1.
The Pieta is a beautiful example of the _______________ sculptures created by the prolific Michelangelo.
Correct Answer
E. Numerous
Explanation
The word "prolific" implies that Michelangelo created many sculptures (numerous sculptures)
2.
Because of the pastor's _____________ ethical precepts, some considered him a ________________.
Correct Answer
C. Doubtful ... hypocrite
Explanation
A "hypocrite" is one who does not "practice what he preaches."
3.
My family has watched the big game on TV every year and so it would be a ________________ if I were to skip watching it.
Correct Answer
A. Sacrilege
Explanation
"Sacrilege" commonly means a break in well-accepted norms or traditions.
4.
Many people believe that Marie Antoinette was not as _____________ historians have made her out to be; in fact, she may had once been a champion of the people.
Correct Answer
A. Tyrannical
Explanation
Because she was "once" a champion of the people, she may had not been as tyrannical, or tyrant (dictator) like, as many thought.
5.
The skeptical observer ____________ the fortuneteller's ability to _____________ between fact and fiction.
Correct Answer
C. Distrusted ... discern
Explanation
To "discern" is to understand the differences between different items or elements.
6.
I cannot _____________ the number of hairs on my head.
Correct Answer
C. Fathom
Explanation
"Fathom" means to imagine or ponder.
7.
Many were _____________ by the warm actor's wit and charm.
Correct Answer
D. Captivated
Explanation
Because the actor was warm, had wit, and was charming, the people were "captivated," or totally entraced by the actor.
8.
His ___________________ included a constant twitching of his eyes and a seemingly unstoppable tremoring.
Correct Answer
D. Idiosyncracies
Explanation
Idiosyncracies are small personal quirks in movement or speech.
9.
She grossly _______________ the operation and as a result we will need to re-complete those tasks.
Correct Answer
C. Mismanaged
Explanation
To mismanage is to run an operation poorly. Note that she cannot grossly "complete" or "conduct" anything as there is no meaning to the superlative when applied to those verbs.
10.
His policy of _____________ his political opponents to assemble made some consider him a benevolent leader.
Correct Answer
E. Permitting
Explanation
To permit is to allow. Since he was "benevolent" (well-natured), then he would allow these opponents to assemble.
11.
They didn't care for the home's ______________ style; they prefered a sleeker and more modern look.
Correct Answer
C. Archaic
Explanation
Because they prefered the modern look, they opposed to "old" or archaic look.
12.
The _______________ of appeasement was the agreement reached in Munich, Germany prior to the Second World War; most historians agree that this is the most striking example of the policy.
Correct Answer
B. Pinnacle
Explanation
Since historians consider that the most striking example of the policy was that in Munich, it was the Pinnacle, or high point, of appeasement.
13.
The man _____________ at his wife's disobedience and sternly rebuked her.
Correct Answer
B. Balked
Explanation
To "balk" is to recoil in distaste.
14.
Her actions became so _______________ that some considered her to be outright mad.
Correct Answer
C. Irrational
Explanation
Because people considered her to be mad, or insane, her actions were likely irrational, or without reason.
15.
We did not _______________ her resolve and consequently underestimated her abilities.
Correct Answer
D. Anticipate
Explanation
To anticipate is to predict. The people did not predict her abilities, so they did not anticipate her resolve.
16.
We found the young college student's presentation to be disingenuous and utterly _______________.
Correct Answer
A. Pretentious
Explanation
Because the student was disingenuous, they might find him prententious, or demanding unwarranted respect.
17.
He failed to ______________ the program and it continued to run all night.
Correct Answer
B. Terminate
Explanation
Since he did not terminate, or end, the program, it continued to run.
18.
The ____________ endorsed the Democratic candidate for governor.
Correct Answer
A. Editorial
Explanation
An editorial is a commentary or opinion piece of writing.