1,014 GRE Practice Questions, 3rd Edition

The trigger despite indicates that the reefs had not justified the environmentalist’s initial fears, so you need a word such as positive or harmless in the blank. Neither caustic nor interminable means positive or harmless, so eliminate answer choices (C) and (E). Neither unfounded, which means groundless, nor plaintive, which means mournful, makes sense in the blank; eliminate choices (A) and (F). Both benign and innocuous can mean harmless, so choices (B) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

2. D and F

Recycle the clue and put enthusiasm in the blank. Both indifference and heedlessness are nearly the opposite of what you are looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (E). Neither cessation, which means stoppage, nor rhetoric, which is the art of effective or persuasive use of language, make sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Both fervency and zeal can mean enthusiasm, so answer choices (D) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

3. C and E

The clue innumerable fruitless attempts indicates that Allen lacked the crucial qualification to juggle, so a word that means something like manually coordinated will fit the blank. Both lumbering and awkward are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (F). Neither sedate, which means calm, nor implicit, which means implied, make sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (A) and (D). Both dexterous and implicit can mean manually coordinated, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

4. B and F

If Alexander’s generals broke up his empire after his death, then its cohesion must have been weak or short-lived. Both abiding and protracted are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Neither redoubled, which means made twice as great, nor renowned, which means famous, make sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (D) and (E). Both precarious and tenuous can mean weak, so choices (B) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

5. E and F

If you’re comfortable with the meaning of propitiatory, you can recycle the verb propitiate into the blank; if not, the clue icy stare and aloof demeanor can tell you—like Johann—that the gifts didn’t calm her anger. Both exacerbate and aggravate are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Neither vilify, which means to speak ill of, nor garner, which means to amass or acquire, make sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (A) and (B). Both placate and mollify can mean to calm, so choices (E) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

6. C and F

If they believe the benefits of the energy-producing ingredients increase proportionally, the athletes would want to eat more of the energy bars, so you need a word that means something like plentiful. Both scant and measured are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Neither furtive, which means stealthy, nor solvent, which means capable of paying debts, makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (B) and (D). Both copious and profuse can mean plentiful, so choices (C) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

7. B and E

The bill is described as comprehensive and has been bemoaned by proponents of small government, so something like full of would make sense in the blank. Both deficient in and unencumbered by are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Neither elucidated by, which means clarified by, nor exempted from makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Both rife with and replete with mean full of, so choices (B) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

8. D and F

Recycle the clue embarrassing into the blank. Both assuaging and bolstering are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (E). The impact may be monumental, but that answer choice isn’t sufficiently negative, so eliminate choice (C); virulent, on the other hand is too strong, so eliminate choice (A). Both discomfiting and mortifying can mean embarrassing, so choices (D) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

9. C and E

Samuel Huntington’s ideas are still passionately debated so they must be described as ideas that people are likely to disagree about. His opinions may well have been pedantic or hegemonic, but those words do not necessarily lead to disagreement. The same goes for zealous, which, in addition, is also used to describe people, rather than their ideas. The correct answers are choices (C) and (E), since polemical means arguing passionately, and divisive means causing a disagreement.

10. A and B

The sentence tells you that there was no plant life in the area before, based on the time trigger word previously. Furthermore, if humans will be able to live in the area some day, then you know that plant life being described, must be alive and flourishing. This eliminates static, waning, and flagging. Fervent is used to describe human feelings or something that is very hot, so it does not work in this context. Incipient and nascent both mean that the plant life has recently come into being and are the correct answers.

11. A and C

The first part of the sentence implies that Michael talked a lot, but the different-direction trigger word regardless tells you that the word in the blank should be the opposite type of description word. Querulous and eccentric are not related to the context at all, and voluble would imply that he did talk a lot. Disinterested may seem like a plausible answer given that Michael kept to himself, but in that case, a more appropriate word would be uninterested. Disinterested indicates a lack of bias, but the sentence does not deal with a debate or judgment. Choice (A) and (C) are correct.

12. C and E

The snow provides the fresh water so if there isn’t much snowfall, the cities will be lacking water. Choices (A), (D), and (F) all have the opposite meaning and proliferation and burgeoning are not really words that could be used to describe run-off either. Paucity and dearth both indicate that something is lacking and are the correct choices.

13. A and E

The girl could always find something else that displeased her which means that she must be a habitual complainer. She may be an impertinent complainer, but there is no evidence that she was rude in the way she complained. The same problem exists with choices (C) and (F). Oblique, which means not straightforward, does not make sense in context, which rules out choice (D). Inveterate and chronic are synonyms for habitual, so choices (A) and (E) are correct.

14. B and F

The different-direction trigger word to focus on here is instead, which tells you that the type of person she is should be different from one who has a secret. Inscrutable is similar in meaning to an enigma behind the celebrated smile, so choice (E) is incorrect. Lisa del Giocondo may well have been dulcet or comely, but there is no supporting evidence for these words in the sentence. Since we are looking for a word that refers to someone who doesn’t keep secrets, choices (B) guileless and (F) ingenuous are the best answers.

15. D and E

The sentence contains the trigger word Though, indicating a shift in the meaning of the sentence. In the first part, the futurist conceded that the iPhone was revolutionary, thus the second part must mean that it was old-fashioned. Check the answers. Only antediluvian and superannuated mean old-fashioned. Choices (D) and (E) are the best answers.

16. A and C

Gainsaid means contradicted, so the words that will fill in the blank will roughly mean transparent. Abstruse and cryptic both mean difficult to understand, so eliminate choices (B) and (E). Neither aesthetic, which means concerned with beauty, nor recalcitrant, which means resistant to authority, fits the meaning you need; eliminate choices (D) and (F). Both perspicuous and manifest can mean easily understood, so choices (A) and (C) produce logical sentences with the same meaning.

17. D and F

Hyperbolic means exaggerated. The correct answers will be words that mean something a bit more extreme than quaint that also contrast with the imposition of mining equipment. Germane means relevant to, and doesn’t fit here; eliminate choice (A). Gentrified refers to an area that was previously owned or occupied by poor people and is transformed by more wealthy people. Although it is relevant to the subject, it is a trap that doesn’t fit with the rest of the sentence, so choice (B) should be eliminated. Aplomb (self-confidence) and rancorous (greatly hostile) are similarly irrelevant to this question, so eliminate choices (C) and (E). Bucolic means idyllically pastoral or rural, and quiescent means quiet or restful. Plugging either into the blank produces a sentence that is congruent, making choices (D) and (F) the best answers.

18. B and F

The sentence says that local commercials are a tonic or “cure” for homogeneity or “sameness”, so a good word would be quirks or individualities. Check the answers. Both eccentricities and idiosyncrasies mean quirks. The best answers are choices (B) and (F).

19. D and E

The spending, combined with bad investments, left the boxer insolvent, so you need something like excessive for the blank. Both parsimonious and penurious are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (B). Neither perfidious, which means disloyal, nor pugnacious, which means belligerent, makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (C) and (F). Both prodigal and profligate can mean excessive, particularly in reference to spending, so choices (D) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

20. C and F

Since the blank refers to something delivered by a poet or orator and meant to lavish praise, you need something like poem of praise or speech of praise. Three of the choices are the wrong kind of writing: Both an elegy and a jeremiad express lamentation, and a philippic expresses condemnation, so eliminate choices (B), (D), and (E). A compendium is a brief summary, so eliminate choice (A). Both encomium and panegyric can mean poem or speech of praise, so choices (C) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

1. C and E

What she heard disheartened the band director—and this despite having steeled herself for the worst—so you need a word that means bad-sounding. Both euphonious and harmonious are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (F). Neither arduous, which means difficult, nor ample, which means sufficient, makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (A) and (D). Both cacophonous and discordant can mean bad-sounding, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

2. C and D

All the sentence tells you about Bede is that he earned the epithet venerable, so something like venerated or honored would make sense in the blank. Both defamed and reviled are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Neither consoled, which means gave comfort to, nor mitigated, which means made less severe, makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (B) and (E). Both revered and esteemed can mean honored, so choices (C) and (D) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

3. A and D

The sentence contrasts the rules of etiquette with the detailed written regulations regarding play, so you need something like vague or unwritten for the blank. Both express and manifest are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (C) and (F). Be careful about laconic: It means using few words, but not unspoken, so eliminate choice (B). Reclusive, which means withdrawn from society, doesn’t make sense in the blank, so eliminate choice (E). Both implicit and tacit can mean unwritten, so choices (A) and (D) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

4. B and E

The trigger word but is key in this sentence because it denotes a reversal over time. Since you are told that those who had fought for its ratification were discouraged, the word but tells you they were once encouraged. Therefore, auspiciously and promisingly fit the blank as they tell the same story as encouraged. Bleakly and unfavorably tell the opposite story and are not correct. Suspiciously means distrustful and ineffectually means useless, and neither word fits the meaning of the blank.

5. E and F

Instead of is a trigger that tells you that the word in the blank must mean the opposite of a selfish need to meddle. Benevolence and magnanimity both mean showing good will toward others, which is the opposite of selfishness. Elegance and refinement are synonyms that mean gracious style, which is not the opposite of selfishness. Gaiety means happiness and viscosity means stickiness, neither of which is the direct opposite of selfishness.

6. E and F

Since he had few former employers who would be laudatory about his past projects, Robert could not provide more than a few references. Both dearth and paucity can mean few, so choices (E) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences. Both multitude and myriad mean the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Likewise, array and potpourri are synonyms that mean assortment, so eliminate choices (B) and (D).

7. C and D

The trigger while indicates that most of the tasks, which are described as undemanding, differ from the one described in the blank; hence, you need a word like demanding. Both arduous and onerous can mean demanding, so choices (C) and (D) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences. Choices (A) and (F) give you synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the description of the tasks as clear.

8. C and F

The blank describes what the politician is doing: she beguilingly greeted a room full of constituents to get their support, so a word like convince would make sense. Both alienate and estrange are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Neither abase, which means to degrade, nor eviscerate, which means to gut, makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (B) and (D). Both inveigle and entice can mean convince, so choices (C) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

9. C and E

The time triggers after and once indicate that the landscape is no longer arid, so you need a word that means something like not dry and lifeless. Both barren and desolate are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (D). Neither innocuous, which means harmless, nor limpid, which means clear, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Both verdant and bountiful can mean not dry and lifeless, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

10. A and B

The man’s response to visitors was that he shooed them away, so you need a word that means something like not social. Both garrulous and affable are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (E) and (F). Neither sarcastic nor chauvinistic is supported in the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Both misanthropic and curmudgeonly can mean not social, so choices (A) and (B) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

11. C and E

The time trigger used to be indicates that Eileen is no longer a picky eater, so you need a word that means something like adventurous with food. Both finicky and persnickety are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (F). Choices (A) and (D) give synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the idea that Eileen gained weight. Both epicurean and gourmandizing can mean adventurous with food, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

12. C and D

The blank describes the recesses of the rooms, so recycle the clue dark. Both gloomy and stygian can mean dark, so choices (C) and (D) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences. If you don’t know stygian—it’s the adjectival form of Styx, the river crossed to get to the Greek afterlife, and so literally means dark as hell—use your POE. Choices (E) and choice (F) are synonyms, but aren’t supported by the sentence. The recesses may be empty, but, again, that can’t be supported by the sentence; eliminate choice (A). Cacophonous means having a harsh or discordant sound, so choice (B) wouldn’t make sense in a room where the agents’ ears were attuned to the slightest disturbance.

13. A and B

The text tells you that the man is anxious to avoid a label, so his actions must contrast with the label he is trying to avoid. He wants to present a frugal picture, so he must be saving money. Therefore, the missing word must mean something like reckless spender. Choices (C) and (E) could be attractive if you miss the contrast between the clue and the blank; these words mean stingy person and are opposite of what you need. Choices (D) and (F) are synonyms, but there aren’t any clues in the sentence that indicate the man is seeking pleasure. That leaves choices (A) and (B), both of which mean wasteful spender and make them the best answers.

14. C and E

The clue here is that the pirate can’t satisfy his craving, so you need a word like insatiable or greedy for the blank; rapacious and voracious give you appropriate, equivalent sentences. Both ebullient and effusive are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (F). Raffish and showy could describe a pirate, but there’s no context to support that pair of synonyms, so eliminate choices (A) and (D).

15. B and D

The clue is that the criminal carried out heinous acts, so the blank describing the criminal must be something like evil. Both enormity and iniquity can mean evil, so choices (B) and (D) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences. Choices (C) and (E) give equivalent meanings, but the sentence doesn’t support the characterization of the criminal as clever. Neither pulchritude, which means beauty, nor perfidy, which means disloyalty, makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (A) and (F).

16. C and F

You know from the clue that human sacrifices were ubiquitous, so the act was familiar to all the tribes. The text sets up a contrast between the Mayans and the neighboring tribes in terms of their sacrificing. The trigger word while signals that the missing word goes in the opposite direction of the clue, and it must mean making the other tribes uncomfortable. Eliminate choices (B) and (E) because those words are positive. Choice (D), expatiated, means speak about in detail and has nothing to do with the context of the sentence. Despite its topical relevance, choice (A) doesn’t contrast with the ubiquity of the sacrifices, nor does the context support the Mayans confining all the other tribes. Although choices (C) and (F) aren’t synonyms, they both fit with the given context to appropriately complete the sentence.

17. C and D

The trigger in contrast to indicates that the colorful depictions of castles differ from the stark facades of their surviving ruins, so you need a word like decorated for the blank. Both bedizened and caparisoned can mean decorated, so choices (C) and (D) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences. Choices (A) and (B) would also give equivalent meanings, but nothing in the sentence suggests the castles were weakened. Neither extirpated, which means exterminated, nor fomented, which means incited, makes sense in the sentence, so eliminate choices (E) and (F).

18. B and E

Recycle the clue sanctimonious and self-righteous into the blank. Both ingenuous and unaffected are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Neither punctilious, which means overly concerned with precise formalities, nor salacious, which means obscene, is supported by any clues in the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Both moralistic and sententious can mean sanctimonious and self-righteous, so choices (B) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

19. B and C

The blank refers to the tone of the chair’s remarks, which offended people accustomed to being addressed in a more collegial and egalitarian manner. Thus, you need a word that means non-collegial or non-egalitarian; a simple word like bossy works well. Choices (D) and (E) give roughly synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the idea that the speech was optimistic. Neither ignominious, which means shameful, nor saturnine, which means gloomy, makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Both imperious and peremptory can mean bossy, so choices (B) and (C) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

20. C and D

The trigger is that the comments were meant to do one thing but served only to do another and the respective clues are sophistication and not yet mature. The comments failed to project sophistication and so the blank must be a word that means immature. Choices (A), (B), (E), and (D) are all words that describe what Hannah may be like, but none have the meaning of immature that is needed to complete this sentence correctly. Choices (C) and (D) are correct.

1. E and F

The clue here is that Plath produced just two volumes. This phrase, in addition to the comparison to the number of volumes her husband produced, tells you that she did not produce many. Remember that before the blank you have the trigger word not, so you need a word that means productive. Choices (A), (B), (C), and (D) are all adjectives that describe what Plath might or might not have been, but they do not fit the given clue. Choices (E) and (F) are correct because they are synonyms of productive.

2. C and F

The clown invokes laughter and enjoyment, so he must represent a happy character. Ace and crackerjack are synonyms that refer to someone with a certain talent, which may be true of the clown, but these answers are not supported by the clues. Artful may sound like an appropriate answer, but, in addition to meaning skilled, it can mean sly or crafty. None of these are the right definitions. Surly has the opposite connotation of happy, so the correct answers are choices (C) and (E), which both mean friendly or pleasant.

3. A and E

Recycle the clue carefully into the blank. Choices (B) and (D) can be eliminated; they give synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the idea that the photographer was rushed. Neither subversively, which means rebelliously, nor hysterically, which means characterized by irrationality due to uncontrollable emotion, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (F). Both meticulously and fastidiously can mean carefully, so choices (A) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

4. E and F

Before the workshop, the writers’ comments were general and unhelpful; the time triggers in the sentence tell you that things were different after finishing the editing workshop, so you need a word like specific or helpful in the blank. Three of the choices—cursory, superficial, and amateurish—are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A), (C), and (D). Derisive, which means scornful, isn’t supported by the sentence, so eliminate choice (B). Both critical and constructive can describe comments that are specific and helpful, so choices (E) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

5. D and F

The trigger while indicates that the admirers do the opposite of the others, who disparage it, so something like praise would make sense in the blank. Both defame and underrate are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Choices (B) and (C) give roughly synonymous meanings, but aren’t supported by the sentence. Both commend and extol can mean praise, so choices (D) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

6. B and E

The professor was disheartened because Tom didn’t seem to care about his grade, so a word that means without care would make sense in the blank. Both gingerly and delicately are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Neither timidly, which means fearfully, nor prudently, which means cautiously, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Both flippantly and thoughtlessly can mean without care, so choices (B) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

7. B and F

The clue here is that the investor’s mood seemed incongruous in light of the bad news about the stock market; since incongruous means out of place, you need a word like happy for the blank. Both inconsolable and funereal are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (C) and (E). Neither enervated, which means weakened, nor sardonic, which means mocking and derisive, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (D). Both sanguine and buoyant can mean happy, so choices (B) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

8. A and D

The blank describes fans who would wait in line for hours to talk to artists and buy toy variants, so a word like devoted would make sense. Choices (B) and (E) give roughly synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the idea that the fans smelled bad. Neither hirsute, which means hairy, nor impecunious, which means poor, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (F). Both staunch and zealous can mean devoted, so choices (A) and (D) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

9. B and F

The blank describes the kind of proofreading that would miss errors in spelling, diction, and idiom, so a word like sloppy or hasty would make sense—anything that suggests a lack of attention to detail. Both fastidious and meticulous are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (D) and (E). Neither artless, which means without guile, nor extraneous, which means irrelevant, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Both cursory and perfunctory can mean inattentive to detail, so choices (B) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

10. D and F

Your word for the blank needs to reflect the idea that Eno is everywhere, so something like common or prevalent would make sense. Choices (B) and (E) give roughly synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the idea that Eno is disreputable. Neither omnivorous, which means eating all foods, nor fortuitous, which means accidental, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Both omnipresent and ubiquitous mean present everywhere—like sodium and divine beings—so choices (D) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

11. C and E

The blank describes the kind of meanings that don’t become clear for years, so you need something like hidden or unclear. Both manifest and lucid are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (F). Neither banal, which means trite and commonplace, nor nascent, which means newly formed, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (D). Both oblique and allusive can mean unclear, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

12. A and B

Having committed an expensive error, Whitman might reasonably expect to be criticized or blamed. Both lauded and extolled are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (D) and (F). Neither instigated, which means incited, nor repatriated, which means returned to one’s land of citizenship, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (E). Both censured and excoriated can mean criticized, so choices (A) and (B) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

13. A and C

The colon indicates that the purpose will agree with the information in the second part of the sentence, where the young audience is learning advanced vocabulary; a word that means something like teaching would make sense. Both obfuscating and mystifying are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (F). Neither aggrandizing, which means making larger or more powerful, nor ephemeral, which means short-lived, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (D) and (E). Both didactic and edifying can mean intended to instruct, so choices (A) and (C) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

14. D and F

The blank describes comments were startling, despite the author’s reputation as anti-social, so something that means anti-social or unfriendly would make sense. Both simpatico and winsome are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Choices (B) and (C) give synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the idea that the author is hard to understand. Both splenetic and churlish can mean unfriendly, so choices (D) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

15. A and C

The blank describes the role played by the kind of evidence that would justify a decision to continue the investigation, so a word that means something like important would make sense. Both negligible and marginal are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (F). Choices (D) and (E) give roughly synonymous meanings as well, but nothing in the sentence supports the description of the role as dishonest. Both paramount and salient can mean important, so choices (A) and (C) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

16. C and F

The blank describes what consumers demonstrate when boycotting companies, so a word like disapproval would make sense in the blank. Both endorsement and ratification are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (B). Neither debilitation, which means weakening, nor machinations, which means schemes, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (D) and (E). Both censure and disapprobation can mean disapproval, so choices (C) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

17. B and D

The military is using anodyne phrases to gloss reality, so a word that means something like euphemisms or unclear statements. Both elucidation and dysphemisms are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Neither prevarication, which means untruth, nor hyperbole, which means exaggeration, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (E). Both periphrasis and circumlocutions can mean unclear statements, so choices (B) and (D) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

18. A and C

The semicolon trigger indicates that the two parts of the sentence will agree, so recycle the clue understanding into the blank or use a simple word like knowledge. Both incognizance and nescience are the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (E). Neither somnolence, which means drowsiness, nor belletrism, which means engagement in the genre of literature known as belles-lettres, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (D) and (F). Both discernment and acumen can mean understanding, so choices (A) and (C) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

19. A and E

The sentence tells you that animals give predators advanced warning of their danger, so you know the bright colors are warning signs. The while trigger changes the direction of the second part of the sentence, which you can see with the mention of the harmless scarlet kingsnake, but then there’s another contrast with the simply mimic phrase. This brings you back to the animals that are unpalatable or dangerous. You can recycle dangerous for the blank. Eliminate choice (B) right away, because if the animals are dangerous, they definitely aren’t friendly. Choice (D) might initially look appealing, but it actually means beautiful. While the animals might be brightly colored, you’re looking for something that means dangerous, so you can eliminate that answer. You’re left with two sets of synonyms, choices (A) and (E) and choices (C) and (F). The words in the second set, choices (C) and (F), mean edible. If you missed one of the contrast triggers, you might be tempted to go with that pair, but because you have the two different changes of direction, you can eliminate them. That leaves (A) and (E) as the best answers.

20. E and F

The topic of the text is mummification, which deals with drying out the body and preventing decomposition. There is a contrast, indicated by the while trigger, between the Egyptian pharaoh mummies and the Tarim mummies. The text tells you that the Egyptian mummies were intentionally preserved, so you can fill in the blank with something to indicate the Tarim mummies were naturally preserved. Choices (B) and (C) could be tempting, because the mummies were discovered, but that’s not what the missing word means. Choice (A) has nothing to do with the context of the sentence, and choice (D) is the opposite of what you’re looking for.

1. C and E

To prepare for his speech, Thomas was dutifully rehearsing, your clue that the speech was well spoken. Synonyms for well-spoken are eloquent and articulate, which are your answers. Languid means dull and listless means without energy; both are similar adjectives that Thomas would try to avoid. Extended means long, and you have no clues that the speech should be long. Finally, enduring means everlasting and, while such a speech would be commendable, Thomas is more interested in the well-spoken aspect of his speech.

2. A and E

The Prime Minister was worried that he had lost the support of his party, so he needed to forcefully reverse his controversial statement. You’re looking for a word that means take back. Both recanted and disavowed convey taking back a previous statement, and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences. Affirmed and validated are synonyms that mean declared true, which is the opposite of what you’re looking for. Overlooked and ignored are close in meaning, but they don’t make sense in the given context.

3. B and E

From the clues convenient online access to reading material, it is likely that forecasters would predict a sales decrease. Therefore, you are looking for words that mean decrease. Multiply and appreciate both mean to increase, so you can eliminate choice (A) and choice (F). Prevail means to dominate, which does not match the meaning you need, and assimilate means to integrate and adjust to, which may seem apt but does not fit the context of the blank or retain the meaning of the sentence. Abate and dwindle mean to decrease, and are your best answers that produce equivalent, appropriate answers.

4. B and F

If Natalie was nervous about receiving an unpleasant lecture but her fears were easily relieved, then the policeman must have been the opposite of unpleasant. So you are looking for words that means pleasant or friendly. Exacting and stringent mean meticulously demanding, and so you can eliminate choice (A) and choice (D). Affable and genial can both mean friendly, and are the best answers. Atypical means nonconforming, which does not retain the meaning of the sentence. Sober can means calm; though the policeman may have also been calm, you’re looking for words that mean pleasant or friendly. Furthermore, sober does not have a synonym amongst the other answer choices.

5. A and B

The statisticians certainly hope to win the lottery and the change-direction trigger word even and the clue misguided signal that they are acting inappropriately, despite their knowledge. You want words that mean increase. Mitigate and curtail make a good synonym pair that means to lessen, which is contrary to what you need. Squander is what the statisticians might do with the money after they win it and divulge, meaning to make known, does not make sense in context. Augment and escalate both mean to increase, and so choices (A) and (B) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

6. C and F

Since the people in the sentence cannot develop a logical argument, they might be offering an empty, meaningless statement instead to excuse their behavior. The word saying would be appropriate for the blank. Fallacy might seem like a suitable answer, but there aren’t any clues in the sentence to prove that the statement is false. Allusion is a reference to something, a query is a question, and a waiver is the relinquishment of something. None of these words have the meaning of saying. Maxim and proverb are both meaningful sayings, and so choices (C) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

7. A and F

Both the description of the ideological gap as insurmountable and the trigger while tell you that the word for the blank needs to mean the opposite of accumulating wealth. Both avarice and cupidity are the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (E). Neither empathy, which means the vicarious experience of another person’s feelings, nor parsimony, which means frugality, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Both largess and philanthropy can refer to generosity with money, so choices (A) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

8. D and E

The critics misjudged the designs, so you know that the word in the blank must mean the opposite of epitome of high fashion. Choices (B) and (F) give roughly synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the idea that the designs were expensive. Neither defamatory, which means libelous, nor contrite, which means remorseful, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Both mundane and insipid can mean uninspired or ordinary, so choices (D) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

9. B and C

Since Brookstone has lost several professional allies, and the blank describes something done against the university’s administration, a word that means something like attacks or opposition would make sense. Both approbations and commendations are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Neither precursors, which means predecessors, nor canons, which means accepted principles or rules, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (D) and (F). Both tirades and diatribes mean angry speeches, so choices (B) and (C) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

10. B and E

Since the information given by astrologers can never be conclusively proven or falsified, Sergei can’t know whether it’s true; thus, a word that means something like trickery or deception would make sense in the blank. Both vindication and authentication are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Neither censure, which means criticism, nor vexation, which means anger, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Both chicanery and wile can mean trickery, so choices (B) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

11. B and D

The sentence tells you that the selection of a fresh cause happens every five years, so the blank must refer to a word such as habit or custom. Ambivalence would indicate that the agencies are not sure about taking this action, and callousness indicate a lack of caring. Wariness would indicate that they are hesitant to change the cause. Affectation is tricky because it sounds similar to affection, which might make it sound like a good choice. However, affectation actually means artificiality, which is not the meaning you need. Choices (B) and (D) are both good substitutes for custom are produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

12. A and D

Using the same-direction trigger and … just as, you know that the use of high-fructose corn syrup must also be controversial, the clue to the blank. You want a word that means disagreement or debate. Choices (B) and (F) are synonyms that imply agreement in this context, and should be eliminated. Choice (C) means satisfaction and choice (E) means accuracy; neither choice suggests disagreement or debate and should be eliminated. Choices (A) and (D) both mean disagreement and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

13. B and D

Following the colon, the regulations are described as prohibitive and receiving widespread support, the clues to the meaning of the blank. So the goal must be to prohibit or reduce such tactics. Correct choices (B) and (D) mean to limit and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences. Rally and muster are synonyms that mean to raise support for, and pirate means to use without authorization. None of these means prohibit or reduce, so eliminate choices (A), (E) and (F). Choice (C) can mean adorn or elaborate, neither of which fits the context of the blank.

14. B and E

The blank is about the judge’s personal opinion; the passage provides that the judge found the law morally objectionable (even though the judge could not rule the law unconstitutional). Thus, find two answers that mean morally objectionable. Choices (B) and (E) work well. Choices (A), (C), and (F) provide the opposite meaning. Choice (D), while related to the fact that the judge did not rule the law unconstitutional, does not fit with the blank’s description of the judge’s personal opinion.

15. A and C

The structure of the sentence and the use of the word even provide that the ancient text, while not entirely impenetrable to experts, was nonetheless quite unclear. Thus, find two answers that mean quite unclear. Choices (A) and (C) work well. Choices (B), (D), and (E) provide the opposite meaning; while the experts may not be as confused as the laypeople, they do struggle with the meaning. Choice (F), despite its resemblance in sound to choice (A), has a completely different meaning.

16. C and E

The time trigger only later tells you that the earlier feudal system differed from the fully-developed version that came later, so the word for the blank needs to mean not fully developed. Both byzantine and labyrinthine are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (D). Neither refractory, which means stubborn, nor perfidious, which means disloyal, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Both nascent and inchoate can mean not fully formed, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

17. D and F

The blank describes the kind of lyrics that would create a tension with cheerful, almost bouncy music, so a word that means something like sad would make sense. Both euphoric and sanguine are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (C). Neither lubricious, which means lewd, nor recondite, which means not widely known, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Both saturnine and lachrymose mean sad, so choices (D) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

18. B and F

Recycle the clue delicate into the blank. Both ponderous and cumbersome are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (C) and (E). Neither ephemeral, which means short-lived, nor mettlesome, which means courageous, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (D). Both diaphanous and gossamer can mean delicate, so choices (B) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences. If you selected choice (A), be sure to distinguish ephemeral from ethereal, which would have been an appropriate answer choice.

19. A and F

Since the fascination with celebrities and the innovations of the electronic age may inspire something to occur, you need a word that means about to happen. Flagging and attenuating mean weakening, so those words go in the opposite direction from the blank. Calumniating means slandering; while the new paparazzi may indeed be engaging in slander, that’s not what the blank is talking about. Deliquescing means becoming liquid, and a trend can’t do that. Looming and impending both mean about to happen, so those words are good fits for the blank.

20. B and D

The blank must describe the doctor’s friends, so look for the clue that gives information about those friends. The friends quickly jilted him, meaning that they dishonorably abandoned him. Friends who would do that are not very good friends, so you’re looking for a word that means not loyal. Squeamish describes someone who becomes uncomfortable easily, usually around things that are unpleasant to the senses (blood, rodents, etc.). While the friends may be uncomfortable in the doctor’s presence, that’s not why they abandoned him. Orthodox and stodgy describe people who adhere rigidly to convention. These words describe the medical establishment, not the friends. A staunch ally is one who is loyal, so that word means the opposite of the blank. Fickle and inconstant both mean disloyal, and so they are good fits for the blank.

1. B and F

To fill in the blank, you need to identify what the professor did to the exam question. Because he or she reordered the sentences and added distractions, he or she made the problem more confusing and unclear. Muddled and obfuscated are synonyms that mean made obscure or unclear and are therefore the correct choices. Erased and obliterated are also synonyms, but do not describe what the professor did to the question. Interpreted means made clear, which is the opposite of what the professor did. Engendered is a nice vocabulary word but means produced or caused, which has nothing to do with making a previously created problem confusing.

2. B and E

To fill in the blank, you need to find a word that describes the grandmother who is described in the sentence as having the correct answers to life’s difficult dilemmas. Therefore, you want to find words that also describe someone who has all the right answers. Sagacity means acuteness of mental discernment, or, more simply, wisdom. Meanwhile, bewilderment and ignorance are words describing someone who does not have all the right answers. Duplicity and guile are both words having to do with deceit and lying and are not traits of the grandmother suggested in the sentence.

3. E and F

The semicolon trigger tells you the two parts of the sentence agree; since the blank is describing the road, you need a word that means twisted. Both abbreviated and fleeting are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Neither invigorating, which means energizing, nor immense, which means huge, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (B) and (D). Both serpentine and tortuous can mean twisted, so choices (E) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

4. B and E

The blank describes the kind of observation that would surprise people who thought Lucy was unaware, so a word that means something like sharp or observant would make sense—anything that would show that Lucy was aware. Both asinine and obtuse are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Choices (D) and (F) have roughly synonymous meanings, but an observation that was clear wouldn’t have impressed her classmates. Both perceptive and astute can mean observant, so choices (B) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

5. B and E

The clues are that the guests agreed that had the weather NOT been awful; the implication is that it was otherwise perfect. You are looking for a word that means perfect. Eliminate urban, which means metropolitan and has nothing to do with the meaning you need. Eliminate excessive and disproportionate, choices (C) and (D): Though the wedding may have been overdone or out of balance, these are irrelevant to the clues. Finally, eliminate rustic, choice (F), which means having country simplicity. The best answers are divine and idyllic, both of which mean perfect and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

6. A and F

The clue is that Shakespeare was only relying on vibrant and colorful individuals, so the blank must be the opposite of vibrant and colorful. You need a word that means ordinary. Eliminate original and extraordinary, synonyms that have the opposite meaning of ordinary. Eliminate imperial, which means regal, and domineering, which means authoritarian; neither one relates to the context of the blank. Choices (A) and (F), pedestrian and mundane, both mean common or ordinary and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

7. A and F

The last part of the sentence parallels the middle part. The clue to the blank is the rapid development of numerous related processes, so the missing word must mean rapid development or expansion. Eliminate choice (B) since it is the opposite of what you’re looking for. Choices (C), (D), and (E) seem applicable, but none of these choices stays in the scope of the meaning you need in the blank. Although the daguerreotype was the oldest photographic process, there’s no context for this in the blank and you can eliminate those three choices. That leaves correct choices (A) and (F), both of which can mean rapid growth and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

8. D and F

You know that the athlete used to be well-respected because of his work with anti-drug programs. The contrast is that he was working with anti-drug programs while using steroids for years, so a good word for the blank would be hypocritical or dishonest. Choices (C) and (E) can be eliminated because they are both positive and mean optimistic, and choice (A) does not mean dishonest and is also incorrect. Choice (B) means related to a crime, and does not necessarily mean dishonest. Choices (D) and (F) are the best answers because they both mean deceitful and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

9. B and C

The clue walked quietly instead of throwing rocks indicates the leader must have asked the protestors to stop the violence. Eliminate choices (D) and (E) because they both convey a sense of support or approval and are opposite of what you need in the blank. Choice (F) also doesn’t work for a similar reason; manifest means demonstrate. Choice (A) means soothe and does not apply in this context. Choices (B) and (C) are synonyms that mean to avoid or give up and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

10. A and D

The manufacturers’ goal is to make certain items dedicated collectibles, so they would do something to make them more rare or special. Choices (E) and (F) are synonyms that mean activate, but the blank refers to the trucks themselves and so you can eliminate these choices. Choice (C) can be eliminated because it means examine and doesn’t match the needed meaning. Choice (B) is also irrelevant to the context of the blank. That leaves choices (A) and (D), both of which mean to make more rare and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

11. D and F

The important clues in this sentence are the words cloudy and semi-transparent, both of which describe the inner workings of the jellyfish. Choice (A) could be tempting because a jellyfish tentacle could definitely be caustic, but there’s no context for it. Eliminate it. You can eliminate choice (E) for the same reason. It seems logical, but isn’t actually supported by the text. Choice (C) is connected to the sentence because jellyfish are natatory creatures, but the blank is specifically describing the appearance of tentacles, not the jellyfish as a whole. Choice (B) has nothing to do with the sentence. Choices (D) and (F) both mean loose, flowing, or see-through, which is what you’re looking for.

12. A and C

The sentence tells you that the Jedi were a powerful peace-keeping force, but there’s a contrast indicated by the but and the time trigger before the Clone Wars. That lets you know that something is going to happen that will challenge the Jedi’s status. The sentence also tells you that every clone trooper was reprogrammed to assassinate his Jedi master. This lets you know that there was a massive attack against the Jedi. So you could fill in the missing word with something like serious injury or really bad experience. You can eliminate choices (B) and (F) because those are going in the wrong direction. They only connect with the powerful Jedi clue, not taking into account the contrast triggers. Choices (D) and (E) have nothing to do with the sentence, so you can eliminate them. That leaves (A) and (C), both of which mean completely destroy.

13. C and D

The sentence tells you that the studios have a penchant for hiring A-list movie stars. Then it tells you those studios are rethinking that strategy, so you know the actors they’re looking for now are not A-list. This is further supported with the clues that tell you the economy is not suited to celebrities who get paid $15 to $20 million, but to another kind of actor who commands far less per picture. So put something in the blank like unknown or new. You can eliminate choices (A) and (B) because those two answers would describe the A-list celebrities. Choice (E) also fits more with the A-listers because they’re the ones who would be expensive. Choice (F) doesn’t fit with anything in the sentence. That leaves choices (C) and (D), both of which mean new or just starting out, which is what you’re looking for.

14. A and D

You need a word for the blank that means that Joseph was the model of composure. Both quintessence and epitome would mean he is a perfect embodiment of composure, so choices (A) and (D) produce equivalent sentences that make sense. Bane would mean he somehow annoys composure, and is incorrect. Rector would mean Joseph is the priest or academic leader of composure, and antithesis would mean he proves the opposite of composure; eliminate choices (C) and (E). Regent would mean he is the king ruling over composure, so eliminate choice (F).

15. B and D

Since the President could not tolerate dissent from his views, you need a word that means his cabinet members would always agree with him. Pundits and authoritarians would offer their own strong opinions, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Cynics would act pessimistically, so eliminate choice (C). Partisans would be biased, but not necessarily all in the same direction as the President, so eliminate choice (E). Sycophants and toadies in choices (B) and (D) are synonyms indicating that the members are flatterers or yes-men, and produce equivalent statements.

16. A and F

The clue to the blank is encomium, which means a speech of high praise. Since the poet is young and afraid that her career reached a premature point, the word in the blank must mean peak. Apogee and zenith both mean highest point, so choices (A) and (F) validly complete the sentence. An auspice means good sign, so eliminate choice (B). Coda means a concluding section and does not fit this context, so eliminate choice (C). Nadir and perigee both mean lowest point and are the opposite of what you need, so eliminate choices (D) and (E).

17. C and E

The logic is hard to follow, so you need a word for the blank that means confusing or convoluted. Both labyrinthine and byzantine mean twisting and turning like a maze, so keep choices (C) and (E). Rhetorical means using a strong, formal writing style, so eliminate choice (A). Libertine and unscrupulous are roughly synonymous, and both mean having lax moral standards, so eliminate choices (B) and (D). Decorous means dignified or proper, so eliminate choice (F).

18. C and F

The CEO took money, so you need a word for the blank that means the board members, shareholders, and customers punished him. Cachinnated means laughed at, so eliminate choice (A). Blandished means flattered, so eliminate choice (B). Upbraided means censured, and so does lambasted, so keep choices (C) and (F). Simpered means smiled, so eliminate choice (D). Caviled means to find fault with unnecessarily, but since the CEO embezzled, this can’t work. Get rid of choice (E).

19. B and D

Since punctilious means having very strong attention to detail, especially with etiquette, this is a good thing to describe service. The word while tells you that you need something in the other direction for cuisine, so you need a word that means the food is not too great. Obsequious means flattering, eliminate choice (A). Both quotidian and pedestrian mean commonplace or boring, so keep choices (B) and (D). Distasteful could work, because it could mean unpleasant tasting, but there is no synonym for this word in the choices, and therefore no way to make the sentence equivalent with another one of the choices. Eliminate choice (C). Gustatory means having to do with the sense of taste. This is too broad, so eliminate choice (E). Pedantic is a synonym for punctilious, but we need the opposite, so eliminate choice (F).

20. E and F

Recycle the clue angry response into the blank. Three of your choices—laudation, panegyric, and approbation—are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A), (C), and (D). A dictum is a formal or authoritative statement; that’s not supported by the sentence, so eliminate choice (B). Both invective and vituperation can mean a speech of anger, so choices (E) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

1. B and C

To describe a con artist who left his victims pleased to be victimized, you’d need a word that means something like skillful or tricky. Both maladroit and unskillful are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (D) and (F). Neither innocuous, which means harmless, nor discrete, which means distinct, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Both crafty and cunning can mean tricky, so choices (B) and (C) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences. If you were tempted by choice (E) because a good con artist would be able to keep a secret, be sure to distinguish discrete from discreet.

2. E and F

Given the clue most people already know, you know that the way the Secret Service employees are described in the first part of the sentence—in this case sharp-eyed—is the same as the way they are described in the second part. Thus, vigilant and mindful are appropriate for the blank. Robust and potent are a synonym pair which means strong, which is not supported by the clue, although they may indeed be strong people. They may also be vulnerable in some ways, but this choice would be the opposite of the intended meaning. The same applies for weary, which means tired.

3. C and E

The clue in this sentence is filled the air with tension. Both ambience and atmosphere refer to the environment of a place or situation. All of the wrong answer choices are words that may be associated with a gala, but they do not fit this clue. Choice (B) may seem close, but the rest of the sentence does not tell you what the party-goers were discussing. Choice (E) may also seem like a good fit, but again, the sentence does not tell you how people were acting. Choice (A) would refer to decorations and choice (F) would refer to an activity.

4. A and C

The sentence suggests that it is unfair to tax the middle class unless the upper class is taxed as well. Sporadic means occurring at random times, subtle means barely noticeable, dignified means expressing worthiness or honor, and pardonable means forgivable. None of these fit the idea of unfair. Choices (A) and (C) come closest to unfair or unable to be justified.

5. A and F

Since ghosts are described as unseen by the majority, it must be difficult to provide visible or definite proof. Indisputable and demonstrable both convey the meaning you want, and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences. Choice (D) means important. Choice (B) means intimidating and choice (C) means mysterious. Skeptical may be a good word to describe those who don’t see the ghosts, but it can’t describe the proof.

6. B and D

The sentence tells us that the politician claimed that he did not seek to enrich himself. However, the trigger word but indicates that the blank will have the opposite meaning: He did attempt to enrich himself. Choices (B) and (D) work in this context. Choices (A) and (E) go in the wrong direction, as they describe what the politician claimed, and choices (C) and (F) have no relationship to the blank.

7. A and F

The clues to the blank are that it was once unspoiled before the calamitous event, which indicates that it is now damaged, the word you are looking for. Choices (A) and (F) can be used to describe physical destruction and are the best answers. Choices (C), (D), and (E), may refer to the people who live near the seascape, but the blank is only about the seascape and there are no clues about its inhabitants. Choice (B) does not provide a good substitute for destroyed or spoiled.

8. C and D

The blank is about the first steps taken as part of the strategy of organization. The clues indicate that these steps were among many required steps and were therefore undertaken first and immediately. Thus, they were the most immediate of the required steps. Choices (C) and (D) indicate the immediacy and importance of the steps, and are correct. Choice (A) does not reflect the clue, and choice (B) is the opposite of the word you need and incorrect. There is no information in the sentence to support the remaining choices.

9. C and E

Someone worried about having to analyze an esoteric poem would be delighted to get one that was clear or easily understood, so something like clarity would make sense in the blank. Both ambiguity and opacity are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (F). Neither cadency, which means rhythm, nor melancholy, which means sadness, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (D). Both cogency and lucidity can mean clarity, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

10. C and E

A story about Einstein not uttering a sentence in five years would emphasize his image as a quiet scholar. Both loquacious and garrulous are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Neither consummate, which means perfect, nor judicious, which means showing good judgment, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (B) and (D). Both reticent and laconic can mean using few words, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

11. C and E

Since Tess was worried about the pesticides’ noxious effects, a word like small or minimal would make sense in the blank. Both capacious and profuse are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Choices (B) and (D) give equivalent meanings as well, but lasting effects are what Tess is trying to avoid. Both nominal and negligible can mean small, so choices (C) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

12. A and F

The trigger word despite tells you that the first part of the sentence contrasts the second part. So, the blank will have a word that means the opposite of the clues lack of education and obtuse, such as keenly smart. Perspicacious and insightful mean observant or perceptive; these are the best choices. Jejune means immature and vapid means dull, but neither is the opposite of obtuse. Pragmatic means practical and expedient means appropriate; both words could describe good advice, but don’t follow from the clue in this sentence.

13. B and D

We are told that Emile must earn enough money to cover his expenses; to do so he must work as much as he can during his busy season. Therefore he must acquire as many assignments as he can. The best answer choices are (B) amass and (D) garner.

14. A and D

To fill in the blank, you need to determine what these applications are doing to productivity now. The trigger word however signals that the applications were detractors from productivity, but now have the opposite effect, such as to help. Bolster means to add support or improve and ameliorate means to make better, both of which are the opposite of detract and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences. Vilipend and depreciate both mean to reduce the value of and are the opposite meaning of what you want. Engender means to cause to happen and supplant means to replace; neither word works with the clue or in the context of the blank.

15. A and C

The missing word must be consistent with the clues no new ideas and containing nothing but overt drivel. Lax and amorphous both mean without precision or structure; they’re consistent with the end of the sentence, but not with this clue. Natty means neat and tidy, usually in reference to clothing, and does not reflect the clue. Labyrinthine means unnecessarily complicated, but the problem with the poetry is lack of freshness. Platitudinous and jejune both mean trite or uninteresting and produces equivalent, appropriate sentences.

16. B and E

The clue is that Gatsby grows progressively more flagrant in his spending and his lifestyle, so the word in the blank must mean something like inclined to spend money unwisely. Ignominy means shame and volubility means talkativeness, but nothing in the sentence indicates that he feels shame or talks incessantly. Repute and stature mean fame; though Gatsby is a famous character, the blank does not refer to his fame. Dissipation and profligacy can both mean inclined to wastefulness, and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

17. B and C

The word in the blank must agree with animated, so anything that means gave life to will work—feel free to recycle animated. Both obliterated and extirpated are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Neither paralleled, which means was similar to, nor exemplified, which means were examples of, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (D) and (E). Both fomented and galvanized can mean inspired, so choices (B) and (C) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

18. E and F

A good editor is interested in distinguishing the best offerings from the worst in an efficient manner, so your word for the blank needs to mean the same thing as distinguish. Both consolidate and integrate are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (B). Neither finagle, which means to obtain by dishonest or indirect means, nor intimate, which—as a verb—means to insinuate, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Both winnow and sift can mean separate, so choices (E) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

19. C and E

Brand believes that the distinction obscures a more relevant question, so the word in the blank must mean something consistent with not relevant. Baleful means dangerous, and feckless means incompetent or irresponsible, neither of which are close to not relevant. Critical and cardinal both mean important, so those words are the opposite of what you’re looking for. The correct answers here rely on secondary definitions of the words nice and minute. Both of these words can be used to mean so small as to be insignificant.

20. C and D

The word in the blank must be a characteristic of something written in jargon that makes the writing difficult to understand for the general public. Risible means laughably absurd, which is sometimes, but not always a characteristic of jargony writing. Vapid means boring, which might also sometimes be true of this type of writing, but this word has the connotation of lacking in substance, which political theory usually is not. Uncanny and occult mean strange. While an unfamiliar writing style might indeed seem strange to the general public, these words have a supernatural connotation, which would not be a good fit for a description of political theory. Muddled and abstruse both mean confusing, which would be characteristics that would describe jargony writing from the perspective of the general public.

1. C and F

The clue is that she has been sick for three days and that she is unable to get up, so the missing word means tiredness or exhaustion. Choice (A) is the opposite of what you’re looking for, and choice (B) is irrelevant to the context of the blank; both choices can be eliminated. Choices (D) and (E) could be feelings following recovery from the flu, but do not mean exhaustion. Correct choices (C) and (F), both of which mean lacking energy, produce equivalent, appropriate statements.

2. A and B

Jake would be scared by the poisonous snake. You can eliminate choices (C) and (E) because they are positive words. Choices (D) and (F) do not relate to being scared, and can be eliminated. Choices (A) and (B) are correct because both mean worried or scared.

3. B and E

The clue to the blank is passionately insistent of her assertions, signifying that a similar tone helped her team prevail. Recycle the clue and look for words that mean passionately insistent. Choices (A), (D), and (F) indicate that she would have an insecure, impaired or unsure tone, and can be eliminated. Choice (C) is incorrect because there is no clue that she had an odd tone. Correct choices (B) and (E) both mean unshakably determined and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

4. A and C

The clue clear and ongoing mismanagement of the city kennel indicates that the mayor would have negative feelings of disapproval. Choices (B), (D), and (E) are positive words that do not complement the clue and should be eliminated. Choice (F) means lack of energy and does not match the meaning you want. Only correct choices (A) and (C) mean disapproval and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

5. A and B

The employee’s confident smile is hiding confusion, so something that means confused would make sense in the blank. Both placated and conciliated are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (C) and (E). Neither vilified, which means defamed, nor belabored, which means excessively insisted upon, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (D) and (F). Both perturbed and discomposed can mean confused, so choices (A) and (B) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

6. E and F

Students who are more attuned philosophical debate would find math and science to be difficult or demanding. Both facile and elementary are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (D). Neither stupefying, which means perplexing, nor meticulous, which means attentive to detail, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (B) and (C). Both exacting and onerous can mean demanding, so choices (E) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

7. C and F

Although the fact that the ballerina didn’t achieve a coveted title might suggest she wasn’t a good dancer, the change-direction trigger—at least in the opinion of the general public—indicates that the word in the blank needs to mean something like skillful. Both fulsome and noisome are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (D) and (E). Neither perfunctory, which means careless, nor evanescent, which means fleeting, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (B). Both consummate and virtuoso can mean extremely skilled, so choices (C) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

8. C and F

The blank is about the review committee’s opinion of the candidate’s thesis, and the trigger word but indicates that the committee holds the opposite view of the candidate’s view. The candidate is confident that the thesis is valid, so the blank means not confident. Correct choices (C) and (F) mean doubtful, and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences. Choices (A) and (E) represent the candidate’s view, not the committee’s view. Choice (B) means soothed, not doubtful. Choice (D) means annoyed and goes beyond the context of the blank and is not supported.

9. B and D

The blank is about the effect of the letters on the historian’s claims. The clue is the historian must reconsider his life’s work, so the blank means disproves. Choices (B) and (D) mean makes false and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences. Choices (C) and (F) both have the opposite meaning of disproves, and can be eliminated. Choices (A) and (E) also do not mean disprove and are incorrect.

10. B and F

The blank is about what playwrights should avoid according to the critic, and the clue word trite signals the blank must mean ordinary. If you do not know the word trite, you nevertheless know that he blank must be negative from the phrase could not sit through. Correct choices (B) and (F) mean dull and ordinary, and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences. Choices (C) and (E) are positive, and can be eliminated. Choices (A) means in good judgment and (D) means conveniently practical, and neither choice means ordinary.

11. A and E

The first of two trigger words, hardly, tells you that the outcome of war is not favorable, the clue word. The other trigger is even; you would expect a good outcome for the victors, but this is not the case here and so the nature of war must be very bad. In choice (F), hegemony relates to war but the clue does not support a word that means domination. Choice (D) means strict or stern, but is also not a match for the clue. Choice (C) refers to pompous use of language, and choice (B) means a public display or discourse. Both should be eliminated. The correct answers, choices (A) and (E), mean evil or baseness.

12. B and D

The behavior being described is used to disparage the movement, so it must be inappropriate behavior. Reticent means reserved or shy, so choice (C) is incorrect. Garrulous means talkative and cogent means convincing, but there are no clues to support these choices. Capricious is often used with a negative connotation and means impulsive or unpredictable. Debauched and profligate both mean disregarding social or moral correctness, which makes them the two best answers that produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

13. C and E

The trigger word and clue Although typically quite lucid in his explanations signals that his explanation in yesterday’s discussion was not very clear. So, you need words that mean unclear or hard to understand. Realistic means reasonable and benevolent means kind-hearted. The word obvious has the opposite meaning of the word you need. Only correct answers abstruse and obscure, both of which mean hard to grasp, produce appropriate, equivalent sentences.

14. A and D

The clue is that first the paintings were installed with no consideration to the arrangement and then they were actually arranged in alphabetical order. The blank comes after the trigger word but and agrees with the first description. So, the missing word must mean something like disorganized grouping. Choices (C) and (E) are similar in meaning, but do not pertain to a disorganized group; they can be eliminated. The paintings do not have anything to do with water or the beach, so you can eliminate choice (B). Choice (F) is also irrelevant to the meaning you need. Choices (A) and (D) fit within the context of the sentence and both refer to a random grouping of items.

15. B and C

The word belied indicates a contrast between the current state of the administration, halcyon days, and the president’s journey to the White House. Therefore, the missing words must mean the opposite of peaceful or calm; you need a word such as rough or chaotic. Eliminate choice (F), because that word agrees with halcyon. Choices (A) and (E) both convey done easily with skill, and can be eliminated. There is also no context to support a domineering journey, and thus choice (D) is incorrect. That leaves choices (B) and (C), both of which mean twisted or not smooth and produce equivalent, appropriate sentences.

16. D and F

The blank describes a politician who leads the opposition, and whose martially-themed book title is said to be telling, so a word that means something like argumentative or belligerent would make sense. Both compliant and diffident are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Neither circumspect, which means cautious, nor milquetoast, which means timid, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (B) and (E). Both pugnacious and disputatious can mean argumentative, so choices (D) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

17. A and F

The blank describes the newspapers’ attempts to expose government corruption; since the sentence suggests that the threat posed by the papers inspired the new law, a word that means something like effective, thorough, or hard-working would make sense. Both lackadaisical and perfunctory are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (B) and (C). Choices (D) and (E) give roughly synonymous meanings, but aren’t supported by the sentence. Both assiduous and sedulous can mean hard-working, so choices (A) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.

18. B and D

The clue word sartorial means relating to tailoring or clothing, so the word in the blank must mean clothing. Panegyric and oratory both mean speech, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Raiment and caparison both mean clothing, making choices (B) and (D) correct. Fetes and soirees are both types of parties, so eliminate choices (C) and (E).

19. D and E

Marian does not comment on her grandmother’s hat out of respect, which means she dislikes the hat. You need a word that means ugly or in poor taste. Iconoclastic and heretical both mean going against established beliefs. This is too strong and does not describe a hat, so eliminate choices (A) and (F). Imperious and haughty both mean arrogant, so eliminate choices (B) and (C). Gaudy and garish both mean showy and in poor taste, and can be used to describe clothing. Choices (D) and (E) are both correct.

20. A and E

The other students did not to sit at Fred’s table because they did not like the remarks he made. The word in the blank must be negative. Puerile and jejune both mean childish and immature, so choices (A) and (E) are correct. Crude means lacking tact, which fits but there is no synonym for crude among the options; eliminate choice (B). Limpid is positive and means clear, so eliminate choice (C). Inimical means hostile and insidious means stealthy or treacherous, but neither word has a synonym among the options. Eliminate choices (D) and (F).

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