For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. Mr. Rufus bore the brunt in the last promotion examination.

Step 1: Analyze the question The idiom is "bore the brunt." We need the option that best explains what it means in this sentence.

Step 2: Explain the concept "To bear the brunt of something" means to suffer the worst part of a bad situation, or to take the main impact of a difficulty or attack.

Examples:

• "The poor bore the brunt of the economic recession." (They suffered most.)
• "The town bore the brunt of the storm."

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. Failed the examination woefully: This is negative. It suggests he suffered the worst effects of the exam, so it is the closest fit.
• B. Excelled: This is positive, which is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
• C. Excited about the examination: The idiom has nothing to do with excitement.
• D. Toyed with the examination: This means he treated it casually, which is not what the idiom means.

Step 4: Identify the answer Strictly, "bore the brunt" means he suffered the harshest effects of the exam. It does not literally mean "failed." Still, among the four options, only A carries the negative sense of suffering, and the other three are either positive or unrelated.

Answer: A. Mr Rufus failed the examination woefully

Tip: In idiom questions, first decide whether the expression is positive or negative. "Bear the brunt" is always negative, so you can eliminate B and C immediately. Related idioms to remember:

• Bear the brunt = suffer the worst of something
• Take the rap = accept blame or punishment
• Bite the bullet = face a hard situation bravely