make up your mind!

Example 1: I just can't make up my mind! Should I go to El Camino College now, or stay at LSI to study English for 6 more months?! Someone help!

Example 2: You need to make up your mind soon. El Camino's application deadline is coming up, so you need to make a decision soon!

Explanation: make up one's mind = make a decision
The decision should have more than one option. In example 1, the student is deciding between El Camino College or LSI. In Example 2, they are urging their friend to decide between El Camino College and LSI.

I need to make a decision = I need to make up my mind
She needs to make a decision = She needs to make up her mind
We need to make a decision = We need to make up our minds

This idiom  can be found in Reading Savvy, 1st Edition. This book has been used to teach Level 5 Reading/Vocabulary. To learn more, please visit www.languagesystems.com

to Wipe Out

Example 1: Be careful when you are out on the ocean surfing! If you aren't paying attention when the next wave comes, you could wipe out and get hurt!

Wipe Out - VIDEO  

Example 2: So many trees were wiped out in the fire. 

Explanation: wipe out can be used in many different ways. 

In example 1, wipe out means fall. When used this way, wipe out is a phrasal verb to describe a fall off of a movie object such as a surfboard or skateboard and is commonly related to sports. This expression is often informal. 

In example 2, wipe out means destroy. When used this way, wipe out is often used in the passive voice. Ex: The city was wiped out by the fire. This is often used to describe very serious situation with large scale destruction. 

This idiom can be found in the book LSI Reading Savvy, 1st Edition. This book is used to teach Level 5 Reading/Vocabulary at LSI schools. For more information visit:www.languagesystems.com