1
Though volcanic eruptions are frequently portrayed as symbols of nature’s wrath, geologists recognize them as __________ events that, by depositing mineral-rich ash and reshaping landscapes, can ultimately __________ long-term ecological productivity.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The
contrast between the fearsome image of eruptions and their positive
geological impact implies a beneficial interpretation. Regenerative means
renewing or restoring, matching the idea of enriching the soil and reshaping
landscapes productively. Enhance
logically follows, as volcanic ash increases soil fertility.
Other options either convey purely destructive or illogical relationships (e.g.,
“cataclysmic” events would not “diminish” productivity positively).
2
The alarming prevalence of sexual violence against young girls has provoked international condemnation, compelling legislators to __________ more stringent legal frameworks and promote initiatives aimed at __________ minors from exploitation and abuse.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The sentence describes a constructive governmental response to a grave issue. “Implement” means to put into effect—appropriate for lawmakers introducing stricter laws. “Safeguarding” conveys the idea of protecting minors from harm. The other options either imply neglect, contradiction, or irrelevance to the context of protection and legal reform.
3
As the deadline approached, the team members worked __________ to complete the project, knowing that any delay could have serious consequences.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
"Hastily" is the best word because it suggests urgency and the need to complete the project quickly. The other options imply less efficient or irregular efforts.
4
While wildfires are often regarded as unmitigated disasters, ecologists increasingly view them as __________ forces that, through the removal of dense vegetation, enable forest ecosystems to __________ after years of suppression and stagnation.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The sentence contrasts the popular view of wildfires as destructive with the ecological view that they help renew forests. Restorative fits the idea of aiding recovery, and rejuvenate aligns with renewal after stagnation. The other pairs either contradict the positive tone or mismatch logically (e.g., “catastrophic” cannot cause forests to “flourish”).
5
Renowned for their instinctual precision, salmon embark on a perilous upstream voyage to the very streams of their origin, guided by geomagnetic cues and olfactory memory. This extraordinary reproductive migration is emblematic of their __________ tendencies.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
“Anadromous”
describes fish that migrate from the sea to freshwater to spawn, perfectly
aligning with the described behavior of salmon.
Pelagic refers to the open
ocean environment, not migration.
Lacustrine pertains to lakes.
Abyssal denotes great ocean depths.
Thus, only “anadromous” accurately captures the salmon’s migratory life
pattern.
6
The manager, known for his __________ approach to problem-solving, relied heavily on data and analysis rather than intuition or guesswork.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
"Systematic" is the best fit, indicating a methodical and organized approach. The other options imply a lack of structure or careful planning, which contradicts the description.
7
After the lengthy negotiations, the parties finally reached an agreement that was __________ by all involved.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
"Concordant" is the best word, as it means friendly or agreeable, which fits the context of a successful and peaceful agreement. The other choices suggest conflict or disagreement.
8
In times of economic uncertainty, many people are inclined to ________ their spending and increase their savings, adopting a more ________ approach to managing their finances in order to protect themselves from potential economic downturns.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
During periods of economic uncertainty, individuals often act prudently by reducing their spending and saving more. "Reduce" aligns with cutting back on expenditure, and "cautious" reflects the careful and risk-averse approach to personal finances in uncertain times.
9
The mongoose is renowned for its ________ approach when confronting venomous snakes, utilizing swift and precise movements to ________ its opponent before striking with lethal accuracy.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The mongoose is known for its "methodical" approach, meaning it is calculated and strategic when facing dangerous snakes. "Subdue" suggests that the mongoose is able to overpower or neutralize its opponent through precise, tactical actions. This reflects the mongoose’s ability to take down venomous snakes with a well-thought-out, effective approach.
10
The mountain range was known for its __________ peaks, which seemed to pierce the sky and created an awe-inspiring landscape.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer & Solution
The context describes the peaks as so tall they "pierce the sky" and are "awe-inspiring," demanding a word for a rough, imposing shape. Serrated means having a saw-like, jagged edge, perfectly capturing the rugged, uneven, and dramatic outline of imposing mountain peaks. Options like miniscule (tiny) clearly contradict the scale, while quotidian (ordinary) and homogeneous (uniform/monotonous) fail to convey the powerful, striking nature of the awe-inspiring landscape.
