Drita Skilja Tarifa

Drita Skilja’s “1001 Idioms to Master Your English: Everyday English Idioms” reflects her 45 years of experience as an ESL (English-as-a-second-language) teacher and her passion for helping students navigate the nuances of English. Having immigrated from Albania to Toronto in 1999, Drita was deeply moved by the challenges her students faced in understanding idioms—a uniquely challenging aspect of the language. These colorful expressions often defy literal translation, leaving learners puzzled by their meanings and usage. Motivated by her students’ struggles, Drita set out to create a user-friendly resource that would demystify idioms, helping students bridge the gap between textbook English and real-world conversations.

In “1001 Idioms to Master Your English,” Drita organizes the vast world of idioms into twenty practical themes, ranging from Food, Body, and Money to Love, Work, and Music. Each unit is crafted to introduce learners to idioms that are relevant to specific contexts, providing a thematic and easy-to-navigate approach. Drita ensures that each idiom is accompanied by clear definitions and relatable example sentences, allowing readers to grasp the essence and versatility of these expressions. To solidify understanding, each section concludes with practice exercises, allowing learners to apply what they’ve learned in a structured way. This unique structure makes the book an engaging, hands-on guide for independent learners and those studying in a classroom environment.

For ESL teachers, Drita’s book is an invaluable resource that serves as both a reference and a teaching aid. With years of experience teaching in the Toronto District School Board, she understands how important it is to provide students with real-life language tools. Her book enables teachers to seamlessly incorporate idioms into lesson plans, with exercises encouraging student interaction and building confidence in idiomatic usage. Beyond teaching, Drita’s commitment to her family—her husband, two sons, and five grandchildren—adds a warm, personal touch to her work, reflecting the same dedication and care she brings to her students. “1001 Idioms to Master Your English” is more than a textbook; it’s a bridge to cultural understanding, fostering meaningful connections between language and life.