The smuggling that was going on is a good indicator that the restrictions were not working. The correct answer, therefore, will indicate the restrictions were not very serious. "Lax," meaning loose or careless, is the correct answer.

Some of the defenders of evolution as described in the sentence are calm when defending the theory, but others are implied to be more aggressive. "Vitriolic" means bitter or scathing, and therefore is the best choice for this sentence, as a more aggressive defender would likely be more scathing in their arguments with critics. While "pernicious" may look like a correct answer, it actually means causing harm gradually, so it doesn't make sense in the sentence.

There are several trap answers in this question, so it is necessary to be very careful in reading it through the first time. Note that the state of provisions and water were problematic above all because they led to disease. If we pay heed to this, immediately it is possible to eliminate "scarce," "meager," and "questionable." These answers are tempting but ultimately too far from the desired meaning. Left with "putrid" and "insalubrious," it is a matter of vocabulary knowledge. "Insalubrious" means unhealthful, which is more directly related to the sentence's context than is "putrid," though the latter is quite tempting.

We're looking for an adjective that describes how the cat manages to remain calm in every situation it's put in. Because "imperturbable" means calm and not able to be upset, it is the best answer choice.

Note the contingent nature of John's meeting. All of this is a rather lucky affair; therefore, while the meeting was "beneficial," "helpful," or "appreciated," it is more appropriate to consider the other two options; however, whereas "felicitous" circumstances are pleasing or fortunate, "fortuitous" circumstances happen by luck or chance. This best captures the happy circumstances surrounding John's meeting—all based on the lucky choice of a date to leave his job.

Here, the key point to note is the contrast in the second and third sentences. These two actions are directly opposed to each other. This state of affairs unquestionably makes the execution of these commands difficult; therefore, it is tempting to choose "impossible" or "insuperable." Likewise, their logical inconsistence does make them difficult to understand and hence perhaps "unthinkable" or "unconscionable"; however, "antithetical" captures the primary sense of this contrast—their utter opposition to each other.

The structure of the sentence contrasts the answer blank with the phrase "real excitement." This means the correct answer will be an antonym of "excitement." "Mundane," meaning ordinary or boring, is the only such word among the answer choices.

The sentence outright describes the producer's addition as things listeners did not notice at first. The correct answer will indicate the small touches. "Subtle," meaning not obvious or immediately noticeable, is the best choice.

The politician is avoiding "making clear statements," so the correct answer will indicate his answers do just that. "Nebulous," meaning hazy, vague, or uncertain, is the best fit in the sentence.

Since only the sorceress knows the secret of how to enter the cursed castle, we need an adjective that means something like "secret;" since "arcane" means "understood by few; mysterious or secret," it is the correct answer.