1.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The researchers were unwilling to admit that they were wrong. Therefore they would try to support (buttress) their arguments.

　　(ascertain = find out; refute = prove wrong; absolve = forgive)

　　2.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The part after the semicolon expands upon the first part of the sentence.sat

　　So, since the first part tells us that there is no money in archaeology, then there will only be small (paltry) amounts for excavating. Also ‘even more’ indicates that another similar word is required. Thus, meager also means small.

　　(miniscule = tiny; augmented = increased; judicious = wise, just; penurious = poor)

　　3.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The semicolon indicates that the second part is closely related to the first.

　　So, since the student was foolhardy (reckless) he was doing something unwise. It would be reckless to question the professor’s judgment, and so we can say that he had the temerity (excessive nerve, or daring) to question him.

　　Note that temerity has a negative connotation.

　　(trepidation = fear and hesitation; condescension = arrogance)

　　4.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The word ‘formerly’ indicates that once things were different.

　　So, since now the waters are polluted so that fish cannot be seen, then formerly they must have been unpolluted and clear (pellucid).

　　(tranquil = peaceful; stagnant = not moving; pellucid = transparently clear; rancid = stale)sat

　　5.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The sentence states that the muscles were not used and so we would expect them to waste away. Atrophied means wasted away, or withered.

　　Note that dwindled means grew less but could not be used for muscles.

　　(invigorated = energized)

　　6.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: ‘Ranging from something to something’, indicates that extremes are required. Also we are told that the poetry is uneven, also indicating that opposites are required.

　　Therefore, trite (unoriginal) is a negative word, and inspired is a positive word.

　　(sublime = magnificently inspiring; vacuous = meaningless = inane; succinct = short and to the point; laconic = using few words; sonorous = full of sound ; voluble = talking a lot)

　　7.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The semicolon indicates that the second part of the sentence amplifies the first. Also the second part states that the lymphocytes are ‘newly produced’. So, we infer that there is a production (proliferation) of these cells in the glands.

　　(diminution = decrease; proliferation = growing and multiplying; obliteration = wiping out; paucity = shortage)

　　8.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Try to understand the logic of the sentence. The new scheme might actually do something to ‘put off’ (daunt), the applicants that it was intended to encourage. The word ‘intimidate’ would also have been suitable for the second blank, but its partner ‘attraction’ cannot be right...we do not want a positive word for a negative feature.

　　(stimulate = encourage = induce; daunt = intimidate = put off)

　　9.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: the semicolon suggests that the second part expands upon the first part. So, if corruption is rife (common), then we will doubt the integrity of the officials. Their integrity will be suspect (doubtful).

　　(pervasive = spreading everywhere; rife = common)

　　10.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　Clue : The ‘but rather’ construction indicates an opposite. Since they do not follow a rational model, we infer that they must seem irrational. Also, since they do not follow the orthodox, they must be unorthodox (iconoclastic).

　　Note that ‘and’ usually links words with similar values (both positive or both negative etc.)

　　(cerebral = concerned with thinking; heretical = opposed to orthodoxy = iconoclastic; capricious = whimsical, fickle)

　　11.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Follow the logic. If his views are flexible the people who want flexible methods will approve. But, if his views are rigid thee same people will oppose them.

　　Hence, the best fit comes with hidebound (rigid) and antagonism (hostility).

　　(reactionary = ultraconservative; accommodating = flexible).

　　12.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Grandfather used to tell stories (anecdotes). He was also entertaining. So, the best answer will be that he was a raconteur (teller of stories) who regaled (entertained) the children.

　　(orator = good speaker; curmudgeon = grumpy person; tyrant = harsh ruler)