“Meliorate” is the same as “ameliorate,” which means to make better. This word could be possible if its partner weren’t “antithesis,” meaning that he is the opposite of a cartoon villain. An “archetype” is a model example of something, similar to “apotheosis” or “quintessence.” To “amend” is to correct or improve; it can more specifically mean to reform oneself. “Archetype . . . amend” is the best choice.

The two blanks represent opposite words. ("Although" is the clue that the sentence changes direction in the middle). "Stygian" (meaning gloomy) and "sanguine" (cheerful) are the only words that match the meanings of the blanks. 

The clues are "embarrassing" and "by giving him an extra discount." Only "imbroglio" (a difficult or embarrassing situation) and "appease" (to calm) fit the blanks. 

The contextual clues here come after the semicolon ("truthfulness was among....") and in the word "outraged." The manager's reaction suggests that the background check revealed the lack of truthfulness (mendacity) of the applicant's original responses, so the manager took back ("rescinded") her offer. 

Were you tricked into hostility/retracted? While "retracted" works, hostility is not supported in the given sentence. Be careful not to be swayed in the wrong direction by the word 'outraged' - that refers to the manager, not the applicant. The fact that truthfulness was important to the manager tells us that the background check must have revealed the applicant being dishonest.

"Acumen" (keen understanding) and "duped" (tricked) best fit the meaning of the sentence.

The key contextual clue is "flocked to urban areas in droves," suggesting that the cities grew (or "burgeoned"). Don't be tricked by words like "invention," which is calling on your desire to link it with the word "technologies," or "development," which is too vague.

The word "however" indicates a shift in the sentence, but combined with the word "not," we know that the second blank will actually mirror something from the first part ("overlook"). "Condone" means to accept or overlook unacceptable behavior. The second clue is "greed"; we are looking for a synonym to this in the second blank: "avarice."

The clue for the first blank is "continued to imitate" ("emulate"); the clue for the second blank is "kind and generous nature" ("magnanimity").

The main contextual clue here is that there were "so many" applications (an "inundation", or flood). That means that the fact that unemployment had risen could not be denied (or "refuted").

“Grope” is probably not the word we want as it carries the connotation of touching or handling for sexual pleasure. “Maul” means to injure badly, which doesn’t fit the context. “Palpate” means to examine by handling or pressing with your hands. An “anesthetic” causes a temporary loss of feeling. “Palpate . . . anesthetic” is the correct answer.