LEXIS, STRUCTURE AND ORAL FORMS In each of this question select the option that best explains the information…

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the option that best explains the meaning of: "The team's poor performance at the tournament plumbed the depths of horror."

Step 2: Explain the concept

• To plumb the depths means to reach the lowest or worst point of something. (A "plumb line" is used to measure how deep water is.)
• "Plumb the depths of horror" therefore means the performance was extremely bad, to the point of being dreadful.
• The phrase "poor performance" already tells us the result was negative.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. The team's performance was enjoyed by all. Wrong. A poor, horrible performance would not be enjoyed.
• B. The team's performance was full of disappointment. Correct. A very poor performance that reached the "depths of horror" would leave supporters and everyone involved disappointed.
• C. The team's performance was rewarded. Wrong. Poor performances are not usually rewarded.
• D. The team's performance took them to the next round. Wrong. A terrible showing would not advance a team.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B.

Tip: In "best explains" questions, first decide whether the sentence is positive or negative. Here, "poor" and "depths of horror" are both strongly negative, so you can eliminate A, C and D immediately. Also learn related idioms: plumb the depths (reach the lowest point), hit rock bottom, and scrape the bottom of the barrel.