Do vs. Make

"Make" is used in the sense of "make", "elaborate" or "create".

It is used for activities that create something that can be touched, a physical object.

examples

make breakfast/lunch/dinner

make a dress

make furniture

Do is used for actions, activities and jobs. It is used in a broad sense, as "performing".

These actions and activities do not produce a physical object.

These actions and activities do not produce a physical object.

Examples

do homework

do a job

do the dishes

do housework

do exercise

We use "do" when we talk about things in general, when we do not say exactly what activity. In this sense, it is used a lot with indefinite pronouns like "something", "anything", "nothing", etc.

do good

do a favor

do business

do damage

do justice

Note: There are many expressions that use "make". In many of these, the sense of "make" is not "to make" or "to do" and very often "do" seems more appropriate, but they are established expressions, so you have to memorize them.

make a decision

make a choice

make an effort

make money

make an offer