Chapter 7 Vocabulary Workshop Level D - English

Explanation
To "assimilate" means to understand and incorporate information or knowledge into one's mind. In the context of the question, it suggests that becoming a computer programmer requires a significant amount of time and effort to fully comprehend and internalize all the technical information necessary for the job. This implies that the process of learning and understanding the technical aspects of programming is a gradual and extensive one.

Explanation
A surly salesperson can be extremely unpleasant to deal with in a store. They are likely to be rude, unhelpful, and have a negative attitude towards customers. This can make the shopping experience uncomfortable and frustrating.

Explanation
The correct answer is "tirade." A tirade refers to a long, angry, and critical speech or outburst. In this context, the senator departed from his prepared remarks to deliver an intemperate tirade, which means he went off-script and gave a passionate and harsh attack on the administration's foreign policy. The word "tirade" accurately describes the senator's behavior and the nature of his speech in this situation.

Explanation
sharp turn or twist, to wander about, wind about

Explanation
The word "pensive" means deep in thought or reflective. In this context, the phrase "A penny for your thoughts" suggests that the friend interrupted the speaker's thoughtful or reflective mood. Therefore, "pensive" is the most suitable word to complete the sentence.

Explanation
When parents leave the house, baby-sitters often discover that the children, who were initially described as well behaved, suddenly become obstreperous. This means that the children become unruly, noisy, and difficult to control. The word "obstreperous" accurately describes the change in behavior exhibited by the children in this situation.

Explanation
The word "adieu" is the correct answer because it means farewell or goodbye. In the given sentence, it expresses the sadness of having to say goodbye to friends who have been known for many years. "Shoddy" means of poor quality, "pensive" means deep in thought, and "advent" means the arrival or coming of something.

Explanation
The difficult choice between going to college and getting a job is indeed a momentous one for a young person. This means that the decision holds great importance and significance in their life. It is a decision that will have a long-lasting impact on their future and will shape their career path. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it will greatly influence their personal and professional growth.

Explanation
The correct answer is "inundate." When a new dam is constructed across the river, it will cause the area to be flooded or submerged with water. This will force the people living in the valley to leave their homes as the water levels rise.

Explanation
The correct answer is "shoddy". The sentence states that the food processor looked impressive, but its construction was so shoddy that it began to fall apart within a few months. This indicates that the construction of the food processor was of poor quality or workmanship, leading to its deterioration.

Explanation
When there is a shortage of vacant apartments, landlords can take advantage of the situation and charge excessively high rents, which are known as exorbitant rents. This is possible because the demand for housing outweighs the supply, giving landlords the opportunity to increase prices without fear of losing tenants.

Explanation
The correct answer is "vagrant." A vagrant is someone who wanders about without a home, job, or friends, which aligns with the description given in the question. The other options, such as metropolis (a large city), sprightly (lively), and surly (bad-tempered), do not accurately describe individuals without homes, jobs, or friends.

Explanation
Elizabethan drama reached its apex in the matchless plays of Shakespeare, indicating that Shakespeare's plays represented the highest point or pinnacle of achievement in this particular genre during the Elizabethan era. The use of the word "apex" suggests that Shakespeare's works were unparalleled and set a standard of excellence that was unmatched by any other playwright of that time.

Explanation
The word "sprightly" means lively, energetic, and full of spirit. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that my mother's recipe for apple pie has a lively and vibrant combination of tartness and sweetness. It implies that the pie is not overly sweet or tart, but has a balanced and refreshing flavor.

Explanation
The correct answer for this question is "obstreperous". The word "obstreperous" means noisy, unruly, or disruptive. In the given context, the bylaws state that any member who speaks in an obstreperous manner should be quieted by the sergeant at arms. This suggests that the bylaws aim to maintain order and discipline during discussions or meetings by preventing disruptive behavior. The word "perilous" does not fit in this context as it means dangerous or risky, which is unrelated to the behavior of speaking in a disruptive manner.

Explanation
The governor appointed a member of the state assembly to serve as a(n) interim senator until a new election can be held. The word "interim" means temporary or provisional, which fits the context of the sentence. The appointment is not permanent but rather a temporary solution until the new election takes place.

Explanation
When the head of your golf club has reached the apex of the swing, pause for a second before you begin the downward position. The apex refers to the highest point or peak of something. In the context of a golf swing, the apex is the highest point that the clubhead reaches before starting the downward motion. Pausing at the apex allows for better control and timing of the swing, ensuring a more accurate shot.

Explanation
Shakespeare's wicked characters often assume the guise of kindness to cloak their malign natures. This means that these characters pretend to be kind and good-hearted, but underneath their facade, they have evil and harmful intentions. They use kindness as a way to deceive others and hide their true malicious nature.