Academic Vocabulary

Which option gives the closest meaning of A vicious circle?

• Because of someone’s request or order
• To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
• A harmful cycle in which one problem causes another and makes the first worse
• A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later

For HSC English, what is the meaning of Above suspicion?

• To unite in support or defense of a group
• An insult, rejection, or painful disappointment
• A hidden and embarrassing secret from the past
• So honest or respectable that no one is likely to suspect wrongdoing
• A clear practical example or warning

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

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

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

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

Which option gives the closest meaning of A checkered career?

• To manage to speak when others are talking a lot
• Automatically because no other choice is made
• A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies
• After taking all facts and circumstances into account

Which meaning best matches the idiom A means to an end?

• Fixed and not open to change
• To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you
• Something done only to achieve a larger purpose
• Automatically because no other choice is made

For HSC English, what is the meaning of A cog in the machine?

• To apply influence or force to make someone act
• To create division or hostility between people
• A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
• A small and unimportant part of a large system

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A counsel of despair.

• A harmful cycle in which one problem causes another and makes the first worse
• Because of the request or command of someone
• Very obvious or easy to understand
• To harm or criticize someone who helps or supports you
• Advice that accepts failure and offers no real hope

Select the best explanation of A cut-throat competition.

• Not in any possible way
• Fixed and not open to change
• Very severe competition in which people may act ruthlessly
• A general practical method based on experience rather than exact calculation

Which meaning best matches the idiom A foregone conclusion?

• A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
• To provide evidence or proof of something
• A practical, realistic, and sensible way of dealing with something
• A result that is certain before it happens

What does the phrase A full-fledged member mean in standard English?

• A complete and officially recognized member
• Hidden from public view or not openly known
• At the beginning or edge of a new stage
• A decisive moment when an important change begins

Choose the correct meaning of A great deal of.

• A decisive moment when an important change begins
• A warning action meant to prevent stronger action later
• To try any small hope when desperate
• To create division or hostility between people
• A large amount or quantity of something

In English grammar, how should A hair’s breadth be understood?

• To make something very clear and noticeable
• A victory that brings little satisfaction or real benefit
• To be in a difficult situation with very few choices
• A very small distance, difference, or margin