Exam Preparation

For HSC English, what is the meaning of At first blush?

• A cause of disagreement or argument
• On first impression
• In effect; almost completely
• A change in method, plan, or direction

Identify the correct meaning of the expression At loggerheads with.

• From very near or in close contact
• To expose a hidden scandal, secret, or truth
• An urgent effort to finish something before a deadline
• To act according to one’s beliefs despite pressure
• In strong disagreement with someone

What idea is expressed by At loose ends?

• Having nothing useful to do or feeling unsettled
• A harmful cycle in which one problem causes another and makes the first worse
• A large amount or quantity of something
• In a less favorable or weaker position

Select the best explanation of At no great length.

• To discuss a point hypothetically
• A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
• Briefly and without much detail
• Hidden from public view or not openly known

What idea is expressed by All things considered?

• After taking all facts and circumstances into account
• To demand an explanation or hold someone responsible
• A simple practical method that is not exact or polished
• To try any small hope when desperate

Which meaning best matches the idiom At one’s peril?

• A decisive moment that tests a person, plan, or situation
• With serious risk to oneself
• With general agreement
• To conform or agree with rules, orders, or a group

Select the best explanation of An air of mystery.

• With general agreement
• Unable to continue, work, or succeed
• A mysterious quality or feeling
• Not in any possible way
• To be received very successfully or enthusiastically

Which answer explains An article of faith correctly?

• Fixed and not open to change
• A strong belief accepted without question
• To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
• To suspend or postpone something temporarily

Which meaning best matches the idiom An object lesson?

• By any possible means
• To be suitable for a need or purpose
• Having nothing useful to do or feeling unsettled
• A clear practical example or warning

Which option gives the closest meaning of At a critical juncture?

• At an important point when a decision or change is needed
• Fixed and not open to change
• A very large and sudden improvement or change
• With serious risk to oneself
• To hurt, wound, or make a successful attack in argument

Identify the correct meaning of the expression At a glance.

• Advice that accepts failure and offers no real hope
• To become no longer popular or common
• After a quick look
• To act honestly, sincerely, and with fair intention

Select the best explanation of At a pinch.

• To transform something completely
• To receive unfair or worse treatment
• Much better than others of the same type
• If necessary, especially in a difficult situation

Which answer explains At arm’s length correctly?

• At a distance, especially to avoid close involvement
• On first impression
• Very seriously ill or near death
• By honest or dishonest methods

Which meaning best matches the idiom At bottom?

• To wait anxiously or expectantly
• A very small distance, difference, or margin
• To become successful or real after effort
• Basically or fundamentally
• A career marked by both successes and failures or controversies

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

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

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

What does the phrase A train of thought mean in standard English?

• To do the same work or follow the same path as someone else
• A connected sequence of ideas in the mind
• A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure
• To avoid something because of fear, reluctance, or dislike

In English grammar, how should A vested interest be understood?

• A personal benefit or strong stake in an outcome
• A situation likely to lead to failure, danger, or serious trouble
• To have a natural talent for something
• Having different aims or misunderstanding each other

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