1.
News of famine in various parts of the world has given added ____________________ to the drive to increase food production.
Correct Answer
B. Impetus
Explanation
The word "impetus" means a driving force or motivation. In the context of the sentence, the news of famine serves as an additional motivation or push to increase food production. It suggests that the dire circumstances of famine have created a sense of urgency and determination to address the issue and produce more food.
2.
On the morning of the picnic, the sky was gray and overcast, but suddenly the sun came out and smiled on us _______________________________.
Correct Answer
A. Benevolently
Explanation
The correct answer is "benevolently". This word is used to describe the sun's action of coming out and smiling on the picnic. It suggests that the sun's appearance brought warmth and happiness to the occasion, implying that it was a positive and favorable event.
3.
Because I was not even born when the Beatles were at the height of their popularity, their albums do not fill me with _____________________________.
Correct Answer
D. Nastalgia
Explanation
Because the person was not alive during the Beatles' peak popularity, their albums do not evoke feelings of nostalgia.
4.
The lawyer’s _________________________________ questioning slowly but surely revealed the weaknesses in his opponent’s case.
Correct Answer
B. Adroit
Explanation
The lawyer's adroit questioning slowly but surely revealed the weaknesses in his opponent's case. "Adroit" means skillful or clever, suggesting that the lawyer's questioning was done with great skill and effectiveness. This led to the gradual exposure of the flaws in the opponent's case.
5.
Anyone who is ______________________________ to having a girls’ hockey team in our school doesn’t know what’s been happening in recent years.
Correct Answer
C. Averse
Explanation
The word "averse" means having a strong dislike or opposition towards something. In the given sentence, the use of "averse" suggests that anyone who opposes or is against having a girls' hockey team in the school is not aware of recent events or developments that have taken place. This implies that there have been positive changes or progress related to girls' hockey, and those who are averse are not informed about them.
6.
When I saw my sister land in a tree on her first parachute jump, my interest in learning to skydive became decidedly ___________________.
Correct Answer
A. Tepid
Explanation
When the speaker's sister lands in a tree during her first parachute jump, their interest in learning to skydive becomes tepid. This means that their enthusiasm or excitement for skydiving has diminished or cooled down. The word "tepid" suggests a lack of enthusiasm or lukewarm interest in pursuing the activity.
7.
In the Sherlock Holmes stories, we read of the evil Professor Moriarty, whose ___________________________ was almost a match for Holmes’s genius.
Correct Answer
B. Duplicity
Explanation
In the Sherlock Holmes stories, we read of the evil Professor Moriarty, whose duplicity was almost a match for Holmes's genius. Duplicity refers to deceitfulness or double-dealing, suggesting that Moriarty possessed a cunning and deceptive nature that was comparable to Holmes's exceptional intelligence. This implies that Moriarty was a formidable adversary for Holmes, as his ability to deceive and manipulate made him a worthy opponent.
8.
Do you think you are being fair in passing judgment on my poem after such a _______________________ reading?
Correct Answer
D. Cursory
Explanation
The word "cursory" means to do something hastily or quickly, without paying much attention to detail. In the given sentence, the speaker is questioning whether the person passing judgment on their poem did so after a quick and superficial reading, without taking the time to truly understand or appreciate it. This implies that the speaker feels it would be unfair to judge their poem based on a cursory reading.
9.
The nightmare that continues to haunt all thoughtful people is a nuclear ________________________________ in which our civilization might be destroyed.
Correct Answer
A. Holocaust
Explanation
The correct answer is "holocaust." In this context, the word "holocaust" refers to a catastrophic event or disaster that could potentially lead to the destruction of our civilization. It suggests a nightmare scenario that continues to worry and disturb people who think deeply about the consequences of nuclear warfare or any other event with similar destructive potential.
10.
Though it may appear rather ordinary to the casual reader, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is to me the _______________________________ of eloquence.
Correct Answer
B. Quintessence
Explanation
The correct answer is "quintessence". The phrase "the quintessence of eloquence" suggests that the Gettysburg Address is the perfect embodiment or the most essential and pure form of eloquence. This implies that the speech is not just ordinary or average, but rather exceptional and unparalleled in its eloquence.
11.
I knew you would be ______________________ in caring for my plants, but I did not expect you to water them with a medicine dropper!
Correct Answer
D. Meticulous
Explanation
The word "meticulous" means showing great attention to detail and being very careful and precise. In the given sentence, the speaker is expressing surprise at the level of care and precision the person took in watering their plants, using a medicine dropper instead of a more common method. This indicates that the person was extremely careful and thorough in their actions, which aligns with the meaning of the word "meticulous".
12.
Carelessness in even minor details may _________________ the success of a major theatrical production.
Correct Answer
C. Jeopardize
Explanation
Carelessness in even minor details may jeopardize the success of a major theatrical production. This means that if there is any negligence or lack of attention to small details, it can put the entire production at risk or in danger. The word "jeopardize" means to endanger or threaten, so in this context, it implies that the success of the theatrical production is at stake if there is carelessness.
13.
His parents tried to encourage an interest in literature, music, and art, but he seems ___________________ to such influences.
Correct Answer
B. Impervious
Explanation
The word "impervious" means not allowing something to pass through or affect. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that despite his parents' efforts to encourage his interest in literature, music, and art, he remains unaffected or unresponsive to these influences.
14.
It was rude of you to ________________________ so obviously when the speaker mispronounced words and made grammatical errors.
Correct Answer
B. Grimace
Explanation
The correct answer is "grimace" because a grimace is a facial expression that shows disapproval or disgust. In this context, it would be rude to make a grimace when the speaker mispronounced words and made grammatical errors as it would show disrespect and lack of empathy.
15.
________________ other people’s achievements is fine, but is not substitute for doing something remarkable of your own.
Correct Answer
C. Extolling
Explanation
Extolling means praising or speaking highly of someone or something. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that appreciating or praising other people's achievements is acceptable, but it cannot replace the act of doing something remarkable oneself. Therefore, extolling is the correct answer as it aligns with the idea of recognizing and admiring others' accomplishments without diminishing the importance of personal achievements.
16.
Though the peace talks began with an exchange of lofty sentiments, they soon ______________________into petty squabbling and backbiting.
Correct Answer
C. Retrogressed
Explanation
The correct answer is "retrogressed." This means that the peace talks initially started with positive and high-minded sentiments, but eventually regressed or deteriorated into petty arguments and gossip.
17.
It made me very uncomfortable to see the suspicion with which the wary customs officer __________________________ my passport.
Correct Answer
A. Scrutinized
Explanation
The correct answer is "scrutinized." In this sentence, the speaker is describing how the customs officer looked at their passport. The word "uncomfortable" suggests that the speaker felt uneasy or anxious about the officer's suspicious behavior. "Scrutinized" means to examine or inspect closely, which aligns with the context of the sentence. The other options, "extolled," "jeopardized," and "grimaced," do not fit the context and do not accurately describe the officer's actions towards the passport.
18.
Providing a powerful defense force for our nation does not mean that we are taking a ____________________ attitude toward any other nation.
Correct Answer
D. Beligerent
Explanation
Providing a powerful defense force for our nation does not mean that we are taking a beligerent attitude toward any other nation. This means that having a strong defense force does not imply being hostile or aggressive towards other nations. Instead, it suggests that the nation is simply ensuring its own security and protection without intending to provoke or engage in conflict with other countries.
19.
After shouting at each other rather angrily, the participants in the roundtable discussion calmed down and parted ________________________________.
Correct Answer
B. Amicably
Explanation
After shouting at each other rather angrily, the participants in the roundtable discussion calmed down and parted amicably. This means that they were able to settle their differences and end the conversation in a friendly and peaceful manner. They were able to put aside their anger and communicate respectfully with each other, showing maturity and understanding.