Answer Key

Choose the best explanation for the following words and phrases from the reading...

You answered 0 of 5 questions correctly in this part of the test.

  1. "The Australian economy has weathered the unfavorable international environment very well" means: [The Australian economy has not been hurt by the weak international economy.]
  2. "He also hinted" means: [Macfarlane is indirectly telling the public that interest rates may be lowered soon.]
  3. A "growth forecast" means: [The government's advance estimate of the nation's economic performance for the coming year.]
  4. "a great deal of skepticism" means:  [A large amount of doubt and disbelief.]
  5. "A drought" means:  [A long period of low rainfall.]
Are the following questions about the reading correct?

You answered 0 of 5 questions correctly in this part of the test.

1.   Interest rates have been changing rapidly in Australia over the past year.That is incorrect. Correct is: Look in the text to find out.

2.   The biggest current threat to the Australian economy is the weak Australian dollar.That is incorrect. Correct is: Look in the text to find out.

3.   Macfarlane mainly blames the United States economy for the general global economic slowdown.That is incorrect. Correct is: Look in the text to find out.

4.   The poor performance of other economies hasn't hurt Australia yet, but it may start to soon.That is correct.

5.   The latest forecast predicts more economic growth than the previous one did.That is incorrect. Correct is: Look in the text to find out.