The expression "to seek refuge" means to go somewhere as a safe place. A "refuge" is a place that is safe from a particular kind of danger or fright. Now, perhaps the child wanted peace (or even consolation) by going to his parents' bedroom. It is, however, a slightly better option to choose "refuge", for he was clearly looking for a safe place. A refuge would provide just such safety.

Something that is "spectacular" is amazing and surprising. Peter thinks that his brother's story must be "made up"—it is too amazing actually to be true. Therefore, he must believe that his brother has invented the story. We often use the word "invent" to describe the process of making a device or a physical thing. We can also invent by "making" stories or ideas.

For this sentence, pay close attention to your clues. The steak is described as hissing and popping. It is likely cooking, so in most situations, the word "cooking" would be the best option. The option "sizzling," however, provides an adjective that describes how something can be making the sounds that we hear when things are heated. This clue is the best. We do not know if it is burning or flaming. We certainly do know that it is making hissing and popping sounds.

The best option will be a word that describes a kind of physical movement that expresses fear.  Now, running, screaming, or even escaping can express fear. Whenever someone shudders, he or she shakes or shivers because of fear. (At least, most of the time fear is involved.) Therefore, the best option for this sentence is the word "shudder" because it explicitly includes this element of fear.

This very short sentence requires you to be very careful about clues. Notice the word "trembled." Whenever something "trembles," it shakes. Now, don't be tempted to think that the string must be thin or small just because it is shaking. All we know is that it is shaking. Swinging things can be said to shake in some way. "Vibrating" is a better synonym for "shaking" than is "swinging."

On your own, you would likely choose a word like "annoyed" to describe Lawrence's state of mind. Since this is not an option, you need to have another word that expresses his slight anger. The word "irritated" does just this. When we "irritate" someone, we annoy him or her. An "irritation" is a minor annoyance. Gerard's clicking teeth were just a minor irritation for Lawrence, nothing more.

Pay attention to the contrast that is expressed in this sentence. Thomas's pain must not be too bad right now. The two clues that help you to see this are "although" and "only." We don't know much about the particular kind of pain that he experiencing. By knowing that it is not bad, we know that it is "moderate."  

The general idea is that the person involved will ultimately overcome her difficulties and achieve her desired goals. When we overcome difficulties like this, we "prevail over them." None of the other options express this idea of "conquering" difficult so as to achieve our goals.

The only thing that you know is that the person in question is being described as "unwilling." We do not know if he or she is afraid to do the task (or really anything more detailed than "unwilling"). Therefore, the best answer is the one that stays closest to this basic meaning. When we are "reluctant" to do something, we are hesitant or unwilling. Since this is as general of a meaning as that which is indicated by your clues, it is the best option.

The idea that is presented here is that Lawrence is very devoted to the opera. He is not just a partial supporter of it. No! He does everything he can to support it—asking friends, giving money, and giving time. Although he might be wealthy, the point that the sentence is trying to express about him is that he is very "enthusiastic" about the opera.