Test on Advanced English Idioms and Pronunciation

Question 1: When pronouncing the idiom "set the record straight", there are overlapping sounds between the final 'T' in "set" and the 'th' in "the".

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: When pronouncing "set the record straight", there are overlapping sounds with the final stop T in "set" and the voiced 'th' in "the". The tongue is positioned behind the top front teeth, and there's a transition from one sound right into the next, allowing for an easier and smoother transition.

Question 2: In an American accent, the 'T' in 'notice' (within the idiom 'at short notice') is pronounced as a flat T that sounds like a soft D.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that in the American accent, the 'T' in 'notice' is pronounced as a flat T, sounding like a soft D, because it comes between two vowel sounds.

Question 3: According to the study materials, when pronouncing the idiom 'wait and see' with an American accent, what often happens to the 'T' sound in 'wait'?

A. It is reduced to a soft 'D' sound.

B. It may change to a glottal T because it is followed by an 'N' sound (from the reduced 'and').

C. It remains a distinct, released 'T' sound.

D. It is often completely silent.

Explanation: The study materials state that with the American accent, when a 'T' is followed by an 'N' (as 'wait' is followed by the reduced 'and' to 'n'), that 'T' may get changed to a glottal T, with the sound coming from the throat, as in 'Waitin''.

Question 4: Based on the study materials, which of the following statements accurately describe the meaning of the idiom 'at/on short notice'?

A. There is only a short time before something happens.

B. Something was done immediately after someone asked.

C. Something takes a long time to prepare or plan.

D. An event that was cancelled without prior warning.

Explanation: The study materials state that 'at/on short notice' means 'there is only a short time before something happens' and 'you did something immediately after someone asked'. It specifically mentions needing more time to plan, indicating that it does not mean something takes a long time to prepare. The materials do not mention anything about cancelled events.

Question 5: The study materials suggest that when pronouncing the idiom 'in the public eye', linking typically occurs between the word 'in' and 'the'.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that linking may occur between the final consonant sound in 'public' and the beginning vowel sound in 'eye', forming 'public eye'. There is no mention of linking between 'in' and 'the'.