1.
Tania excels at dancing the merengue, having ____ the steps during her childhood years in the Dominican Republic.
Correct Answer
B. Mastered
Explanation
Tania excels at dancing the merengue because she mastered the steps during her childhood years in the Dominican Republic.
2.
The artist, often so ____ as to seem unapproachable, tended to be more relaxed and easygoing when among friends.
Correct Answer
D. Reserved
Explanation
The correct answer is "reserved" because the sentence suggests that the artist is often perceived as unapproachable, which implies that they are not very open or outgoing. The word "reserved" means to be quiet, shy, or restrained in behavior, which aligns with the artist's demeanor.
3.
For centuries, Mars has been called the "Red Planet," but the designation is ____ because Mars is not precisely red.
Correct Answer
B. A misnomer
Explanation
The term "Red Planet" for Mars is considered a misnomer because Mars is not exactly red. While it does have a reddish appearance due to iron oxide on its surface, it also has other colors such as brown, tan, and even blue in certain areas. Therefore, calling it solely the "Red Planet" is not entirely accurate.
4.
In his essay, writer Rudolfo Anaya strives to ____ his sometimes incongruous Mexican and American identities by combining ____ worldviews to create one unique vision.
Correct Answer
C. Synthesize ____ divergent
Explanation
In his essay, writer Rudolfo Anaya strives to combine his sometimes incongruous Mexican and American identities by synthesizing divergent worldviews to create one unique vision. This means that Anaya aims to bring together different and contrasting perspectives to form a cohesive and distinct viewpoint. By doing so, he is able to bridge the gap between his Mexican and American identities and create a harmonious blend of both cultures.
5.
The mayor's reelection by an overwhelming majority was not so much an endorsement of his administration's ____ as it was a ____ of his opponent's extreme views.
Correct Answer
D. Policies ____ repudiation
Explanation
The mayor's reelection by an overwhelming majority was not so much an endorsement of his administration's policies as it was a repudiation of his opponent's extreme views. This suggests that the voters did not support the specific policies implemented by the mayor, but rather rejected the extreme views and ideas proposed by his opponent.
6.
Lina Wertmuller's film Love and Anarchy is a ____ its title, contemplating the two concepts without taking a position on them.
Correct Answer
D. Mediation on
Explanation
The film "Love and Anarchy" by Lina Wertmuller is a mediation on its title, contemplating the two concepts of love and anarchy without taking a position on them.
7.
City leaders practiced ____ out of respect for taxpayers, ____ the number of the new public projects.
Correct Answer
C. Austerity ____ curtailing
Explanation
City leaders practiced austerity out of respect for taxpayers, curtailing the number of new public projects. Austerity refers to the practice of limiting spending and reducing expenses, while curtailing means to restrict or limit. Therefore, the city leaders practiced austerity in order to limit or restrict the number of new public projects, showing respect for taxpayers by being financially responsible.
8.
To call Carlos ____ would be to mistake his natural self-confidence and youthful high spirits for willful defiance.
Correct Answer
C. Obstreperous
Explanation
To call Carlos obstreperous would be to mistake his natural self-confidence and youthful high spirits for willful defiance. This means that if someone were to label Carlos as obstreperous, they would be misunderstanding his behavior as deliberately rebellious when in fact it is simply a result of his inherent self-assurance and exuberance.
9.
According to his supervisor, Kenji was an inveterate ____: he habitually put off doing his work until the last minute.
Correct Answer
C. Procrastinator
Explanation
The correct answer is "procrastinator". This is because the sentence states that Kenji habitually puts off doing his work until the last minute, indicating a tendency to delay or postpone tasks.
10.
Although pre-Columbian jewelry often incorporated complex religious symbolism, its function was generally more ____ than ____.
Correct Answer
A. Decorative ____ devotional
Explanation
Pre-Columbian jewelry was often adorned with intricate religious symbolism, but its primary purpose was to serve as decorative adornment rather than being solely devoted to religious practices.
11.
Mayor Hardy remains ____ in her ____, refusing to adopt an expedient silence on controversial issues of social importance.
Correct Answer
D. Firm ____ outspokenness
Explanation
The correct answer is "firm ____ outspokenness". This means that Mayor Hardy remains strong and resolute in her expression of her opinions and beliefs, refusing to stay silent on controversial social issues.
12.
The sentimentality of Tom's screenplay was so extreme that it bordered on ____.
Correct Answer
D. Mawkishness
Explanation
The correct answer is "mawkishness". Mawkishness refers to an excessive sentimentality or emotionalism, which is exactly what is being described in the sentence. The use of "bordered on" suggests that Tom's screenplay was extremely sentimental, to the point of being almost excessive or over the top.
13.
Unlike her predecessor's rambling prose, Susan Hubbell's reports were both ____ and comprehensive.
Correct Answer
E. Succinct
Explanation
The word "succinct" means expressing ideas or information in a clear and concise manner. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that Susan Hubbell's reports were different from her predecessor's rambling prose. This implies that Susan's reports were not long and tedious like her predecessor's, but instead, they were brief and to the point. Therefore, "succinct" is the most suitable word to describe Susan Hubbell's reports.
14.
Honey, which has antibacterial properties, is commonly used in traditional medicine as a balm to ____ painful wounds.
Correct Answer
D. Soothe
Explanation
Honey, with its antibacterial properties, is often used in traditional medicine to provide relief and comfort to painful wounds. It has soothing properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Therefore, the correct answer is "soothe."
15.
The biographer now displays greater ____ in her work: she explores the feelings and motives of her subject and with deeper insight than she once did.
Correct Answer
C. Empathy
Explanation
The correct answer is empathy. This is because the biographer is now showing a greater understanding and ability to connect with her subject on an emotional level. She is able to delve into their feelings and motives with more depth and insight, indicating a heightened sense of empathy in her work.
16.
The ability to cram computer circuitry onto silicon chips faces fundamental limitations: it is possible to make the innards of a circuit so ____ that they no longer ____.
Correct Answer
B. Small ____ function
Explanation
As the ability to cram computer circuitry onto silicon chips becomes smaller, there is a point where the innards of a circuit become so small that they no longer function properly.
17.
Citing irrefutable evidence of corruption, the investigating committee ____ the senator for his ____.
Correct Answer
A. Castigated ____ misconduct
Explanation
The given correct answer for this question is "castigated ____ misconduct". The word "castigated" means to criticize or reprimand severely, while "misconduct" refers to improper behavior or wrongdoing. Therefore, the investigating committee criticized or reprimanded the senator for his improper behavior or wrongdoing, citing irrefutable evidence of corruption.
18.
Astronomer Heidi Hammel, a proponent of science education, conveys a passion for planetery science that her enraptured audiences find ____.
Correct Answer
B. Infectious
Explanation
Heidi Hammel, the astronomer, is described as a proponent of science education and conveys a passion for planetary science. This suggests that she is enthusiastic and inspiring in her presentations. The word "infectious" means spreading or causing excitement, enthusiasm, or interest. Therefore, it can be inferred that her audiences find her passion for planetary science contagious and inspiring.
19.
Joe claimed always to be ____ in a crisis, but Kameko insisted that he was, on the contrary, easily ____.
Correct Answer
D. Imperturbable ____ ruffle
Explanation
Joe claimed always to be imperturbable in a crisis, but Kameko insisted that he was, on the contrary, easily ruffle.