What is this translated into English?

[anonymoose]

What does

如果说上次的作业还有边际可循，那这次真可谓不着边际了。

mean in English?

(I don't get the 边际可循 and 边际 parts. Also, is 着 here pronounced zháo?)

[skylee]

For 不着边际, take a look -> http://cdict.giga.net.tw/?q=%A4%A3%B5%DB%C3%E4%BB%DA

[pattifranklin]

If you say that the last homework assignment has more to it, than one may say that this homework assignment is way off the mark.

The translation isn't perfect, but i think it gets the point across.

不着边际 can be read either bùzháobiānjì or bùzhuóbiānjì, but the second pronuciation is what you will find in "proper" dictionaries. The term is derogatory, and basically means that the subject is irrelevant, off the mark, or impractical.

if you would like more examples of this expression, let me know.