MCQ Academy - English

Free Online MCQ Practice Tests in English

Latest Quizzes

Which meaning best matches the idiom A thorny issue?

  • With general agreement
  • A clear practical example or warning
  • A difficult and complicated problem
  • From very near or in close contact
Correct answer(s):
  • A difficult and complicated problem

Which answer explains A sword of Damocles correctly?

  • A constant threat or danger hanging over someone
  • To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
  • With general agreement
  • Very seriously ill or near death
  • Because of the request or command of someone
Correct answer(s):
  • A constant threat or danger hanging over someone

Select the best explanation of A storm is brewing.

  • At the beginning or edge of a new stage
  • Trouble, conflict, or danger is developing
  • By a very narrow margin
  • To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image
Correct answer(s):
  • Trouble, conflict, or danger is developing

What idea is expressed by A source of contention?

  • During the most intense or advanced stage of something
  • As an extra addition
  • A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
  • A cause of disagreement or argument
Correct answer(s):
  • A cause of disagreement or argument

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A slip of the pen.

  • To receive unfair or worse treatment
  • To happen or become real
  • To have a personal stake or benefit in something
  • Again and again; everywhere one tries
  • A small mistake made while writing
Correct answer(s):
  • A small mistake made while writing

For HSC English, what is the meaning of A slap in the face?

  • An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
  • To have a personal stake or benefit in something
  • To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
  • Through spoken recommendation or information
Correct answer(s):
  • An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment

Which option gives the closest meaning of A skeleton in the cupboard?

  • A cause of disagreement or argument
  • By any possible interpretation or effort of thinking
  • At an important point when a decision or change is needed
  • A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past
Correct answer(s):
  • A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past

In English grammar, how should A shot across the bow be understood?

  • Because of someone’s request or order
  • To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else
  • A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
  • A risky action taken without knowing the result
  • To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you
Correct answer(s):
  • A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later

Choose the correct meaning of A shadow of doubt.

  • A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure
  • As an extra addition
  • A small amount of uncertainty
  • If necessary, especially in a difficult situation
Correct answer(s):
  • A small amount of uncertainty

What does the phrase A rule of thumb approach mean in standard English?

  • A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
  • To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state
  • To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
  • Very similar in character, nature, or behavior
Correct answer(s):
  • A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation

Which meaning best matches the idiom A rough-and-ready method?

  • To sound convincing or believable
  • A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation
  • A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
  • A simple practical method that is not exact or polished
  • Basically or fundamentally
Correct answer(s):
  • A simple practical method that is not exact or polished

Which answer explains A recipe for disaster correctly?

  • To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
  • A respected and responsible person in a community
  • To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
  • A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
Correct answer(s):
  • A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble

Select the best explanation of A raw deal.

  • A constant threat or danger hanging over someone
  • A change in method, plan, or direction
  • Unfair treatment
  • A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit
Correct answer(s):
  • Unfair treatment

What idea is expressed by A race against time?

  • By a very narrow margin
  • An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
  • To sound convincing or believable
  • Much better than others of the same type
  • An act that breaks confidence, honesty, or responsibility
Correct answer(s):
  • An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A quantum leap.

  • A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
  • An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
  • A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
  • A very large and sudden improvement or change
Correct answer(s):
  • A very large and sudden improvement or change

For HSC English, what is the meaning of A point of departure?

  • In a less favorable or weaker position
  • A starting point for discussion, study, or change
  • Through spoken recommendation or information
  • To have a lasting and powerful influence
Correct answer(s):
  • A starting point for discussion, study, or change

Which option gives the closest meaning of A pillar of society?

  • A respected and responsible person in a community
  • To reach a stage where one’s ability or value is fully shown
  • To have a personal stake or benefit in something
  • Briefly and without much detail
  • A collection of false statements
Correct answer(s):
  • A respected and responsible person in a community

In English grammar, how should A pack of lies be understood?

  • A collection of false statements
  • To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image
  • From very near or in close contact
  • Much better than others of the same type
Correct answer(s):
  • A collection of false statements

Choose the correct meaning of A note of caution.

  • Between two equally dangerous or difficult choices
  • A warning or reminder to be careful
  • To make something very clear and noticeable
  • A simple practical method that is not exact or polished
Correct answer(s):
  • A warning or reminder to be careful

What does the phrase A moment of truth mean in standard English?

  • During the most intense or advanced stage of something
  • A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation
  • A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
  • With very little warning or preparation time
  • To begin to understand or deal with a difficult matter
Correct answer(s):
  • A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation