Grammar
Complete the sentence: “If I ___ more time, I would learn another language.”
had
This devastating pandemic reached England in 1348 and killed a large part of its population. What was it?
The Black Death
Which word is closest in meaning to reluctant?
A. Eager
B. Unwilling
C. Confident
D. Certain
Unwilling
In Australian English, what does “arvo” mean?
Afternoon
What does a British person usually mean when they ask, “Fancy a cuppa?”
Would you like a cup of tea?
Rewrite using the passive: “The company launched the product last year.”
launched
This man became famous for his role in the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Who was he?
What does “to throw someone under the bus” mean?
To blame someone to protect yourself.
An American says, “I'm wearing pants.” A British person might think of a different type of clothing. What do British people usually call pants?
Underwear
Complete this classic British small-talk sentence: “Lovely weather we're having, _____?”
“isn't it?”
Choose the correct form: “Despite ___ tired, she finished the report.” (be)
being
This period transformed Britain through factories, steam power and urbanisation. What was it?
The Industrial Revolution
In a business meeting, someone says, “We need to get our ducks in a row before launching the project.” What do they mean?
We need to organise everything properly before we begin.
A British colleague says, “I’m sure that’s one way of looking at it.” Why might this be less positive than it sounds?
Depending on tone and context, it may be a polite or indirect way of expressing disagreement or scepticism. It is not always negative, so context matters.
What are “bangers and mash”?
Sausages and mashed potatoes.
“If I _____ harder at school, I _____ a better job now.”
had studied / would have
Queen Victoria ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901. Name one major social or technological change during her reign.
Railway expansion, industrialisation, urban growth, advances in public health, the expansion of the British Empire
A company designs an app that works only with a mouse and cannot be operated with a keyboard or screen reader. What is the main problem, and who might be affected?
The app has accessibility barriers. People with visual impairments, some motor disabilities and people who rely on assistive technology may be excluded.
A British colleague helps you fix a computer. When you finish, they say, “There you go! Bob's your uncle!”
It means that something is done or will work out easily.
A British colleague says, “I'm knackered!” Are they angry, confused or exhausted?
Exhausted or very tired.
Rewrite the sentence using “Not until…”. Keep the original meaning and use the correct word order.
“She didn’t realise how serious the situation was until she spoke to her manager.”
Not until she spoke to her manager did she realise how serious the situation was.
Why? When a sentence begins with “Not until”, the main clause uses inversion: did she realise, not she realised.
Name the British Prime Minister known as the 'Iron Lady', who served from 1979 to 1990. Also name two major events or policies associated with her time in office.
Margaret Thatcher. Examples: privatisation, trade union conflicts, the Falklands War, major economic reforms
Which word is closest in meaning to inevitable?
A. Unavoidable
B. Unlikely
C. Unnecessary
D. Unclear
Unavoidable
An Australian friend looks at your new car and asks, “Is it fair dinkum?”
Is it really yours?
What does the British slang expression “I'm gobsmacked!” mean?
I'm extremely surprised or amazed.