The first clue that is helpful to note is the expression "a much more mundane sense of affection." The word "mundane" basically can be translated as down to earth. The Latin roots for mundane indicated matters that pertained to the world, in contrast to the heavens (or, as we would say, "outer space"). This question has nothing to do with such celestial or extraterrestrial matters. Instead, "mundane" merely means subdued or normal. The idea is that love can start with feelings that are "out of this world"—or, very intense. Hence, the synonym couplet euphoria . . . intoxicating works very well for this question, as it indicates a state of mind that is very elevated and intense.

This sentence clearly indicates an opposition between the two blanks. Whenever something "smacks" of something, it seems to indicate that thing in an oblique or indirect manner. Now, if you do not know the vocabulary do not be tricked.  Delectation refers to someone's pleasure in something. This does not make any sense. Someone (or something) is "effusive" when it is very abundant and pours out without much reservation. (For example, "effusive praise" is praise that seemingly does not end and is likely excessive.)  The only pair of opposites in presented are "specificity" and "imprecision." To be "imprecise" is quite the opposite of being specific. Hence, this is an excellent pair of antonyms.

The best hint for this question is the small expression at the beginning of the closing subordinate clause—"discussing openly." The idea is that Maritain would discuss things in an "unfettered" manner. This is the meaning of the word "untrammeled." In contrast to being open in this manner, someone can be "reserved." When we are reserved with our words, we do not express our ideas in detail, and we avoid certain aspects of the topic being discussed. Reservation does not always indicate being frightened or deceptive. It is possible to be reserved out of a good intention.

Clearly, for this question you are looking for a pair of synonyms. Almost every option has such a pairing, so be careful! Clearly, the lifestyle in question is an unhealthy one. The old man's unhealthy manner of living led him to have a body that was battered and ruined. Many of these options describe aging and being ill. Being old or ill is not really what we are looking for. We are looking for something that could be the cause of being ill in one's old age. A bad lifestyle, such as one that is debauched, could lead to this. Often, the word has the connotation of a moral failing. This is true, but it can generally describe how we live when we chase after all kinds of sensual pleasures. This option pairs well with "dissolute," which describes the kind of living one has when he or she has a life that totally falls apart with regard to behavior. (Hence, you can see how "dissolute", though a moral term, is related to "dissolve".)

This sentence clearly needs a pair of antonyms, given the explicit hint that Sandy's actions are being contrasted to her general temperament. Only two pairs of true opposites are given as options.  However, remarkable . . . plain is really not a sensible option. This doesn't make much sense in the sentence itself. "Tempestuous" and "pacific" work well enough. Whenever something (or someone) is "tempestuous," it is wild and stormy. (Think of the word "tempest," which is obviously related to "tempestuous.") The word "pacific" comes from the Latin "pax," meaning peace.  Thus, "pacific" is an adjective describing something peaceful—a temperament quite the opposite to a tempestuous one.

The clear parallel in this question is between the first blank and the word "joy" in the second half of the sentence. It is hinted that caramels might not bring joy to everyone, but Gemma seems to have found them to be a great joy. The word "delectation" indicates such delight or pleasure. Indeed, you likely can see how the word is related to "delight." There are minor alterations in the structure of the word, but both have the same "delec-" structure, though in "delight" there are obvious alterations. Instead of "great" the word "magnificent" is quite excellent for our purposes.

The second blank is likely the easier one for you to determine. Clearly it is being opposed to the idea of being explicitly recorded. Apparently, the agreement was "unspoken" (and "unwritten"). A tacit agreement is just such an agreement. It comes from the Latin for silent. A person who is taciturn is someone who has a silent disposition of character. Apparently Kenneth has broken the agreement with Laura. Hence, the word breached is a good option, particularly given the fact that this word does not merely mean "to break" but also implies that what is broken is an agreement or a law of some sort.

For this sentence, pay heed to the logic of the general structure. There is an opposition being proposed between the student's opinion and that of the teacher regarding the remark made. This opposition is indicated by the word "although" at the very beginning of the sentence. The only pair of words that provides such an opposition is that of "apposite" and "fatuous." Something that is "apposite" is appropriate and insightful. Something that is "fatuous" is foolish and not applicable to a given situation. It seems that the teacher found the remark to be stupid in this manner of speaking.

Clearly, based on the structure of this sentence, you are looking for a pair of contrasts. Perhaps the only tempting wrong option is "lethargic . . . inquisitive." A "lethargic" person is not very hard-working. He or she is likely lazy and slow moving. This seems to be quite the opposite of someone who is inquisitive, but the two words are not directly antonyms, so this is not the best option. Instead, the best option is "pacific . . . agitated." Whenever someone is "pacific," he or she is peaceful. This comes from the Latin pax, pacis, and is found in English words like pacifier and pacifist. (Even the Pacific Ocean was named after this idea of being peaceful!)

"Salacious" means lurid or bawdy, which Marie might find inappropriate for family dinner. An "apogee" is the highest point, so Darren's story would be the height of bad taste. The closest incorrect answer is "astringent" and "apotheosis," since "apotheosis" means the model example of something, but "astringent" doesn't fit in the first blank.