This sentence contains an error in word choice. The word "complement" means to complete. It is clear from the context of the sentence that Kendra intends to give Michael recognition for his effort. The choice that means this is "compliment (with an "i")."

This sentence contains an error in word choice. The word "continually" means to happen constantly, but most importantly is that this word implied that whatever is happening starts and stops. "Continuously," the correct choice, means to go on/never-ending. From the structure of the sentence, it is apparent that the second clause explains whatever word precedes it (hence the colon). The answer is "continuously." 

This sentence misuses the word "systemic," which means affecting an entire system. While it is likely that any changes a CEO makes may be systemic, the key to this sentence are the words "step-by-step," which indicates a plan that will be rolled out in pieces or in a system. The correct choice is "systematic," which means according to plan/arranged into a system.

This sentence misused the word "far." While this word does denote distance, it is in the positive form when the comparative form is necessary in order to compare things, as in this sentence. The correct choice is "farther" which indicates a literal increase in distance. Do not confuse this with "further," which means a figurative increase in distance/progression. Additionally, the word "more" simply indicates an increase in frequency, not distance, and "increased" is too vague. The correct choice is, "farther."

This sentence misuses the word "slander." Though slander does mean a statement(s) harmful to a person's reputation, it specifically applies to spoken statements. Since the sentence states that the statements were published (i.e. written), they cannot be slanderous by definition. The correct word here is "libelous," which refers to written defamatory statements. The correct choice is "libelous."

This sentence misuses the word "averse," which means to dislike. It is clear from the context of the sentence, however, that unintentional/harmful is meant. This is the definition of "adverse." The correct choice is, "adverse."

This sentence misuses the word "affect." "Affect" is a verb meaning to change. It is clear that the results of the changes (hence, a noun) is meant in this sentence. "Effect" is the correct choice, meaning a change/result of something. No other changes are necessary. The correct choice is, "The effects of the changes saved."

Making nouns plural or modifying the syntax doesn't resolve the core problem. "Effect" is not a verb. It is frequently confused with the verb "affect." The correct answer choice resolves this problem alone. Any other adjustments are entirely unnecessary.

The correct answer resolves the major issue, the commonly confused words "accept" and "except" as well as the unnecessary preposition "for": "Everyone except John understood...". The other answer choices either fail to resolve the error in diction or incorrectly modify the preposition "for," resulting in unidiomatic syntax, for example "except that John."

This sentence misuses the word "hone," which means to sharpen. The phrase meant here is "home in on," which means to converge. "Concur" means to agree, "spread" means to separate out, and "home" means a building where something resides. The correct choice is "converge," which means to close in on.