1.
I saw a dozen tigers advancing on me, and ______ regretted the impulse that had induced me to place myself at the man-eater's mercy.
[Jim Corbett, "The Champawat Maneater"]
Correct Answer
F. Bitterly
Explanation
The word "bitterly" is the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank because it conveys a strong feeling of regret or resentment. The narrator is expressing deep remorse for the decision to put themselves in a dangerous situation with man-eating tigers. The word "bitterly" captures the intensity of this regret and emphasizes the negative emotions associated with the decision.
2.
A weekend of bad weather brought ______ rain, some strong winds and, in some cases, tornadoes as well.
Correct Answer
C. Heavy
Explanation
The correct answer is "heavy" because it is the most appropriate adjective to describe the amount of rain that was brought by the bad weather. "Heavy" suggests a significant or substantial amount of rain, which aligns with the context of the sentence.
3.
Always read the ______ print before signing.
Correct Answer
D. "fine", or "small"
Explanation
"fine" is mainly American English, "small" British English
4.
Someone on the far side of the cloisters made a joke in Dutch and another gaggle of European youths ______ into laughter.
Source: Lesley Grant-Adamson, Wild Justice
Correct Answer
E. Burst
Explanation
The correct answer is "burst." The word "burst" suggests a sudden and intense release of laughter, which fits the context of the sentence. The phrase "another gaggle of European youths burst into laughter" implies that the joke was so funny that it caused an immediate and uncontrollable reaction from the group of youths.
5.
Perhaps she ought to go away, and ______ a new start somewhere else.
Correct Answer
A. Make
Explanation
The word "make" is the correct answer because it fits grammatically and semantically in the given sentence. The phrase "make a new start" is a common idiom meaning to start over or begin again. The other options do not fit as well in the context of the sentence. "Originate," "do," "begin," "commence," and "invent" do not convey the same meaning as "make a new start."
6.
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Indeed, the well-preserved mummies of animals, pharaohs and queens on display in many museums ______ witness to the skills of the ancient Egyptian embalmers and to the remarkable preservative powers of plant essences.
Correct Answer
C. Bear
Explanation
The word "bear" in this context means to serve as evidence or to show. The sentence is saying that the well-preserved mummies of animals, pharaohs, and queens on display in many museums show or provide evidence of the skills of the ancient Egyptian embalmers and the preservative powers of plant essences.
7.
It was as if he was proposing a bargain to God: I'll come to church if You'll ______ a blind eye later.
Correct Answer
D. Turn
Explanation
The phrase "turn a blind eye" means to ignore or pretend not to notice something. In this context, the person is proposing a bargain with God, suggesting that if they go to church now, God should ignore or overlook something later on. Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill in the blank is "turn," as it accurately conveys the meaning of the phrase.
8.
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England's external wars were fought principally in France, so most Englishmen had little direct experience of warfare, apart from those in the north, where relations with Scotland were always likely to break out into ______ hostility.
Source: John A. F. Thompson, The transformation of medieval England.
Correct Answer
B. Open
Explanation
The correct answer is "open". The sentence states that relations with Scotland were always likely to break out into hostility, indicating that the hostility was not hidden or concealed.
9.
Leith fought a dreadful battle with her conscience when her friendship with Rosemary vied with the necessity of telling her mother ______ lie.
Correct Answer
F. An outright
Explanation
Leith struggled internally between her loyalty to her friend Rosemary and the obligation to be honest with her mother. The phrase "an outright lie" suggests that Leith had to choose between telling a complete and direct lie or being truthful with her mother. This implies that Leith was facing a difficult decision where she had to decide whether to deceive her mother or maintain her integrity.
10.
Her hair was ______ mess.
Correct Answer
D. A tangled
Explanation
The correct answer is "a tangled". This phrase suggests that her hair is in a state of disarray or disorder, with strands twisted or knotted together. It implies that her hair is messy and unkempt.
11.
She's excited, she ______ pregnant fast.
Correct Answer
F. Got
Explanation
The correct answer is "got". This is because "got" is commonly used to indicate the acquisition or attainment of something, in this case, getting pregnant. The word "got" implies that the person became pregnant quickly or unexpectedly, leading to their excitement.