The word "although" at the beginning of the sentence is a trigger word telling you that the introductory clause is opposed to the main clause of the sentence. "Brisk" can describe cool weather but it also can mean fast. The contrast in this sentence is between the boy's normal quick pace and the blank that we have to fill. "Expeditious" is too synonymous with work. "Irregular" and "unpredictable" are not direct antonyms. "Surprising" is wholly off the mark. The best answer is "plodding"—meaning slowly moving.

“Tortuous” means unnecessarily twisted or difficult. It is the only choice that is both negative and can describe a metaphorical road.

Because the musician failed to “brighten the mood,” the word which will complete the sentence needs to indicate a slow, even sad tone. "Celebration" and "revival" are instantly struck out for their positive connotations, while "waltz" is a mood-neutral musical term. "Laments" may look like a potentially correct answer choice, but the term typically reserved for describing speech and writing, not music, making "dirges" the best answer choice.

This sentence is very obvious in calling for an intensified word to complete the first half of the sentence. In the first portion, the conversation is said to be a minor disagreement. To "escalate" means to increase in intensity—like an escalator going upwards in a building. When a conversation is "contentious," it is a heated disagreement. This well describes the escalation from a disagreement to something much worse.

The word "ameliorate" means to make better. The word "only" implies that John thinks that Patricia is overly concerned with the paper. He does not think she needs to go as far as she wants to in improving it. Therefore, it is best to choose the simple word "perfect." She wants it to be perfected, but John is telling her (effectively), "Just make it a bit better."

This sentence hints that Miranda felt the need to present a much harsher critique of Neville's position. To "level" a critique is merely to state it, often frankly and honestly. All that we can say is that the critique will be severe, in contrast to its nicer, milder form earlier. The word "fierce" best expresses this increased severity.

The idea here is well summarized in the old adage, "Time heals all wounds." The passage of time has helped make Joel's wounds reduce to nearly nothing at all. They may not be delights, but they are as wispy as a ghost—that is, as wispy as a phantom. The language is a bit metaphorical, but we do sometimes speak of vestiges / leftover realities as being "phantoms." This is the best option. Do not at all be tempted by "spirits," a word that is trying to confuse you in regard to "phantoms."

Through the context, you can tell that the blank will need to be filled with a negative word, as the pairing of "end of racism" and "however," as well as the mention of the "rise of xenophobia" leading to the blank implies that the word in the blank must mean some sort of hatred. This means that "altruism" (concern for the condition of other people above one's own) is out, as is "chicanery" (trickery), as both have nothing to do with phobias, racism, or the like. 

That leaves "anathema," "dislike," and "enmity." While "anathema" is associated with strong hatred, it actually describes the object, and not the attitudes of the people towards that object directly, so that can be thrown out through context. And while "dislike" works in the sentence, it doesn't have a very strong negative connotation, so pairing it with racism doesn't seem quite right.  That leaves the correct answer, "enmity," as the only answer with the correct meaning AND connotation.

From the sentence, you can deduce that Laura's ultimate goal with her retorts is to get rid of the strange man talking to her, but she doesn't succeed until she changes tactics. Therefore, "amend" (improve) does not fit the context. And while the other for words are meant to lessen and/or stop the advances to various extents—"attenuate" (diminish), "palliate" (soothe), "discourage" (persuade not to do something), and "halt" (stop)—it is only the word with the strongest connotation, "halt," that matches the notion of "getting rid of for good." Thus, "halt" is the correct answer.

The superstar's actions when questioned made the media believe that she lied. Therefore, "duplicities" (lies) doesn't fit, as it's too strong for what amounts to suspicion. "Imitations" (copies) also doesn't work on a definition basis. We're left with "canards" (rumors with no basis), "articulations" (things that are said), and "prevarications" (indirect answers to a question allowing one to avoid telling the truth).  

While "articulations" could work, as her words could be leading the media to believe she is lying, it is not nearly as specific as the other two words. And while "canards" could also work, as her spoken rumors could lead them to believe she's lying, it's not as specific as "prevarications," which is directly related to lines of questioning. Thus, "prevarications" is the correct answer.