DRILL 7

Directions: For each blank select one entry from the corresponding column of choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

Question 1

Although his latest project was relatively _______—little more than a few basic plot points scribbled on a napkin—the veteran screenwriter easily sold the story to a major Hollywood studio.

Question 2

Anyone who assumes that all of California shares Los Angeles’ sunny and temperate climate will be surprised by how _______ San Francisco’s weather can be in June.

Question 3

Possessing few natural resources upon its newly-granted independence in 1863, Singapore remained economically _______ until an influx of industrialization and foreign investment took hold there.

Question 4

Wealth and technology wrought by industrialization gave nations in the northern hemisphere strategic (i)________. This included sophisticated weaponry that could easily overpower the more (ii)________ arms held by the countries of the southern hemisphere.

Question 5

Even though legislators claimed the Contagious Diseases Acts strengthened the nation, social purists argued the Acts _______ the nation’s moral growth by encouraging licentious behavior.

Question 6

The new lecture hall’s _______ design reflected the architect’s minimalist influences.

Question 7

Though most famous for his musings on ethics, Bentham was also preoccupied with a much less (i)________ topic: prison design. Bentham envisioned a central watchtower with a (ii)________ view of the surrounding cells. Ingeniously, the windows were designed such that the prisoners never knew when they were being (iii)________ and when the guards’ gazes were elsewhere.

Question 8

The grave accusations made by the plaintiff were almost entirely (i)_________ the testimony of two witnesses. Therefore, when the court (ii)_________ the credentials of those witnesses, the plaintiff’s case disintegrated, and the relevant claims were shown to be (iii)_________.

Question 9

Modern tennis fans have come to realize that, although, quantum technological leaps in racquet technology have lead to _______ increases in the speed and power with which players can hit the ball, this has not necessarily lead to a more entertaining game.

Question 10

Many Major League Baseball relief pitchers choose an electrifying theme song to play as they take the mound; the song _______ their fans and instills fear in their opponents.

Question 11

Emmet Ray, a fictional jazz guitarist in Woody Allen’s film Sweet and Lowdown, is a paradoxical character; while he displays sophisticated musical artistry, in his dealings with other people he can only be called _______.

Question 12

The editorial, though intended to (i)________ the current administration, inadvertently (ii)________ several claims made against the regime suggested as a preferable alternative, effectively (iii)________ any plans for a change in leadership.

Question 13

Humans have a natural affinity for Vervet monkeys; in both their habits and their personalities, they remind us of the essential humanity of non-human creatures. Vervet monkeys, like most humans, are (i)________, conducting most of their activities during the day. Their (ii)________ behavior and desire for company shows us that humans are not the only species that values (iii)________.

Question 14

A mathematician should not automatically reject theorems that might at first seem witless or juvenile; advanced degrees are not a license for (i)________, nor do they (ii)________ arrogance or egotism.

Question 15

Bettelheim’s (i)________ of “Hansel and Gretel” is thorough and well-researched, but ultimately not compelling due to his (ii)________ focus, which is severely constricted by his narrow worldview.