1.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The part of the sentence after the semicolon defines the word needed for the blank.

　　So, since he ‘hated mankind’, the word we need is misanthrope (a hater of the rest of mankind).

　　(hypochondriac = someone excessively worried about his/her health; philanthropist = generous person, lover of mankind; hedonist = pleasure seeker; sybarite = lover of luxury)

　　2.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The first part of the sentence tells us that a businessman needs a wide outlook. Therefore a narrow attitude will get you nowhere. So, we choose parochial which means narrow minded and concerned with only local matters.

　　(petrified = rigid)

　　3.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Since there is a wide range of books, then the family must have wide ranging tastes.

　　So, we choose eclectic which means taking things from a wide range of sources.

　　(anomalous = odd; arcane = obscure; furtive = stealthy)

　　4.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Since the bags are found everywhere they must be ubiquitous. [This question is a simple matter of vocabulary...either you know the meaning or you do not. Learn your word lists!]

　　(ephemeral = short-lived = fleeting; ubiquitous = found everywhere; covert = hidden, stealthy)

　　5.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The two halves of the sentence complement each other. If his thesis is inadequate, he will need to buttress (support) his argument with more data. [Changing the order of the parts of the sentence sometimes helps to get the meaning clear.]

　　(profound = deeply significant; bolster = support; succinct = short and well expressed)

　　6.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: ‘and’ usually links things of similar nature. So, the reception was warm and then continued to get approval or support (endorsement). Also the word ‘initially’ suggests that something changed into its opposite. Therefore, the work was initially endorsed and then came under fire (was attacked).

　　(denigration = negative criticism; refutation = proving wrong)

　　7.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: ‘by definition’ a person who knows things well is an educated person.

　　Therefore, saying that the classics were considered a storehouse (repository) of wisdom, and that an educated person knew them well, makes perfect sense.

　　(epitome = best example; cornerstone = foundation; obtuse = mentally dull; font = source; ecclesiastical = concerned with the church)

　　8.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: ‘despite’ indicates something contrary. So, despite the rejection slips he pursues his path doggedly or tirelessly. But since the ‘and’ links similar things he is getting disappointment along with the rejection slips, not encouragement.

　　(doggedly = never giving up; sporadically = on and off; acclaim = praise)

　　9.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The sentence means that the countries are seeking to diminish (reduce) the check on individual freedom which state examinations impose. This suggests that almost all of the word choices (except foibles) for the first blank might work. So we look at the second blank. If the examinations are opposing freedom, then we need a negative word. Tyrannous fits the bill.

　　(empowering = giving power; spontaneity = impulsiveness, freedom from restraint; tyrannous = harsh, repressive; foibles = quirks; inevitable = cannot be avoided; soporific = sleep inducing)

　　10.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Read the sentence and see whether you can suggest a word of your own for one of the blanks. It sounds as though the meeting was doomed because the temper of the times was unsuitable. This would suggest that either hostile or inimical would be best for the second blank. Then it is unlikely that he would arrange a meeting in keeping with his own aversions; he would do so in keeping with his own inclinations (predilections).

　　(pluralistic = including many aspects or cultures; predilections = tendencies, inclinations; inimical = hostile; amicable = friendly; maxims = short expressions of guiding principles; salacious = scandalous)

　　11.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Since the decorations remain only for a short time, it makes sense to say that they are ephemeral, and that they are worn off and replaced by new decorations (designs).

　　(perennial = lasting through the years; ephemeral = short-lived; trivial = unimportant; innovative = inventive, new)

　　12.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The sentence suggests that language is something very difficult to handle; it almost requires genius to handle it with skill. Therefore we choose two words that indicate ‘skill’ in effective use of language. Also the use of the word ‘subtle’ indicates that language is not obvious, and it is therefore hard to be precise - hence definiteness and certainty.

　　(aloofness = keeping apart, arrogant; alacrity= speed and eagerness; eloquence = ability to speak well)