Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
1.
This
quote from Macbeth indicates that:
(a) Performing in a play is
a thankless task.
(b) Human life is absurd
and meaningless.
(c) One must live life
fully.
(d) Life is full of
treachery.
The correct answer is:
(b) Human life is absurd and meaningless.
This quote from
Macbeth, spoken by the character Macbeth himself, reflects his contemplation on
the fleeting and ultimately insignificant nature of human life. He likens life
to a brief moment of existence, full of noise and emotion but lacking in
lasting significance. The metaphor of "a tale Told by an idiot, full of
sound and fury, Signifying nothing" conveys the idea that life's struggles
and achievements ultimately lead to a meaningless end.
2. Select the best word to
complete the sentence.
The _______ party made its
way to the reception after the wedding.
(a) bridel
(b) grooms
(c) bedazzled
(d) bridal
The correct word to
complete the sentence is:
(d) bridal
The sentence would
read: "The bridal party
made its way to the reception after the wedding."
3. A person who writes the
life story of another is: gosts!
(a) a diarist
(b) an author
(c) a biographer
(d) a confessoru
The correct answer is:
(c) a biographer
A biographer is a person who writes the life
story of another individual.
* The following text
relates to the next two questions.
Once a jolly swagman camped
by a billabong,
Under the shade of a
coolibah tree,
And he sang as he watched
and waited 'til his billy boiled,
Who'll come a-waltzing,
Matilda, with me?
Waltzing Matilda, by Banjo Patterson
4. The
Aboriginal-Australian word 'billabong' refers to:
(a) a shady tree.
(b) a lake, pond or stream.
(c) an aboriginal cave.
(d) a Boab tree.
- The
Aboriginal-Australian word 'billabong' refers to:
(b) a lake, pond, or stream.
A billabong is a waterhole or an oxbow lake
that is formed when a river changes its course, leaving a stagnant body of
water behind.
5. What is likely to be in
the 'billy"?
(a) water
(b) stew
(c) soup
(d) coffee
- What
is likely to be in the 'billy"?
(a) water
A "billy" typically refers to a metal
container used for boiling water over a fire in Australian slang. So, the most
likely contents of a "billy" would be water, often for making tea or
coffee.
6. In the following
sentence the term 'foreboding' is closest in meaning to:
She
was gripped by an acute, unreasonable fear, a sense of foreboding, as though
the fox was some sort of warning that something dreadful was going to happen.'
(a) unexpected providence
(b) goosebump
(c) sudden vision
(d) fearful apprehension
The term 'foreboding' is closest in meaning to:
(d) fearful apprehension
In the context of the sentence provided,
"foreboding" refers to a sense of impending danger or a strong
feeling that something bad is about to happen. This matches the meaning of
"fearful apprehension."
7. The proverb 'you
can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink' suggests:
(a) that some people may
not be grateful.
(b) that you can show
someone something, but they might not see it.
(c) that you may offer to
help someone, but they may not accept your help.
(d) that some horses can be
stubborn.
The proverb 'you can lead a horse to water, but
you can't make it drink' suggests:
(c) that you may offer to help someone, but
they may not accept your help.
This proverb is often used to convey the idea
that you can provide someone with an opportunity or assistance, but you can't
force them to take advantage of it or benefit from it if they are unwilling.
* The following text
relates to the next two questions.
'The
historic moon landing briefly turned the nation's attention away from its
troubles in Vietnam, but for the most part the conflict remained a thorn in
America's side until its final, ignominious departure from Vietnam.'
8. The phrase 'a thorn in
America's side' can best be replaced with:
(a) open wound
(b) ongoing problem
(c) dangerous cancer
(d) painful extraction
- The phrase 'a thorn in
America's side' can best be replaced with:
(b) ongoing problem
In this context, "a thorn in
America's side" refers to an ongoing issue or problem that is causing
discomfort or trouble, which is synonymous with "ongoing problem."
9. The word 'ignominious'
can best be explained as:
(a) embarrassing
(b) graceful
(c) skilful
(d) sudden
- The
word 'ignominious' can best be explained as:
(a) embarrassing
"Ignominious" means deserving or
causing public disgrace or shame. It refers to something that is embarrassing
and dishonorable.
10. The best antonym for
the word 'genteel' would be:
(a) courtly
(b) joviality
(c) inelegant
(d) aristocratic
The best antonym for the word 'genteel' would
be:
(c) inelegant
"Genteel" refers to being refined and
having good manners, while "inelegant" means lacking grace,
refinement, or sophistication.
11.
In the following sentence the term 'elbow grease' refers to:
'The
cleaner the surface, the less likely it is that weeds will make their home
there, so apply some elbow grease.'
(a)
a cleaning product.
(b)
the application of work and effort.
(c)
an especially strong cleaning fluid.
(d)
an expert cleaning technique.
In the sentence provided, the term 'elbow
grease' refers to:
(b) the application of work and effort.
"Elbow grease" is a figurative
expression that means putting in physical effort and hard work to accomplish a
task, especially a cleaning task in this context.
12.
Select the best descriptive sound word to complete the sentence.
'He
sat in the shade of a great oak next to thebrook."
(a)
dripping
(b)
bursting
(c)
babbling
(d)
singing
The best descriptive sound word to complete the sentence would be:
(c) babbling
The sentence would then read: "He sat in
the shade of a great oak next to the brook." This choice conveys the
gentle, murmuring sound of water flowing in a brook.
The
following text relates to the next two questions. broils som binds elgoogvir d
It
was then that Calpurnia requested my presence in the kitchen. She was furious,
and when she was furious Calpurnia's grammar became erratic. When in
tranquility, her grammar was as good as anybody's in Maycomb. Atticus said
Calpurnia had more education than most colored folks. When she squinted down at
me the tiny lines around her eyes deepened. "There's some folks who don't
eat like us," she whispered fiercely, "but you ain't called on to
contradict 'em at the table when they don't. That boy's yo' comp'ny and if he
wants to eat up the tablecloth you let him, you hear?"
13.
Calpurnia is clearly furious with the narrator. What is the cause of her anger?
(a)
The narrator's poor grammar.
(b)
It is because Calpurnia is a coloured woman.
(c)
The guest was being rude and impolite.
(d)
The narrator was being discourteous to the guest.
14.
In this passage the phrase 'when in tranquility' suggests:
(a)
when asleep.
(b)
when calm.
(c)
when sedated.
(d)
when peaceful.
- Calpurnia
is clearly furious with the narrator. What is the cause of her anger?
(d) The narrator was being discourteous to the
guest.
In the passage, Calpurnia is angry because the
narrator was acting discourteously toward the guest, and she's advising the
narrator not to contradict or correct the guest's behavior at the table.
- In
this passage, the phrase 'when in tranquility' suggests:
(b) when calm.
The phrase 'when in tranquility' refers to a
state of calmness or peacefulness. It implies that Calpurnia's grammar is good
and correct when she is calm.
15.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories make frequent mention of
hansom cabs.
In
this sentence, a hansom cab is:
(a)
A horse drawn carriage.
(b)
A tartan hat with peaks front and back. (c) A type of large magnifying class.
(d)
A walking cane hiding a concealed blade.
In this sentence, a hansom cab is:
(a) A horse-drawn carriage.
A hansom cab is a type of horse-drawn carriage
that was commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often
associated with the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as they
were a common mode of transportation during that era.
16.
Poetry:
Is
the road very dreary?
Patience
yet.
Rest
will be sweeter if thou art a-weary,
And
after night cometh the morning cheery;
Then
bide a wee and dinna fret.
The
tone of this stanza can best be described as being:
(a)
weary
(b)
worried
(c)
reassuring
(d)
remorseful
The tone of this stanza can best be described
as being:
(c) reassuring
The stanza conveys a sense of encouragement and
comfort, urging patience in the face of weariness and assuring the reader that
rest will come after difficulty. The phrases "Patience yet,"
"Rest will be sweeter," and "Then bide a wee and dinna
fret" all contribute to a reassuring and hopeful tone.
17.
It is often said that in the 1950s 'Australia was riding on the sheep's
back'.
This
phrase 'Australia was riding on the sheep's back' means:
(a)
In the 1950s there were more sheep than people in Australia.
(b)
Because country people could not afford cars, they would often ride sheep.
(c)
Wool produced a lucrative return for Australia.
(d)
Australians could always eat sheep during economic depressions.
This phrase 'Australia was riding on the sheep's
back' means:
(c) Wool produced a lucrative return for
Australia.
In the context of the 1950s, this phrase refers
to the significant economic reliance that Australia had on the wool industry,
which was a major export and a source of considerable income for the country.
The phrase highlights the idea that the prosperity of Australia during that
time was largely driven by the success of the wool industry.
18.
A person who understands food value in relation to health is a:
(a)
mortician
(b)
nutrition
(c)
statistician
(d)
dietician
A person who understands food value in relation to health is a:
(d) dietician
A dietician is a professional who specializes
in the field of nutrition and provides advice on food and dietary choices to
promote health and manage various health conditions.
19.
When someone has 'a chip on their shoulder' they:
(a)
have an old injury to deal with.
(b)
feel inferior or have a grievance about something.
(c)
carry a heavy load or a secret.
(d)
make wrong assumptions about others.
When someone has 'a chip on their shoulder'
they:
(b) feel inferior or have a grievance about
something.
This idiom implies that the person is carrying
around a perceived grievance, often resulting in a defensive or confrontational
attitude.
20.
The collective noun for a group of lions is called:
(a)
a pride of lions.
(b)
a herd of lions.
(c)
an army of lions.
(d)
an assault of lions.
The collective noun for a group of lions is:
(a) a pride of lions.
The
following text relates to the next two questions.
With
pannikins all rusty,
And
billy burnt and black,
That
scarcely hide his back;
And
clothes all torn and dusty,
With
sun-cracked saddle-leather,
And
knotted greenhide rein,
And
face burnt brown with weather,
Our
Andy's home again!
Henry Lawson
21.
The stanza indicates that Andy:
(a)
does not care about his appearance.
(b)
has returned from an arduous journey.
(c)
has been fighting in the war.
(d)
was lost, but has returned.
22.
The line 'And billy burnt and black' indicates:
(a)
heavy usage,
(b)
lazy carelessness.
(c)
inexperience.
(d)
slovenly habits.
- The
stanza indicates that Andy:
(b) has returned from an arduous journey.
The stanza describes Andy's appearance,
suggesting that he has returned after a long and difficult journey, as
indicated by the worn-out clothing, sunburnt face, and weathered appearance.
- The
line 'And billy burnt and black' indicates:
(a) heavy usage.
In this context, the phrase "And billy
burnt and black" suggests that the billy (a metal container used for
boiling water) has been used frequently and has become burnt and black due to
extended use over an open flame. This phrase emphasizes the usage and wear and
tear on Andy's belongings.
23.
'Summer residents were regarded as interlopers who had no deep commitment
to the town's welfare.'
The
word interloper is closest in meaning to the word:
(a)
compatriots
(b)
insiders
(c)
infiltrators
(d)
vacationers
The word 'interloper' is closest in meaning to:
(c) infiltrators
An interloper is someone who intrudes or
interferes in a situation where they are not welcomed or have no right to be.
This is similar to the idea of infiltrators, who enter a group or place with
often hidden or unauthorized intentions.
24.
After months of fears about the economy, consumers are ready to batten down the
hatches.'
In
this sentence the phrase 'to batten down the hatches' is closest in meaning to:
(a)
spend with abandon.
(b)
rug up for uncertain weather.
(c)
invest wisely.
(d)
prepare for difficulty or crisis.
In this sentence, the phrase 'to batten down the hatches' is closest in
meaning to:
(d) prepare for difficulty or crisis.
The expression 'to batten down the hatches' originates from maritime
usage, where it refers to the practice of securing a ship's hatches with
protective covers during storms or rough weather to prevent water from entering
the vessel. Metaphorically, it means to prepare for challenging times or crisis
by taking protective measures.
*
The following text relates to the next two questions.
'This
area is a distinct physiographic section of the larger Western Victorian
Highlands province, which, in turn, is part of the larger East Australian
Cordillera physiographic division- commonly known as the Great Dividing Range -
a series of mountain ranges, plateaus and rolling hills forming out of the
Wimmera plains just to the west of the Grampians, staying close to the east
Australian coastline and extending 4,000 km (2,500 miles) to the north to Dauan
Island in the Torres Strait off the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula.'
25.
In this text the word 'plateaus' means:
(a)
an area of marshland.
(b)
an area of high flat terrain.
(c)
an area of fenland.
(d)
an area of dense forest.
26.
The best way to describe the tone and purpose of this text is:
(a)
interesting and invested.
(b)
reticent and unemotional.
(c)
heart-warming and factual.
(d)
neutral and informative.
- In
this text, the word 'plateaus' means:
(b) an area of high flat terrain.
Plateaus are elevated flat areas of land that
are relatively higher than their surroundings.
- The
best way to describe the tone and purpose of this text is:
(d) neutral and informative.
The text provides factual information about a
geographical area, its features, and its relationship to larger geographic
divisions. The tone is objective and aimed at providing information rather than
evoking emotions.
27.
Many surnames have their origin in the type of jobs people did. The name Cooper
has its origins in the profession of
(a)
barrel maker
(b)
copper smith
(c)
carpenter
(d)
cupboard/furniture maker
The name Cooper has its origins in the
profession of:
(a) barrel maker
Cooper is a surname that often originated from
the occupational name for someone who made wooden barrels or casks.
28.
'Victoria is a world-renowned gold province and our history is closely
connected to gold mining. Gold discovery at Ballarat in 1851 sparked Victoria's
famous gold rush. An estimated 6000 diggers (miners) arrived each week seeking
their fortune. Ballarat was considered the world's richest alluvial goldfield
during its peak between 1852 and 1853.
The
word 'alluvial' in the context of the information most likely means:
(a)
hidden in the earth.
(b)
left behind or exposed by water.
(c)
within rocks.
(d)
in remote regions.
In the context of the information provided, the word 'alluvial' most
likely means:
(b) left behind or exposed by water.
Alluvial in this context refers to gold deposits that have been washed
and deposited by water, typically in rivers or streams. It indicates that the
gold was carried by water and then left behind as sediment in a more accessible
location for mining.
29.
This car advertisement appeals to:
(a)
the technical knowledge
(b)
a care for the environment
(c)
emotions
(d)
all of the above
(d)
all of the above
30.
'Oaks, beeches, birches, chestnuts, aspens, elms, maples, and basswoods
(or lindens) are the dominant trees in mid-latitude deciduous forests.'
In
this context the meaning of deciduous is:
(a)
northern hemisphere.
(b)
cold climate.
(c)
high altitude.
(d)
shedding its leaves annually.
In this context, the meaning of deciduous is:
(d) shedding its leaves annually.
Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves in the fall and regrow
them in the spring, typically adapting to seasonal changes. The quote is
referring to trees found in mid-latitude deciduous forests, which are known for
this characteristic leaf-shedding behavior.
*The
following text relates to the next two questions.
Let
me explain the process. Many thousands of contact-mines would have to be
anchored to the bottom of the sea, reaching up to within thirty-five feet of
its surface. Over this pathway all the ships which fed Britain, or carried on
our warfare abroad, U-boat, however, venturing into this minefield, would soon
be come. Here was the defensive in excelsis. Anyhow, it was better directions
for detailed proposals to be presented were given on this night. Such a policy
meant that the diver would in future be thinking about nothing but his
air-pipe. But he had other work to do.
'The Second World War' Vol
2, 'Their finest hour', by Winston Churchill, (1949) page 537
31.
'In excelsis' is a Latin word meaning, in this passage:
(a)
out of cells
(b)
accelerating
(c)
high temperatures
(d)
surpassing other alternatives
32.
These 'contact mines' could be described as a proposal for:
(a)
welcoming measure
(b)
defensive measure
(c)
offensive measure
(d)
reaching-up measure
- 'In
excelsis' is a Latin word meaning, in this passage:
(d) surpassing other alternatives
"In excelsis" is a Latin phrase that means "in the
highest degree" or "to the highest." In this context, it
suggests that the described defensive strategy was taken to a level that
exceeded other options.
- These 'contact
mines' could be described as a proposal for:
(b) defensive measure
Contact mines, as mentioned in the passage, would be anchored to the sea
bottom to create a minefield as a defensive strategy to counter U-boats (German
submarines) in wartime.
*The
following text relates to the next two questions.
The
armies of France and England are about to meet, for a battle the next day (St
Crispians Day, which happens to be a public holiday.) King Henry leading his
army, learns that his English army is outnumbered five-to-one. ..... King Henry
says, in the play.... "He that outlives this (coming) day, and comes home
safe will stand tip-toe when he is named, and rouse him in the name of
Crispian. He that shall live this (next) day, and see old age, will yearly say
"Tomorrow is St Crispian's Day.' Then he will strip his sleeve, and show
his scars. And say "These wounds I had on St Crispian's Day.""
From William Shakespeare 'Henry V, Act
IV, Scene III
33.
Who would inflict the wounds?
(a)
the French army
(b)
St Crispian
(c)
the sleeve
(d)
the toe
In this context, the wounds mentioned in the text would be inflicted by:
(a) the French army
The passage is describing a battle scenario, and the wounds would be the
result of combat with the opposing French army.
34.
The tone of the quote could be described as:
(a)
pessimistic
(b)
humorous
(c)
inspiring
(d)
optimistic
The tone of the quote could be described as:
(c) inspiring
The quote from Shakespeare's "Henry V" is meant to inspire and
motivate the soldiers before a battle. King Henry's words aim to uplift their
spirits and encourage them to face the challenges of the upcoming battle with
courage and determination.
*The
following text relates to the next two questions.
"From
my pillow looking forth by light
Of
moon or favouring stars, I could behold
The
ante-chapel where the statue stood
Of
Newton with his prism and silent face.
The
marble index of a mind for ever
Voyaging
through strange seas of thought, above."
Poem 'Isaac Newton' by
William Wordsworth
35.
What time of the day could Wordsworth view the statue?
(a)
during the light of full-moon, at night
(b)
during the day
(c)
during the evening
(d)
at dawn
36.
'Marble index...' refers to:
(a)
list of chapters for a book
(b)
list of favoured stars
(c)
statue
(d)
pointed finger
- What time
of the day could Wordsworth view the statue?
(a) during the light of full-moon, at night
The line "From my pillow looking forth by light Of moon or
favouring stars" suggests that Wordsworth could view the statue of Newton
from his pillow at night when the moon or stars provided light.
- 'Marble
index...' refers to:
(c) statue
In this context, "Marble index" refers to the statue of Newton
made from marble. The term "index" here is used metaphorically to
indicate that the statue represents and points to Newton's intellectual
achievements and thoughts.
*The
following text relates to the next two questions.
The
Portraits, Fancy Pictures and copies of Old Masters" was written by Hugh
Belsey. This is a review by Huon Mallalieu, in 'Countrylife Magazine'
27/2/2019....... "Hugh Basley's 'magnum opus' has been almost 40 years in
the making, and is worth the labour. Prefaced by 'Notes to the User' (rather
than 'Reader'), this is not a biography, but a magisterial two- volume
catalogue of all Gainsborough's works."
Book Thomas Gainsborough
37.
Why did the reviewer emphasise 'notes' to "user" rather than to
"reader"?
(a)
Book writer wanted to usurp Gainsborough.
(b)
The book was not ready, yet.
(c)
'Notes' were hand-written.
(d)
The book was designed as a reference source.
38.
The reviewer's view on the book could be described as:
(a)
lukewarm
(b)
enthusiastic
(c)
negative
(d)
positive
- Why did
the reviewer emphasize 'notes' to "user" rather than to
"reader"?
(d) The book was designed as a reference source.
The use of "Notes to the User" instead of "Notes to the
Reader" suggests that the book is not meant to be read linearly like a
typical book, but rather as a reference work. It indicates that the content is
organized for users who might want to access specific information rather than
reading the book cover to cover.
- The
reviewer's view on the book could be described as:
(b) enthusiastic
The reviewer's use of phrases like "magnum opus," "worth
the labour," and "magisterial two-volume catalogue" suggests
that the review is positive and enthusiastic about the book.
The
following text relates to the next two questions.
Coming to Get You
One, two
I'm looking for you. Three, four
I'll get you for sure.
Five, six
By magic tricks.
Seven, eight
And I won't wait.
Nine, ten
I'll find you then. Ten nine eight
seven six
Five four three two
One
You'd better, you'd better,
Run RunRUN!
By Libby Hathorn
39.
This poem is about:
(a)
counting
(b)
rhyming
(c)
running
(d)
a game
40.
Why is the word "run" repeated?
(a)
because it's part of the rhyme (b) to extend the sentence
(c)
to make the poem end nicely
(d)
for emphasis
- This poem
is about:
(c) running
The poem seems to convey a sense of suspense and urgency, suggesting
that someone is chasing or coming to get the reader. The repeated counting and
rhyming pattern build a rhythm that adds to the sense of movement and
anticipation, which aligns with the theme of running.
- Why is
the word "run" repeated?
(d) for emphasis
The repetition of the word "run" at the end of the poem is
likely for emphasis. It intensifies the sense of urgency and reinforces the
theme of running, creating a stronger impact and leaving a lasting impression
on the reader.
