1
A diamond's value is often determined by the absence of internal flaws; an otherwise perfect gem will suffer a profound drop in price due to even the most ______ inclusion.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The logic is one of contrast and degree: the price drops due to any flaw in an "otherwise perfect gem." The word must describe a flaw so small it should be overlooked, yet it still causes a drop. Imperceptible means impossible to perceive; extremely slight or subtle.
2
The lecture was highly technical and dense with acronyms, making it ______ to the general audience, who struggled to follow the highly specialized vocabulary.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The cause is the lecture being "highly technical and dense with acronyms" and the consequence is that the general audience "struggled to follow." The blank must describe something difficult for the average person to understand. Esoteric means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.
3
Despite the politician’s public commitment to transparency, the sudden expunging of all internal emails suggested a deliberate attempt to ______ the facts of the controversial hiring.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The
signal is the contrast: "Despite the public commitment to
transparency," the action was the sudden expunging
(deleting/erasing) of emails. The purpose of hiding information must be to make
the facts unclear. Obfuscate means to deliberately make something
difficult to understand.
4
The philanthropist's immense wealth enabled him to give ______ amounts to charity, yet his personal life was marked by a surprising parsimony and disdain for luxury.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The
signal is the contrast "yet his personal life was marked by
surprising parsimony (extreme unwillingness to spend money)." The
giving to charity must be the opposite of stingy. Prodigal means
spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
5
The discovery that the insect possessed highly advanced chemoreceptors made its initial description as a simple, ______ pest entirely obsolete.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The clue is that the insect has "highly advanced chemoreceptors" (chemical sensors). This discovery rendered its initial description obsolete. The initial description must, therefore, be the opposite of highly advanced. Rudimentary means basic or simple.
6
The ancient temple was constructed with such ______ that it has withstood centuries of severe weather, requiring no major repairs since its original completion.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The clause describes the result: the temple "has withstood centuries of severe weather, requiring no major repairs." The blank must be the quality of construction that produced this result. Durability means the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
7
Initially, the scientist maintained a ______ stance on the new drug’s effectiveness, refusing to endorse it until every last piece of clinical data had been independently verified.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The clue is the
action: the scientist "refusing to endorse it until every last piece of
clinical data had been independently verified." This describes an attitude
of caution and doubt regarding the claim. Skeptical means not easily
convinced; having doubts or reservations.
Dogmatic means inclined to
lay down principles as incontrovertibly true. (Contradicts the need for
verification).
Zealous means having or
showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause. (Contradicts the
caution).
Compliant means obedient;
agreeable. (Contradicts the refusal to endorse).
8
The critic argued that the director's latest film was not an authentic artistic achievement but merely a ______ attempt to garner awards by replicating popular sentimental themes.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The
contrast is between "authentic artistic achievement" and a ______
attempt to "replicate popular sentimental themes" for awards. This
implies the attempt was artificial or forced. Contrived means
deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously.
9
The board of trustees found the auditor's report highly ______, specifically because it addressed the common criticisms regarding the organization's excessive overhead costs.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The
key phrase is "specifically because," which introduces the
reason for the board's positive reaction. The report addressed the "common
criticisms." A good report that addresses central issues is helpful or
clarifying. Illuminating means helping to clarify or explain something.
10
The museum curator was wary of the painting's origins, dismissing the seller's documentation as suspiciously ________ despite its seemingly authentic appearance.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The
curator is "wary" and "dismissing" the documentation,
indicating a suspicion that the document is fake or false, despite its
"seemingly authentic appearance." Spurious means not being
what it purports to be; false or fake.
·
Artless means without deception or sophistication;
genuine. (Opposite meaning).
·
Cogent means clear, logical, and convincing.
(Opposite meaning).
·
Indubitable means impossible to doubt; unquestionable.
(Opposite meaning).
