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Test

James: How did you do in your final?

Soraya: I aced the test!

James: Wow, you’re an Einstein. I wish I was that good.

Soraya: Why? How did you do?

James: I didn’t do so well on the test. I just scraped through. Cs get the degree. Anyway. You’re so smart.

Soraya: No. I’m not brainy, but I try very hard.

James: That’s what every brainy person says

Soraya: You don’t know how many times I pulled an all nighter studying for tests. Don’t blame yourself, and try not to cram for the test next time. Shall we hit the books then?

Glossary

1. Ace the test = do well in the test.

2. I didn’t do so well in the test = I didn’t get a high mark in the test.

3. I just scraped through = I only just passed the test.

4. Cs get the degree = A C grade means you have only just passed; you can still get a degree if you have only C grades though.  

5. Brainy = very intelligent

cf. rack one’s brain = trying to think of something very hard.

eg. I’ve been racking my brain trying to remember that guy’s name.

6. Pull an all-nighter = to stay up all night. This is usually used when talking about studying for something or working on something that is due soon.

Eg. I pulled an all-nighter trying to get my project finished.

7. Cram (for the test) = to study at the last minute.

8. Hit the books = to study

To swot also means to study – eg. “I am going to have to swot for my next test if I want to pass this paper”.