The dash lets you know that the sentence's second clause should help explain what came before it (in this case, the word you need to figure out). The description "not even the learned presenters fully understood their topic" lets you know that the topic was confusing and possibly obscure. The closest word choice to match that meaning is "esoteric," which means intended to be understood by only a few.

You know you are looking for a word to describe a stage of the subject's post-graduation plans. From reading that she still doesn't even know whether grad school or Hollywood is a better option, you can safely infer she probably has not advanced very far in her plans yet; therefore, look for a word that means incomplete or disorganized. "Inchoate" means in an early stage or undeveloped, so it is the best fit for this sentence.

"Cursory" means hurried, hasty, or done with little attention.

"Aesthetic" means artistic, or dealing with art or beauty. 

The sentence contrasts the author's "language," described by the missing word, with "academic terms."  This means the correct answer will mean the opposite of "academic," which when used regarding language means technical and wordy. "Colloquial," meaning informal and casual, particularly with regards to language, is the best choice among the answers.

The sentence notes the "young boy" notices "when his parents are talking about him." This indicates he is aware of what his parents are doing, even when they do not want him to be.  "Percipient," meaning insightful and perceptive, is the correct answer choice.

The last phrase of the sentence notes the congressman "quickly came to the accused cop's aid." This action indicates he was usually quite a strong defender of policeman. "Staunch," meaning loyal and dependable, is the best choice among the answers.

The use of words like "private" and "secret" are the best indications of the correct answer choice.  While a few words could fit the sentence, the use of those words narrows down the selections.  Of all the answer choices, only "furtive," meaning hidden and secret, is the best choice among the answers.

The sentence contrasts the group, described by the missing word, as being against the "autocratic government." Additionally, the group is challenging the government's "legitimacy."  The correct answer must indicate all of these facts, and "insurgent," meaning rebellious and against the establishment, is the best choice.

The sentence describes past "similar missions" as having a "lack of success," and that this colored the "military leadership's" view, described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to indicate the leadership believes the mission will not work. "Futile," meaning useless or hopeless, is the best choice among the answers.