Academic Vocabulary

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Go down a storm?

• To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument
• Very seriously ill or near death
• To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
• To be received very successfully or enthusiastically
• Through spoken recommendation or information

Which meaning best matches the idiom Fight shy of?

• To provide evidence or proof of something
• A result that is certain before it happens
• A cause of disagreement or argument
• To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
• Very seriously ill or near death

Identify the correct meaning of the expression Go out of fashion.

• So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing
• Automatically because no other choice is made
• To become no longer popular or common
• To have a hidden weakness despite an admirable image

What does the phrase Fill the bill mean in standard English?

• Hidden from public view or not openly known
• To be suitable for a need or purpose
• To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike
• To try any small hope when desperate

What idea is expressed by Go the way of all flesh?

• To understand something after thought or investigation
• To die or disappear like all living things
• A starting point for discussion, study, or change
• By honest or dishonest methods

Choose the correct meaning of Follow in someone’s footsteps.

• Because of the request or command of someone
• A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
• Basically or fundamentally
• To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else

In English grammar, how should For all practical purposes be understood?

• A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation
• To receive unfair or worse treatment
• In effect; almost completely
• By any possible means
• Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

Which answer explains Hang by a thread correctly?

• To be in a very uncertain or dangerous state
• To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
• Through spoken recommendation or information
• A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past

Which meaning best matches the idiom Have a flair for?

• From something excellent or serious to something absurd
• Trouble, conflict, or danger is developing
• To have a natural talent for something
• A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit

Identify the correct meaning of the expression For the sake of argument.

• To allow complete freedom to act or express something
• Outside acceptable limits of behavior
• An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
• To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
• To discuss a point hypothetically

What does the phrase Dance to someone’s tune mean in standard English?

• An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
• To obey or be controlled by someone else
• As an extra addition
• To suspend or postpone something temporarily
• A risky action taken without knowing the result

What idea is expressed by Carry conviction?

• Automatically because no other choice is made
• To sound convincing or believable
• A very large and sudden improvement or change
• Something done only to achieve a larger purpose

In English grammar, how should Draw a veil over be understood?

• A risky action taken without knowing the result
• To avoid discussing or hide something unpleasant
• Because of someone’s request or order
• Through spoken recommendation or information

Select the best explanation of Cast a long shadow.

• To obey or be controlled by someone else
• To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
• Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
• To have a lasting and powerful influence