Some verbs always go with certain nouns. Use make a decision and make a mistake with make. Use do homework and do the dishes with do.
make and do
make a decision — I need to make a decision.
make a mistake — Everyone can make a mistake.
do homework — I do homework after dinner.
do the dishes — He does the dishes at night.
Try it: Sofia can't choose between two jobs. She needs to ___ soon. (make a decision / do homework / do the dishes) Answer: make a decision — Choosing between things is to make a decision. Do homework is schoolwork and do the dishes is cleaning plates, so neither one means choosing.
take, have, and pay
Use take an exam and take a break with take, and have fun and have a party with have. We also say pay attention to listen carefully.
take an exam — I take an exam on Monday.
take a break — Let's take a break.
have fun — We have fun together.
pay attention — Please pay attention in class.
Try it: The class has worked for two hours, so the teacher says they can ___ for ten minutes. (take a break / take an exam / pay attention) Answer: take a break — To rest for a short time is to take a break. Take an exam is a test and pay attention is to listen carefully, so neither one means to rest.