Exam Preparation

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

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

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

Identify the correct meaning of the expression A hue and cry.

• Unfair treatment
• To have a personal stake or benefit in something
• A loud public protest or strong complaint
• Much better than others of the same type

Select the best explanation of A leap in the dark.

• To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly
• To have power, control, or influence
• A risky action taken without knowing the result
• An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
• To understand something after thought or investigation

Which meaning best matches the idiom A bitter pill to swallow?

• As a result of something
• To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration
• Advice that accepts failure and offers no real hope
• An unpleasant fact or result that is difficult to accept
• During the most intense or advanced stage of something

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

What does the phrase A blot on the landscape mean in standard English?

• To provide evidence or proof of something
• Something ugly or unpleasant that spoils an otherwise attractive place
• To return to the original position or situation
• After taking all facts and circumstances into account

Choose the correct meaning of A breach of trust.

• To die or disappear like all living things
• With general agreement
• Briefly and without much detail
• An act that breaks confidence, honesty, or responsibility

In English grammar, how should A change of tack be understood?

• To support or defend a person, idea, or cause
• Very obvious or easy to understand
• A change in method, plan, or direction
• To suspend or postpone something temporarily
• To discuss a point hypothetically

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

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