When to use 'make' and 'do'?

[sarahy]

Test No. incompl/elem-15 "An Easy Question", question 7

Do you want me to ......... it easier for you?

(a) make
(b) do
(c) try
(d) take

Test No. incompl/elem-15 "An Easy Question", answer 7

Do you want me to make it easier for you?

Correct answer: (a) make

Your answer was: incorrect
Do you want me to do it easier for you?
_________________________

I have a problem with "make" and "do". Could you tell me the difference, please?

[Alan]

Hi,

These two verbs are a problem and it's difficult to make a general rule because there are so many idiomatic expressions. Broadly and that's all you can say, do is connected with activity as in do a job and make is connected with construction in a general sense as in make a drawing/a cake/ a model. Have a look at the piece I wrote called Make or Do, which you can see listed under esl lessons on the left of the main website.
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a driving instructor