleI shouted at the top of my lungs.
  2. under my breathvery quietly, so few can hearI muttered something under my breath.
  3. get a word in edgewaysmanage to speak in a conversationI could not get a word in edgeways.
  4. speak your mindsay what you truly thinkWei Ming always speaks his mind.
  5. a slip of the tonguean accidental wrong wordIt was only a slip of the tongue.
Five describing words
  1. bellowedshouted very loudlyThe coach bellowed from the sideline.
  2. murmuredspoke softly“It is alright,” she murmured.
  3. shrillhigh and piercingA shrill whistle cut through the noise.
  4. croakedspoke hoarselyI croaked out my name.
  5. stammeredspoke with nervous hesitationI stammered through the first sentence.
Day 14

Hands and doing

Five idioms
  1. lend a handhelpThree boys ran over to lend a hand.
  2. all thumbsclumsy with your handsI was all thumbs with the knots.
  3. get your hands dirtydo the hard work yourselfShe was never afraid to get her hands dirty.
  4. caught red-handedcaught in the actHe was caught red-handed with the marker.
  5. have your hands fullbe very busyMother had her hands full that morning.
Five describing words
  1. fumbledhandled clumsilyI fumbled with the lock.
  2. clutchedheld tightlyShe clutched the letter to her chest.
  3. prisedforced open carefullyI prised the lid off with a spoon.
  4. brushedtouched lightlyHe brushed the dust off his knees.
  5. grippedheld very firmlyI gripped the railing with both hands.
Day 15

Walking and running

Five idioms
  1. take to my heelsrun awayThe moment the alarm rang, he took to his heels.
  2. drag my feetmove or act slowly and unwillinglyI dragged my feet all the way to the dentist.
  3. hot on his heelsfollowing very closelyThe dog was hot on his heels.
  4. stopped deadstopped very suddenlyI stopped dead in the doorway.
  5. on the movetravelling or going somewhereWe were on the move before dawn.
Five describing words
  1. dartedmoved quickly and suddenlyA lizard darted across the wall.
  2. shuffledwalked without lifting the feetThe old man shuffled to the counter.
  3. sprintedran at full speedI sprinted for the closing doors.
  4. creptmoved slowly and quietlyWe crept along the corridor.
  5. staggeredwalked unsteadilyHe staggered under the weight of the boxes.
Day 16

What people look like

Five idioms
  1. the spitting image oflooks exactly likeShe is the spitting image of her mother.
  2. dressed to the ninesdressed very smartlyUncle arrived dressed to the nines.
  3. like a fish out of watercompletely out of placeIn his muddy boots he looked like a fish out of water.
  4. skin and bonesvery thinThe stray was all skin and bones.
  5. stick out like a sore thumbbe very noticeableMy yellow shoes stuck out like a sore thumb.
Five describing words
  1. scruffyuntidy and unkemptA scruffy little dog followed us home.
  2. toweringvery tallA towering security guard blocked the gate.
  3. weatheredlined by sun and ageHis weathered hands were rough and warm.
  4. immaculateperfectly neatHer uniform was immaculate.
  5. lankytall and thinA lanky boy waved from the back row.
Day 17

Kind people

Five idioms
  1. a heart of goldvery kind by natureAuntie Rose has a heart of gold.
  2. go the extra miledo more than is requiredMr Ravi always goes the extra mile.
  3. a shoulder to cry onsomeone who comforts youShe was a shoulder to cry on that whole year.
  4. give someone the benefit of the doubtassume the best of themI gave him the benefit of the doubt.
  5. take someone under your wingprotect and guide themThe seniors took us under their wing.
Five describing words
  1. gentlesoft and carefulHer gentle voice calmed the whole room.
  2. patientwilling to wait calmlyThe librarian was endlessly patient with us.
  3. generousgives freelyHe was generous with his snacks and his time.
  4. thoughtfulthinks of other peopleA thoughtful note was tucked into my bag.
  5. warmfriendly and welcomingShe had a warm, unhurried way of listening.
Day 18

Unkind people

Five idioms
  1. stir up troubledeliberately cause problemsHe loved to stir up trouble.
  2. give someone the cold shoulderignore them on purposeThey gave the new boy the cold shoulder.
  3. rub it inkeep reminding someone of a failureThere was no need to rub it in.
  4. a sore losersomeone who takes losing badlyNobody likes a sore loser.
  5. pick onbully repeatedlyThey picked on the smallest boy in the class.
Five describing words
  1. smugannoyingly pleased with oneselfHe wore a smug little smile.
  2. sneeredsmiled unkindlyThe bigger boy sneered at my drawing.
  3. spitefuldeliberately hurtfulIt was a spiteful thing to say.
  4. tauntedteased cruellyThey taunted him about his shoes.
  5. jeeredmocked loudlyThe group jeered from behind the fence.
Day 19

Crowds and groups

Five idioms
  1. packed like sardinesextremely crowdedThe train was packed like sardines.
  2. a sea of facesa very large crowdI looked out at a sea of faces.
  3. make a beeline forgo straight towardsEveryone made a beeline for the food.
  4. get lost in the crowddisappear among peopleHe got lost in the crowd within seconds.
  5. follow the crowddo what everyone else doesDo not simply follow the crowd.
Five describing words
  1. swarmedmoved in a large massChildren swarmed around the ice-cream cart.
  2. jostledpushed against one anotherShoppers jostled at the entrance.
  3. a thronga dense crowdA throng of parents waited at the gate.
  4. bustlingbusy and noisyThe bustling market woke before we did.
  5. thinnedbecame fewerBy six o’clock the crowd had thinned.
Day 20

Old and young

Five idioms
  1. young at heartlively despite being oldGrandpa is eighty and still young at heart.
  2. getting on in yearsgrowing oldOur neighbour is getting on in years.
  3. wet behind the earsyoung and inexperiencedI was wet behind the ears in Primary One.
  4. a chip off the old blockvery like one’s parentHe is a chip off the old block.
  5. grow up overnightmature very suddenlyHe seemed to grow up overnight that year.
Five describing words
  1. frailweak and delicateHer frail hand rested on mine.
  2. sprightlylively, of an older personA sprightly old lady led the morning exercises.
  3. toddledwalked unsteadily, of a small childMy cousin toddled after the pigeons.
  4. wrinkledlined with ageHis wrinkled face broke into a grin.
  5. wirythin but strongThe wiry old gardener lifted the sack easily.

Places and weather

Days 21–30

Openings live here. Pairs with Week 12 — using sound and smell before anything is seen.

Day 21

Rain

Five idioms
  1. raining cats and dogsraining very heavilyIt was raining cats and dogs by noon.
  2. rain on someone’s paradespoil their happy momentI did not want to rain on her parade.
  3. come rain or shineno matter what happensHe trains come rain or shine.
  4. save for a rainy daykeep something for hard timesMother saves a little for a rainy day.
  5. right as rainperfectly well againAfter a nap he was right as rain.
Five describing words
  1. drizzlefine light rainA thin drizzle greeted us at the gate.
  2. peltedstruck hard and fastRain pelted the zinc roof.
  3. drummedbeat steadilyThe rain drummed on the awning above us.
  4. soakedcompletely wetWe arrived soaked to the skin.
  5. puddlessmall pools of waterPuddles glittered along the void deck.
Day 22

Storms and thunder

Five idioms
  1. the calm before the stormthe quiet before troubleThe empty street was the calm before the storm.
  2. weather the stormsurvive a difficult timeThe family weathered the storm together.
  3. a storm in a teacupa great fuss over nothingThe quarrel turned out to be a storm in a teacup.
  4. take somewhere by stormimpress everyone completelyHer performance took the hall by storm.
  5. under a cloudunder suspicionHe left the club under a cloud.
Five describing words
  1. rumbledmade a low rolling soundThunder rumbled behind the flats.
  2. crackledmade sharp snapping soundsLightning crackled across the sky.
  3. lashedstruck violentlyWind lashed the palm trees.
  4. howledmade a long wailing soundThe wind howled through the corridor.
  5. churningturning violentlyThe sky above us was a churning grey.
Day 23

Heat and sun

Five idioms
  1. make hay while the sun shinesuse the good chance while it lastsWe made hay while the sun shone and finished early.
  2. hot under the collarannoyed and flusteredHe got hot under the collar over the queue.
  3. sweat bucketssweat a great dealWe sweated buckets during the drill.
  4. like an ovenunbearably hotThe classroom was like an oven by ten o’clock.
  5. a place in the suna good position at lastShe has finally found her place in the sun.
Five describing words
  1. scorchingburning hotA scorching afternoon kept everyone indoors.
  2. shimmeredwavered in the heatThe road shimmered in the distance.
  3. swelteringunpleasantly hot and humidIt was a sweltering Saturday.
  4. parchedvery dry and thirstyMy throat was parched.
  5. glareharsh bright lightThe glare off the pavement hurt my eyes.
Day 24

Morning and night

Five idioms
  1. at the crack of dawnvery early in the morningWe set off at the crack of dawn.
  2. burn the midnight oilwork late into the nightSister burned the midnight oil before the test.
  3. call it a daystop working for the dayWe called it a day at six.
  4. an early birdsomeone who rises earlyFather is an early bird.
  5. in broad daylightopenly, in the daytimeThe bicycle was taken in broad daylight.
Five describing words
  1. hazysoft and unclearA hazy morning light filled the kitchen.
  2. dimfaintly litThe corridor was dim and cool.
  3. glimmeredshone faintlyStreetlights glimmered through the rain.
  4. inkyvery darkBy seven the sky had turned inky.
  5. stirredbegan to wake and moveThe estate stirred slowly.
Day 25

School

Five idioms
  1. teacher’s petthe favourite pupilNobody wants to be called the teacher’s pet.
  2. learn by heartmemorise completelyWe learnt the poem by heart.
  3. pass with flying coloursdo extremely wellShe passed with flying colours.
  4. bury your head in a bookread with total attentionHe buried his head in a book all recess.
  5. play truantstay away from school without permissionPlaying truant only made things worse.
Five describing words
  1. echoedsound bounced backOur footsteps echoed down the empty corridor.
  2. hushedquiet and stillA hushed hall waited for the results.
  3. clatteredmade loud hard noisesChairs clattered as the bell rang.
  4. clutteredmessy with too many thingsMy desk was cluttered with worksheets.
  5. dronedmade a dull continuous soundThe fan droned above our heads.
Day 26

Home

Five idioms
  1. feel at homefeel comfortable somewhereI felt at home there within minutes.
  2. under one roofliving together in one houseThree generations lived under one roof.
  3. a few home truthshonest, hard factsFather told me a few home truths that evening.
  4. make yourself at homerelax as though it is your own house“Make yourself at home,” Auntie said.
  5. there is no place like homehome is best of allAfter five days of camp, there was no place like home.
Five describing words
  1. cosysmall and comfortableOur cosy kitchen smelled of ginger.
  2. lived-incomfortably untidyThe lived-in room was full of shoes and books.
  3. creakedmade a dry wooden soundThe old door creaked open.
  4. driftedfloated slowly through the airThe smell of curry drifted from the kitchen.
  5. wornsoftened by long useThe worn sofa sagged in the middle.
Day 27

Hawker centre and market

Five idioms
  1. sell like hot cakessell extremely quicklyThe kaya toast sold like hot cakes.
  2. a piece of cakevery easyFinding the stall was a piece of cake.
  3. have a sweet toothlove sweet foodI have a terrible sweet tooth.
  4. eat like a horseeat a great dealMy brother eats like a horse.
  5. spoilt for choicehave too many good optionsAt the hawker centre we were spoilt for choice.
Five describing words
  1. sizzledhissed while fryingPrawns sizzled on the blackened pan.
  2. waftedfloated through the air, of a smellThe smell of grilled chicken wafted past.
  3. clangedmade a loud metal soundLadles clanged against woks.
  4. steaminggiving off hot steamSteaming bowls were passed over our heads.
  5. fragrantpleasantly scentedA fragrant cloud of pandan filled the corner.
Day 28

Park and nature

Five idioms
  1. a breath of fresh aira welcome changeThe morning walk was a breath of fresh air.
  2. out in the openoutdoors, or no longer hiddenIt felt good to be out in the open.
  3. take rootbecome firmly establishedThe habit took root that year.
  4. beat about the bushavoid saying the real pointStop beating about the bush and tell me.
  5. no bed of rosesnot an easy situationTraining was no bed of roses.
Five describing words
  1. rustledmade a soft dry soundLeaves rustled overhead.
  2. dappledpatched with light and shadeDappled sunlight lay across the path.
  3. lushthick and greenLush grass carpeted the slope.
  4. buzzedmade a low humming soundBees buzzed among the bougainvillea.
  5. stillcompletely motionlessThe pond was perfectly still.
Day 29

Roads and traffic

Five idioms
  1. hit the roadset off on a journeyWe hit the road at seven.
  2. a close shavea narrow escapeIt was a close shave at the junction.
  3. run like clockworkwork perfectly smoothlyThe bus service ran like clockwork.
  4. jump the queuepush in ahead of othersA car jumped the queue at the entrance.
  5. at a snail’s paceextremely slowlyTraffic moved at a snail’s pace.
Five describing words
  1. screechedmade a high scraping soundTyres screeched at the corner.
  2. honkedsounded a hornA lorry honked twice behind us.
  3. swervedturned sharply asideThe motorcyclist swerved to avoid the cat.
  4. crawledmoved very slowlyCars crawled past the roadworks.
  5. joltedmoved with a sudden jerkThe bus jolted forward.
Day 30

Sea, beach and pool

Five idioms
  1. a drop in the oceana very small amountMy donation was a drop in the ocean.
  2. make wavescause a stirHer essay made waves in the school.
  3. in deep waterin serious troubleI was in deep water after the broken window.
  4. plain sailingeasy progressAfter the first lap it was plain sailing.
  5. keep your head above waterbarely manage to copeI was just keeping my head above water.
Five describing words
  1. lappedtouched gently, of waterWaves lapped at our ankles.
  2. glistenedshone wetlyThe wet sand glistened.
  3. saltytasting of saltThe salty air stung my lips.
  4. foamedbubbled whiteThe water foamed around the rocks.
  5. drenchedcompletely soakedOne rogue wave left us drenched.

Trouble and action

Days 31–40

Every composition needs a problem. These are the words for the middle of the story — the part most children rush.

Day 31

Accidents and falls

Five idioms
  1. head over heelstumbling right overHe went head over heels over the kerb.
  2. a bump in the roada small setbackIt was only a bump in the road.
  3. break your fallsoften a fallThe bushes broke his fall.
  4. fall flat on your facefail or fall in front of everyoneI fell flat on my face in front of the whole class.
  5. accidents will happenmishaps are part of life“Accidents will happen,” Mother said kindly.
Five describing words
  1. sprawledspread out on the groundHe lay sprawled across the pavement.
  2. tumbledfell while rolling overThe bag tumbled down the steps.
  3. grazedscraped the skinHer elbow was badly grazed.
  4. wincedflinched in painHe winced as I touched the cut.
  5. throbbedbeat with steady painMy ankle throbbed all evening.
Day 32

Losing things

Five idioms
  1. slip your mindbe forgottenIt completely slipped my mind.
  2. vanish into thin airdisappear entirelyMy water bottle had vanished into thin air.
  3. turn the house upside downsearch everywhereWe turned the house upside down.
  4. rack your brainsthink very hardI racked my brains for where I had left it.
  5. retrace your stepsgo back the way you cameI retraced my steps to the canteen.
Five describing words
  1. rummagedsearched messilyI rummaged through my bag for the third time.
  2. franticwildly worriedA frantic search began.
  3. scouredsearched thoroughlyWe scoured the canteen and the field.
  4. misplacedput down and forgottenI had simply misplaced it.
  5. desperateready to try anythingBy four o’clock I was desperate.
Day 33

Being late

Five idioms
  1. against the clockracing to finish in timeWe worked against the clock.
  2. at the eleventh hourat the very last momentHe arrived at the eleventh hour.
  3. miss the boatmiss the chanceI missed the boat on signing up.
  4. better late than neverlate is better than not at all“Better late than never,” he grinned.
  5. lose track of timenot notice time passingI lost track of time at the library.
Five describing words
  1. hurtledmoved very fastI hurtled down the stairs two at a time.
  2. breathlessout of breathI arrived breathless and red-faced.
  3. flusteredconfused and rushedI stumbled in flustered and apologising.
  4. scrambledmoved hurriedly and clumsilyI scrambled into my shoes.
  5. tickingmarking the passing secondsThe ticking clock made everything worse.
Day 34

Quarrels and bullies

Five idioms
  1. stand up for yourselfdefend yourselfI finally stood up for myself.
  2. bury the hatchetmake peaceThe two friends buried the hatchet.
  3. give someone a piece of your mindtell them off angrilyShe gave them a piece of her mind.
  4. cross the linego too farThat remark crossed the line.
  5. let sleeping dogs lieleave old trouble aloneI decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
Five describing words
  1. shovedpushed roughlyHe shoved past me without a word.
  2. corneredtrapped with nowhere to goThey cornered him near the stairwell.
  3. defiantrefusing to give inShe lifted her chin, defiant.
  4. bristledbecame suddenly angryI bristled at the word.
  5. simmeredanger building quietlyThe quarrel simmered all week.
Day 35

Helping and rescue

Five idioms
  1. come to the rescuearrive to helpA stranger came to our rescue.
  2. a helping handassistanceA helping hand made all the difference.
  3. save the daysolve the problem at the last momentHer spare key saved the day.
  4. not think twicehelp without hesitatingHe did not think twice before jumping in.
  5. every cloud has a silver liningsomething good comes from something badEvery cloud has a silver lining, after all.
Five describing words
  1. kneltwent down on the kneesI knelt beside the crying child.
  2. hoistedlifted with effortTwo men hoisted the trolley upright.
  3. soothedcalmed gentlyShe soothed the frightened boy.
  4. reassuredmade someone feel safeI reassured him that help was coming.
  5. rushedmoved quickly to helpPassers-by rushed forward at once.
Day 36

Chasing and escaping

Five idioms
  1. hot on the trailclose behindThe guard was hot on the trail.
  2. give someone the slipescape from themThe monkey gave us the slip.
  3. a wild goose chasea pointless searchIt turned into a wild goose chase.
  4. catch up withreach someone ahead of youI could not catch up with him.
  5. slip through your fingersescape narrowlyThe chance slipped through my fingers.
Five describing words
  1. pursuedfollowed in order to catchWe pursued the runaway trolley across the car park.
  2. dodgedmoved quickly to avoidHe dodged between the tables.
  3. vanisheddisappeared suddenlyThe figure vanished round the corner.
  4. pantingbreathing hardI stopped, panting, at the gate.
  5. relentlessnever stoppingThe chase was relentless.
Day 37

Breaking and spoiling things

Five idioms
  1. in piecesbroken apartThe bowl lay in pieces on the floor.
  2. the last strawthe final problem you can bearThe torn page was the last straw.
  3. pick up the piecesrepair the situation afterwardsWe stayed back to pick up the pieces.
  4. cost an arm and a legbe very expensiveThat vase cost an arm and a leg.
  5. handle with kid glovestreat extremely carefullyThe old photograph had to be handled with kid gloves.
Five describing words
  1. shatteredbroke into many piecesThe glass shattered on the tiles.
  2. splinteredbroke into sharp sliversThe ruler splintered in his hand.
  3. crackedsplit without breaking apartA thin line cracked across the screen.
  4. buckledbent under too much weightThe shelf buckled under the pile of books.
  5. dentedpushed inwardsThe lid was badly dented.
Day 38

Getting caught and owning up

Five idioms
  1. own upadmit what you didIn the end I owned up.
  2. come cleantell the whole truthIt was time to come clean.
  3. the game is upthe secret has been discoveredThe game was up the moment she smiled.
  4. get away with itescape punishmentI did not want to get away with it.
  5. a guilty consciencea bad feeling about wrongdoingA guilty conscience kept me awake.
Five describing words
  1. confessedadmitted openlyI confessed before anyone even asked.
  2. squirmedwriggled uncomfortablyI squirmed under his gaze.
  3. hesitatedpaused before actingI hesitated at the staffroom door.
  4. blurtedsaid suddenly, without thinking“It was me,” I blurted.
  5. lighterfreed of a burdenI walked out feeling ten kilograms lighter.
Day 39

Illness and hospital

Five idioms
  1. under the weatherslightly unwellI felt under the weather all morning.
  2. on the mendrecoveringGrandmother is on the mend.
  3. as pale as a ghostvery paleHe was as pale as a ghost.
  4. back on your feetwell againShe was back on her feet in a week.
  5. in safe handsbeing well cared forWe knew he was in safe hands.
Five describing words
  1. feverishhot with feverHer forehead was feverish.
  2. queasysick in the stomachThe smell made me queasy.
  3. sterilevery clean and bareThe sterile smell of the ward followed us out.
  4. limpweak and floppyHis hand lay limp on the blanket.
  5. beepingmaking steady electronic soundsA machine beeped quietly beside the bed.
Day 40

Fire and danger

Five idioms
  1. play with firetake a dangerous riskCycling there was playing with fire.
  2. out of the frying pan into the firefrom bad to worseWe went out of the frying pan into the fire.
  3. add fuel to the firemake a bad situation worseShouting only added fuel to the fire.
  4. a narrow escapeonly just avoided harmIt was a narrow escape.
  5. keep a cool headstay calm in dangerAhmad kept a cool head and called for help.
Five describing words
  1. billowedrolled outwards in cloudsSmoke billowed from the window.
  2. scorchedburnt on the surfaceThe wall was scorched black.
  3. acridsharp and bitter, of a smellAn acrid smell filled the stairwell.
  4. blazingburning fiercelyThe blazing kitchen lit the whole corridor.
  5. deafeningpainfully loudThe alarm was deafening.

Character and values

Days 41–50

The themes P4 papers keep returning to. Pairs with Week 18 — the theme cupboard she cooks from in the exam.

Day 41

Hard work

Five idioms
  1. put your back into itwork with real effortWe put our backs into the clean-up.
  2. burn the candle at both endswork far too hard, too longSister was burning the candle at both ends.
  3. no pain, no gaineffort is needed for reward“No pain, no gain,” Coach reminded us.
  4. roll up your sleevesprepare to work hardEveryone rolled up their sleeves.
  5. elbow greasehard physical effortIt took a great deal of elbow grease.
Five describing words
  1. diligentcareful and hard-workingShe was the most diligent pupil in the row.
  2. painstakingdone with great careIt was slow, painstaking work.
  3. tirelessnever seeming to tireThe volunteers were tireless.
  4. determinedfirmly decidedA determined look settled on his face.
  5. focusedfully concentratingI stayed focused until the last question.
Day 42

Giving up, or not

Five idioms
  1. throw in the towelgive upI almost threw in the towel.
  2. hang in therekeep going through difficulty“Hang in there,” she whispered.
  3. never say dierefuse to give upIt was a never-say-die attitude.
  4. keep your chin upstay cheerful in hard times“Keep your chin up,” the coach said.
  5. if at first you don’t succeed, try againpersist after failureIf at first you do not succeed, try, try again.
Five describing words
  1. perseveredkept going despite difficultyShe persevered through three failed attempts.
  2. stubbornrefusing to change your mindI was stubborn about finishing it alone.
  3. falteredbecame unsteady or weakenedMy voice faltered but I carried on.
  4. grittedclenched the teeth in effortI gritted my teeth and pushed.
  5. unshakennot discouraged at allHis confidence was unshaken.
Day 43

Honesty and lying

Five idioms
  1. honesty is the best policytelling the truth is always bestHonesty is the best policy, as Father says.
  2. a white liea small, harmless lieIt was only a white lie, but it grew.
  3. let the cat out of the bagreveal a secret by accidentI let the cat out of the bag before the party.
  4. cover your trackshide what you have doneHe tried to cover his tracks.
  5. the truth will outthe truth is always discoveredThe truth will out, sooner or later.
Five describing words
  1. truthfultelling the truthA truthful answer took two seconds and saved a week.
  2. sinceregenuine and honestHer apology was sincere.
  3. deceitfuldishonestIt was a deceitful thing to do.
  4. transparenteasy to see throughHis excuse was transparent.
  5. uprighthonest and principledHe is an upright, dependable boy.
Day 44

Courage

Five idioms
  1. take the bull by the hornsface a difficulty boldlyI took the bull by the horns and raised my hand.
  2. pluck up the couragegather your braveryI plucked up the courage to speak.
  3. face your fearsconfront what frightens youThat day I faced my fears.
  4. bite the bulletaccept something difficultI bit the bullet and apologised.
  5. nerves of steelgreat calm courageThe lifeguard had nerves of steel.
Five describing words
  1. fearlesswithout fearA fearless little girl led the way.
  2. boldconfident and daringIt was a bold decision.
  3. steelyhard and determinedThere was a steely look in her eyes.
  4. daredwas brave enough toNobody dared to move.
  5. bracedprepared for something hardI braced myself and knocked.
Day 45

Kindness

Five idioms
  1. do someone a good turndo them a kindnessHe did me a good turn that morning.
  2. it is the thought that countsthe intention matters mostIt was a small gift, but it is the thought that counts.
  3. put yourself in someone’s shoesimagine how they feelI put myself in her shoes.
  4. a kind word costs nothingkindness is free to giveA kind word costs nothing.
  5. go out of your waymake a special effort for someoneShe went out of her way to include him.
Five describing words
  1. compassionatefeeling for others’ sufferingA compassionate neighbour brought soup.
  2. consideratethinking of other peopleIt was considerate of him to wait.
  3. selflessputting others firstHer selfless act surprised us all.
  4. tendergentle and caringA tender pat on my shoulder said enough.
  5. comfortingmaking someone feel betterHer comforting voice steadied me.
Day 46

Teamwork

Five idioms
  1. pull togetherwork as oneThe class pulled together at last.
  2. two heads are better than oneworking together helpsTwo heads are better than one.
  3. pull your weightdo your fair shareEveryone pulled their weight.
  4. many hands make light workteamwork makes a job easierMany hands make light work.
  5. see it through togetherfinish it as a groupWe saw it through together.
Five describing words
  1. unitedjoined as oneA united team is hard to beat.
  2. cooperatedworked together willinglyThe two groups cooperated at last.
  3. ralliedcame together in supportThe class rallied around him.
  4. shareddivided fairly among allThe work was shared without argument.
  5. coordinatedorganised to work togetherOur coordinated effort finished it by four.
Day 47

Responsibility

Five idioms
  1. take it on the chinaccept blame or bad news bravelyHe took it on the chin.
  2. carry the cantake the blame for everyoneI was not going to let her carry the can.
  3. stand on your own two feetbe independentI learnt to stand on my own two feet.
  4. keep your worddo what you promisedHe always keeps his word.
  5. face the consequencesaccept what followsI was ready to face the consequences.
Five describing words
  1. dependablecan always be relied onShe is the most dependable monitor we have had.
  2. accountableanswerable for your actionsHe held himself accountable.
  3. trustworthydeserving of trustA trustworthy friend is rare.
  4. dutifuldoing what is expected of youA dutiful older brother, he waited every day.
  5. conscientiouscareful and thoroughHer conscientious checking caught the error.
Day 48

Jealousy and greed

Five idioms
  1. green with envyvery jealousI was green with envy.
  2. the grass is always greenerothers always seem better offThe grass is always greener on the other side.
  3. bite off more than you can chewtake on too muchI bit off more than I could chew.
  4. have your cake and eat itwant everything at onceYou cannot have your cake and eat it.
  5. eyes bigger than your stomachtake more than you can finishMy eyes were bigger than my stomach.
Five describing words
  1. enviouswanting what others haveI stole an envious glance at her new bag.
  2. greedywanting far too muchA greedy handful spilled onto the floor.
  3. resentfulbitter about unfairnessHe grew resentful and quiet.
  4. covetouslonging for another’s thingsA covetous look crossed his face.
  5. begrudgedgave unwillinglyShe begrudged him even a smile.
Day 49

Forgiveness and making up

Five idioms
  1. let bygones be bygonesforget past quarrelsWe agreed to let bygones be bygones.
  2. turn over a new leafstart behaving betterHe turned over a new leaf that term.
  3. make amendsput things rightI wanted to make amends.
  4. clear the airremove the bad feelingA short talk cleared the air.
  5. no hard feelingsno resentment left“No hard feelings,” he grinned.
Five describing words
  1. apologeticshowing that you are sorryAn apologetic note was folded on my desk.
  2. remorsefuldeeply sorryHe looked genuinely remorseful.
  3. reconciledfriends again after a quarrelBy Friday the two were reconciled.
  4. forgavestopped being angry withShe forgave me before I finished the sentence.
  5. mendedrepaired, of a friendshipThe friendship mended slowly.
Day 50

Gratitude

Five idioms
  1. count your blessingsappreciate what you have“Count your blessings,” Grandmother says.
  2. owe someone a debt of gratitudebe deeply thankful to themI owe her a debt of gratitude.
  3. thank your lucky starsbe glad of your good fortuneI thanked my lucky stars that day.
  4. give credit where credit is dueacknowledge people properlyGive credit where credit is due.
  5. a token of appreciationa small thank-you giftWe gave her a token of appreciation.
Five describing words
  1. gratefulthankfulI was quietly grateful.
  2. indebtedowing thanks to someoneWe remain indebted to that stranger.
  3. appreciativeshowing thanksAn appreciative murmur ran through the hall.
  4. humbledmade modest by others’ kindnessI was humbled by their generosity.
  5. treasuredvalued greatlyThat afternoon became a treasured memory.

Story craft

Days 51–60

The joins and the finish: time words, sounds, light, speed, endings. These are the words that hold a composition together.

Day 51

Time and sequence

Five idioms
  1. in the blink of an eyeinstantlyIn the blink of an eye it was over.
  2. time fliestime passes very quicklyTime flies during the holidays.
  3. sooner or latereventuallySooner or later the truth comes out.
  4. from time to timeoccasionallyFrom time to time I still think of that afternoon.
  5. before you know itvery soonBefore I knew it, the bell had rung.
Five joining phrases
  1. moments latera short time afterwardsMoments later, the door swung open.
  2. by the timewhen something finally happenedBy the time we arrived, the gate was locked.
  3. meanwhileat the same time, elsewhereMeanwhile, my brother was still asleep.
  4. eventuallyafter a long waitEventually the rain stopped.
  5. all at oncesuddenly and togetherAll at once, everyone began to clap.
Day 52

Sounds

Five idioms
  1. music to my earsvery welcome newsThe word “cancelled” was music to my ears.
  2. you could have heard a pin dropcompletely silentYou could have heard a pin drop.
  3. sound the alarmwarn everyone of dangerSomeone sounded the alarm.
  4. ring a bellseem vaguely familiarThe name rings a bell.
  5. hold your tonguestay silentI held my tongue and waited.
Five describing words
  1. thuddedmade a dull heavy soundSomething thudded on the floor above us.
  2. hissedmade a sharp escaping soundSteam hissed from the pot.
  3. squealedmade a high excited cryThe children squealed with delight.
  4. rattledshook with a knocking soundThe window rattled in its frame.
  5. muffledmade quiet and unclearA muffled voice came through the door.
Day 53

Smells and tastes

Five idioms
  1. leave a bad taste in your mouthleave a bad feeling behindThe argument left a bad taste in my mouth.
  2. take it with a pinch of saltdo not fully believe itTake his story with a pinch of salt.
  3. a taste of your own medicinethe same treatment you gave othersHe got a taste of his own medicine.
  4. smell a ratsuspect something is wrongI smelt a rat immediately.
  5. the sweet smell of successthe joy of winningFor once, we knew the sweet smell of success.
Five describing words
  1. pungentstrong and sharp, of a smellA pungent smell of durian filled the lift.
  2. savourysalty and full of flavourA savoury steam rose from the bowl.
  3. blandwithout flavourThe soup was bland without the chilli.
  4. tangysharp and fresh-tastingA tangy squeeze of lime woke the dish up.
  5. mustyold and damp-smellingThe storeroom smelt musty.
Day 54

Light and dark

Five idioms
  1. see the lightfinally understandAt last I saw the light.
  2. keep someone in the darknot tell them anythingWe were kept in the dark all week.
  3. a light at the end of the tunnelhope ahead after difficultyThere was a light at the end of the tunnel.
  4. cast a shadow overspoil the mood ofThe news cast a shadow over the party.
  5. bring to lightrevealThe check brought the mistake to light.
Five describing words
  1. gleamingshining brightlyGleaming trophies lined the shelf.
  2. flickeredshone unsteadilyThe lamp flickered twice and died.
  3. shadowyfull of shadowsA shadowy figure stood at the gate.
  4. dazzlingblindingly brightA dazzling flash lit the whole field.
  5. pitch-blackcompletely darkThe stairwell was pitch-black.
Day 55

Speed, fast and slow

Five idioms
  1. like lightningextremely fastHe was off like lightning.
  2. in no time at allvery quicklyThe queue moved in no time at all.
  3. slow and steady wins the racepatience beats hurrySlow and steady wins the race.
  4. drag oncontinue far too longThe assembly dragged on.
  5. quick off the markfast to reactSiti was quick off the mark.
Five describing words
  1. zippedmoved quickly pastA scooter zipped past the void deck.
  2. dawdledmoved slowly, wasting timeWe dawdled on the way home.
  3. briskquick and energeticA brisk walk warmed us up.
  4. sluggishslow and heavyThe old fan turned in a sluggish circle.
  5. abruptlysuddenly and unexpectedlyThe music stopped abruptly.
Day 56

Silence and stillness

Five idioms
  1. give someone the silent treatmentrefuse to speak to themShe gave me the silent treatment for two days.
  2. silence is goldenquiet is valuableSilence is golden, Mother says.
  3. keep it under your hatkeep it secretKeep it under your hat for now.
  4. still waters run deepquiet people think deeplyStill waters run deep.
  5. break the silencebe the first to speakA single cough broke the silence.
Five describing words
  1. motionlesscompletely stillThe cat sat motionless on the ledge.
  2. eeriestrange and unsettlingAn eerie stillness hung over the field.
  3. desertedempty of peopleThe deserted canteen echoed.
  4. stiflingheavy and airlessThe silence in the car was stifling.
  5. pausedstopped for a momentThe whole room paused.
Day 57

Beginnings

Five idioms
  1. off to a flying starta very good beginningWe were off to a flying start.
  2. get the ball rollingstart things offRavi got the ball rolling.
  3. a fresh starta new beginningJanuary felt like a fresh start.
  4. from scratchfrom the very beginningWe built the model from scratch.
  5. first things firstdo the most important thing firstFirst things first: find the key.
Five describing words
  1. dawnedbegan, of a dayA new week dawned, grey and wet.
  2. embarkedset out on somethingWe embarked on the longest walk of my life.
  3. unfoldedhappened graduallyThe morning unfolded quietly.
  4. tentativehesitant, a first careful tryA tentative knock came at the door.
  5. brimmingfull to the very topI arrived brimming with plans.
Day 58

Endings and lessons

Five idioms
  1. all’s well that ends wella good ending makes up for the troubleAll’s well that ends well.
  2. learn your lessonunderstand through a mistakeI had learnt my lesson.
  3. the end of the roadthe finish of somethingIt was the end of the road for the old bicycle.
  4. put it behind youmove on from itI put it behind me and walked on.
  5. a happy endinga good conclusionNot every story has a happy ending, but this one did.
Five describing words
  1. realisedcame to understandI realised, walking home, what she had meant.
  2. lingeredstayed on afterwardsThe smell of smoke lingered for days.
  3. settledbecame calm and finalEverything settled by evening.
  4. wiserhaving learnt somethingI went to bed a little wiser.
  5. foreverfor all timeI will remember that afternoon forever.
Day 59

Thinking and deciding

Five idioms
  1. on second thoughtsafter reconsideringOn second thoughts, I turned back.
  2. make up your minddecideI could not make up my mind.
  3. in two mindsunable to decideI was in two minds about telling her.
  4. sleep on itdecide the next dayFather told me to sleep on it.
  5. weigh the pros and consconsider both sidesI weighed the pros and cons all recess.
Five describing words
  1. ponderedthought about carefullyI pondered the choice all the way home.
  2. waveredbecame unsureMy resolve wavered at the door.
  3. resolvedfirmly decidedI resolved to tell the truth.
  4. reluctantunwillingA reluctant nod was all I could manage.
  5. certaincompletely sureBy then I was certain.
Day 60

The last ten

Five idioms
  1. a blessing in disguisea bad thing that turns out wellThe delay was a blessing in disguise.
  2. actions speak louder than wordswhat you do matters more than what you sayActions speak louder than words.
  3. better safe than sorryit is wiser to be carefulBetter safe than sorry, we took the umbrella.
  4. practice makes perfectrepetition brings skillPractice makes perfect, and sixty days is a lot of practice.
  5. once in a blue moonvery rarelyWe visit that beach once in a blue moon.
Five describing words
  1. unforgettableimpossible to forgetIt was an unforgettable afternoon.
  2. bewilderedcompletely confusedI stood bewildered in the corridor.
  3. grudginglyunwillinglyHe grudgingly agreed to share.
  4. exhilaratingthrilling and excitingThe ride down was exhilarating.
  5. contentquietly satisfiedI was content to sit and watch.
02

Test yourself

Flashcards to check she remembers, or multiple choice to make it a game. By default it only asks about days she has ticked — there is no point being tested on words she has not met.

Ready when she is

Ten questions, drawn from whichever days are ticked off above.

02

When the sixty days are done

Do not start again at Day 1. Three things are worth more than a second pass.

Next · one

Harvest the ones she uses

Read back through her portfolio and highlight every item from this list that appeared in a real composition. That highlighted set is her actual vocabulary — usually 150 to 250 items, and worth more than the other 400.

Next · two

Let her build Days 61 onwards

She writes the next days herself from the Golden Lines notebook: ten items a day pulled from books she chose. Words she found are held far better than words she was given.

Next · three

Review by theme, not by day

Before a paper on kindness, reread Days 45 and 17. Before one on courage, Days 44 and 1. The grouping is what makes the list usable under exam pressure.