The subject has "odd manners and a sense of superiority," which are not things that gather support among peers. The correct answer should mean mockery or scorn, the definition of "derision."

The use of "clever" to describe the missing word is a fantastic clue to the correct answer. As it is a poet trying to write something for a book, the missing word has to do with writing and must be clever. "Epigram," meaning a short and pithy statement, is the best choice.

We're looking for a noun that conveys how Jerome's headcold spoiled the party. Because "bane" means "a person or thing that spoils; a cause of great distress or annoyance," "bane" is the correct answer.

The candidate has trouble with "a hectic campaign schedule," implying an inability to keep up the pace. This means the missing word has to indicate the candidate's problems with the schedule. "Lassitude," meaning weariness and lacking in energy, is the correct answer.

"The large amount of visiting fans" would need to be carried in a good number "of cars and buses." The correct answer must reflect the large size of the buses and cars. "Armada," meaning a large fleet of ships, is the best choice among the answers.

The key phrase in the sentence is that the boy was "the last member of the class to do anything." This means he was slow or even lazy, and the correct answer must reflect this.  "Dawdler," meaning someone who lags behind, is the best choice among the answers.

The sentence notes certain students are left "behind," due to certain performance standards. This means the correct answer will indicate something that is cut out from the larger group. "Dross," meaning the impurities left after refining and here used metaphorically, is the best choice among the answers.

The sentence indicates the author is both looked down on by "the literary elite" and only sought what "made him money." This indicates that the author was viewed as amateurish and seeking the work that was best financially for him. "Hack," meaning a person who writes whatever makes money despite the level of quality, is the correct answer choice.

"Screaming and stomping" are not things which help "working with small children." Since the subject has a problem "working with small children," the correct word needs to indicate she is "screaming and stomping." "Propensity," meaning a tendency or inclination, is the best choice among the answers.

"Easting too much between meals" is a problem for the subject, but is not a large problem.  The correct answer should reflect this scale (which rules out debacles and debacles).  "Foibles," meaning minor weaknesses or tendencies, is the best choice among the answers.