1. The conclusion of his argument, while ____ , is far from ____ . A. stimulating - interesting B. worthwhile - valueless C. esoteric - obscureD. germane - relevant E. abstruse - incomprehensible Correct Answer: E 解析: Clue: ‘far from’ indicates the need for an opposite. So, while the conclusion is abstruse (obscure, difficult to comprehend), it is not totally incomprehensible. (esoteric = obscure; germane = relevant) 2. In the Middle Ages, the ____ of the great cathedrals did not enter into the architects' plans; almost invariably a cathedral was positioned haphazardly in ____ surroundings. A. situation - incongruous B. location - apt C. ambience - salubrious D. durability - convenientE. majesty - grandiose Correct Answer: A 解析: Clue: The semicolon indicates that the second part of the sentence expands on the first part. So, the second part tells us we are talking about the position, or situation of a cathedral. And since the first part tells us that architects did not pay attention to situation, the cathedral was positioned randomly in odd (incongruous) surroundings. (incongruous = not matching, odd; apt = suitable; ambience = atmosphere, environment; grandiose = on a grand scale) 3. Unwilling to admit that they had been in error, the researchers tried to ____ their case with more data obtained from dubious sources. A. ascertain B. buttress C. refute D. absolve E. dispute Correct Answer: B 解析: 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) 4. Archaeology is a poor profession; only ____ sums are available for excavating sites and even more ____ amounts for preserving the excavations. A. paltry - meager B. miniscule - substantial C. average - augmented D. judicious - penurious E. modest - generous Correct Answer: A 解析: Clue: The part after the semicolon expands upon the first part of the sentence. 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) 5. The student was extremely foolhardy; he had the ____ to question the senior professor's judgment. A. wisdom B. temerity C. interest D. trepidation E. condescension 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)
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