11
The marine biologist’s research focused on the __________ of deep-sea ecosystems, uncovering species that had never been documented before.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The sentence emphasizes the discovery of new, undocumented species, which relates to the difficulty and delicacy of studying deep-sea environments. The word precarity means the state of being uncertain, insecure, or dangerously liable to fall or collapse; this is the most sophisticated and accurate synonym for fragility in the context of sensitive, easily disturbed ecosystems. While options like abyss (depth) and immense (vastness) describe the physical size of the deep sea, only precarity captures the focus of the research on the delicate and vulnerable nature of these unique biological systems.
12
The artist's ________ use of color created a stunning visual effect, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central image.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The word judicious is the correct choice. It means showing good judgment or sense, which perfectly describes the careful and skillful selection of colors necessary to achieve a "stunning visual effect" that successfully draws a viewer's attention. The other options—capricious (erratic/unpredictable), improvident (wasteful/lacking foresight), and promiscuous (unselective)—all imply a lack of thought or control, which would contradict the successful and impressive outcome described in the sentence.
13
The Amazon rainforest, known for its __________ biodiversity, is home to countless species that are found nowhere else on Earth.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The paragraph describes the Amazon rainforest as being home to "countless species that are found nowhere else on Earth," which clearly indicates an extremely rich and vast variety of life. The word "abundant" means plentiful or existing in large quantities, making it the most accurate descriptor for the rainforest's biodiversity. The options "sparse" (thinly dispersed) and "negligible" (insignificant) directly contradict the known fact and the supporting context of countless unique species. "Redundant" (unnecessary repetition) is irrelevant to the context of biological variety.
14
The dense forest, with its towering trees and thick undergrowth, presented a(n) ________ challenge to the explorers who had to navigate through it.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The correct choice is insurmountable. This adjective means impossible to overcome, which accurately conveys the overwhelming difficulty of navigating a dense forest with towering trees and thick undergrowth. The forest is clearly described as posing a significant hurdle. Options like "trivial" (insignificant), "effortless" (easy), and "mundane" (ordinary or dull) are inappropriate because they directly contradict the context of the environment presenting a substantial challenge to the explorers.
15
The infamous pirate captain was known for his __________ raids, often plundering ships in broad daylight and evading capture for weeks.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The word monotonous describes something that is dull, tedious, and repetitive because it lacks variety or change. The most precise synonym that captures this meaning is tedious. Other strong alternatives include boring, dull, or humdrum, all of which convey a feeling of weariness or lack of interest resulting from an unvarying routine or activity.
16
The orangutan’s __________ intelligence allows it to solve complex puzzles, use tools, and display an understanding of its environment that is remarkable for a non-human species.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The blank requires an adjective that describes the orangutan's intelligence as remarkable and capable of complex tasks like solving puzzles and using tools. The term "extraordinary" perfectly fits this context as it means remarkable or exceptional. The other options, "rudimentary" and "primitive" (meaning basic or simple), or "insubstantial" (meaning lacking strength or importance), contradict the evidence of advanced problem-solving and tool use. Therefore, extraordinary is the correct choice.
17
Human psychology often reveals a strong __________ toward conformity, with many individuals subconsciously adjusting their behavior to align with social norms.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The sentence describes the psychological tendency (inclination) for people to match (conform) their behavior with social norms. An inclination is a strong preference or natural drive, which precisely fits the idea of a powerful force causing individuals to adjust their actions.
18
The concept of the blue economy emphasizes the importance of __________ ocean resources while ensuring that economic growth does not lead to the __________ of marine ecosystems.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The Blue Economy is centered on the sustainable use and conservation of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. The correct terms, conserving and degradation (Answer C), fit this concept because the goal is to emphasize the importance of protecting or preserving ("conserving") ocean resources while simultaneously ensuring that the resulting economic activities do not lead to the deterioration or damage ("degradation") of the marine environment. Terms like depleting or exploiting contradict the core principle of sustainability, and the aim is to prevent degradation rather than just restore it.
19
The submarine’s advanced stealth technology enables it to operate with ________ invisibility, making it almost impossible to detect by enemy sonar, while its ________ design ensures it can remain submerged for extended periods without detection.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The sentence emphasizes the stealth capabilities of the submarine. "Complete" indicates total invisibility to detection systems, and "streamlined" refers to the efficient, sleek design that allows the submarine to remain submerged for long periods while avoiding detection.
20
The aftermath of the ethnic slaughter was marked by profound ________, as the survivors struggled to cope with the irreparable ________ to their communities, leading to decades of socio-political instability.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The word "Acrimony"
refers to bitterness and hostility, which accurately reflects the emotional
response to the devastation caused by ethnic slaughter. "Detriment"
suggests harm or damage, in this case, to the social structure and
relationships within the community. The sentence illustrates the long-lasting
negative impact of such violence on social cohesion.
