Which is an understatement?
1. You see an alien flying saucer. You say -
Now that's not something you see every day. I'm sure I'm dreaming. That's the most incredible thing I will ever see!
The answer is A. A UFO is something most people never even see once in their lives, so 'not every day' is an understatement.
2. You and one other soldier are facing 200 enemies. You say-
Run for your life! This could get interesting. How brave are we feeling?
The answer is B. Running or fighting for your life is much more than possibly being 'interesting'.
3. You tell a friend -
I have a few potatoes to peel. I will be busy until late today. There must be a million potatoes here.
The answer is A. There are many more than a 'few potatoes' in the bag.
4. A nuclear missle alert was a false alarm. The General says -
There's now nothing to worry about. We thought it was the end of the world. I was a bit worried for a moment.
The answer is C. If you think you will be hit by a nuclear missile, you are much more than 'a bit worried'.
5. You don't want to travel with Pvt. Jones. You say -
He drives too fast for me. He is not the safest driver. Can he improve his driving first?
The answer is B. Pvt. Jones is actually a very dangerous driver.
6. You stop your bicycle to let an armoured car go by. You say -
He is a bit bigger than me. I might get squashed otherwise. I am just being polite.
The answer is A. An armoured car is a lot bigger than a bicycle. It probably would not even notice running over you.
7. Corporal Smith is the strongest man in the regiment. You say -
Is that gun real? He makes me want to exercise more. He is no weakling.
The answer is C. A weakling is a pathtically weak person. Corporal Smith is incredibly strong.
8. The Captain wants you to capture an enemy fort on your own. He says -
Are you ready for a challenge? I have a little job for you. Are you doing anything this afternoon?
The answer is B. This job is extremely difficult and dangerous. 'Little' is an understatement.
1. 'It looks like rain, I think.'
When the sky gets cloudy when you are on holiday. When Noah has finished loading animals on to the Ark. When a small cloud appears in the desert.
The answer is B.
2. 'It is a bit faster than my pedal bike.'
When looking at a racing bicycle. When looking at a racehorse. When looking at a Tornado fighter jet.
The answer is C.
3. 'I thought I felt something.'
After an antibiotic injection. After a pickpocket stole your purse. After a 8.5 magnitude earthquake.
4. 'He has been married before.'
When a girl finds out her boyfriend has five children. When King Henry VIII marries his sixth wife. When a man is arrested for bigamy.
5. 'He had a drink or two.'
When he has had a bottle of vodka. When he has had two drinks. When he has had a bottle of lemonade.
The answer is A.
6. 'It is more than a bump in the road.'
When talking about Mt Everest. When talking about a pothole. When talking about a large bump in the road.
7. 'He is not a nice person.'
Talking about a sarcastic teacher. Talking about Joe McNasty, the multiple axe-murderer. Talking about a boy who left his girlfriend.
8. 'I might need a pay rise.'
Before buying a new sofa. Before eating at a posh restaurant. Before buying a luxury New York penthouse.
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
The Past
Crime