1.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: To make sense, the crew would have to throw out sand bags if they wanted the balloon to rise. Hence, the word we need is jettisoned (threw out).

　　(capsized = sank; salvaged = rescued; augmented = increased; enumerated = counted)

　　2.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The sentence states that ‘we were not fooled’ by his arguments. Therefore we need a negative word for the first blank ‘Cogent’, or ‘lucid’ arguments are clear and never intended to fool anyone, hence we are apparently left with three choices. But of these, specious would be best since this word means false or deceptive. Its partner word also makes good sense since untenable means ‘cannot be supported’.

　　(cogent = well-expressed, clear = lucid; hackneyed = banal = dull and unoriginal; convoluted = labyrinthine = complex and involved; intelligible = can be understood)

　　3.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The part after the semicolon tells us that Hawkins is highly respected. Hence, the only suitable word is preeminent. (All the others have negative connotations.)

　　(disparaged = criticized; ignominious = shameful; obsolete = outdated; anachronistic = in the wrong time period; preeminent = foremost, famous)

　　4.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The second part of the sentence tells us that it was her first assignment, but that it was impossible to tell that. Hence, since she was not behaving as a novice might, she must be behaving with panache (in a confident and stylish manner).

　　(opprobrium = shame; trepidation = fear)

　　5.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Calling a lead pencil by that name is obviously some kind of error as the sentence tells us that such pencils are filled with graphite. Hence, the word misnomer is appropriate since it means ‘wrong name’.

　　(misdemeanor = wrongdoing; peccadillo = minor crime; euphemism = figure of speech in which polite words are used to disguise something bad; metaphor = a figure of speech which a comparison is implied)

　　6.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: Some kind of negative word is needed as the weather forced us to stay indoors. Hence, the only suitable word is inclement. Inclement weather is stormy or unsuitable for going out in.

　　(enticing = luring; restorative = invigorating; congenial = suitable, friendly)

　　7.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The sentence structure implies opposites are needed. (It will be hard to do something now that something else has happened.)

　　Hence, It will be hard to mollify (pacify or soothe) him now that you have so incensed him.

　　(incensed = made angry; ruffled = irritated; subjugated = suppressed)

　　8.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The part of the sentence after the semicolon tells us that the lecture was ‘guaranteed to send even the most ardent student to sleep’. This tells us that the lecture was boring or sleep-inducing. So, pedestrian (dull), or soporific (sleep-inducing) would fit. But we eliminate ‘pedestrian’ because its partner words ‘enthused about’ do not fit the sense.

　　(enthused about = became enthusiastic, praised; droned = spoke in a monotonous voice; scintillating = sparkling; intoned = recited)

　　9.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: ‘But’ indicates the need for an opposite. He was ‘upset’ but was made less upset ‘consoled’ or ‘comforted’ by a conviction (belief) that he had not deserved the dismissal. Since merit means deserve, this becomes the best choice.

　　(consoled = comforted; mar = spoil; miffed = annoyed)

　　10.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: ‘But’ indicates a need for opposites. Thus the sentence implies that she tried to overcome negative feelings but only succeeded in making them worse. Hence, we choose endeavored (tried) and intensifying (making stronger).

　　(allaying = mitigating = making less severe; ameliorating = improving; deprecating = criticizing)

　　11.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The word ‘betrayed’ is the clue. Since she betrayed someone she would be condemned for her treachery. Perfidy is the best choice since it means treachery.

　　(truculence = stubbornness; serendipity = fortunate coincidence; pragmatism = practicality; discernment = judgment)

　　12.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　Clue: The word ‘stealthily’ is the best clue to the blank. Since the disease spreads stealthily, the word insidious is appropriate.

　　(acute = sharp or sudden; blatant =obvious; insidious = proceeding in a slow but harmful manner)