To begin with "soothing" means calming, something that relaxes one's fears or concerns. So, whatever quality the dog demonstrated calmed the worries of the parents that their small children would be safe around the dog. The correct answer is therefore "placid" which means calm, tranquil, having a peaceful nature. Additionally, "amuck" means out of control; "giddy" means feeling dizzy, often feeling light with relief or excitement; "squeamish" means easily make sick; "inquisitive" means curious, someone who asks a lot of questions out of interest and curiosity. 

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that means something like shined a light on, lit up. So, the correct answer is "illuminated." Other synonyms of "illuminate" include "light up," "brighten." Additionally, "outdated" means old-fashioned and obsolete, no longer in use because something better is being used; "mollycoddled" means to care for and indulge like a baby, to treat over-protectively; "intoxicated" means drunk, under the influence of some drug; "enumerated" means listed numerically. 

It makes logical sense that the author of this sentence would feel fondly and care deeply for his two nieces. The answer choice that best reflects this definition is "affection." "Affection" is a feeling of fondness, liking and caring about someone. Additionally, "recreation" is fun, entertainment; "veracity" is truthfulness, honesty and accuracy; "disgust" means feeling something is gross and unpleasant; "commiseration" means feeling sorrow with someone, expressing that you feel bad for someone's pain, the action of sharing in someone's pain.

To begin with "protestors" are people who act out or speak out against something, people who strongly disapprove of an official action and try to stop it. Also, "inhumane" means cruel, (of treatment) not appropriate for a human being. So, logically the protestors would refuse to buy, withdraw support for the company's product. The correct answer then is "boycott." To "boycott" means to refuse to support or buy a commercial product. Additionally, "submerge" means go under water, place under water; "entreat" means urge, beg, plead; "conceal" means hide; "divulge" means reveal.

This sentence describes a group of warriors marching to attack a city. The correct answer must describe a large group and reflect the style and connotation of a menacing group of warriors. The correct answer is therefore "horde." A "horde" is a large group of people doing something, often a large armed force. Additionally, a "denizen" is an inhabitant, someone who lives somewhere; a "gait" is a style of walking; a "catastrophe" is a disaster, something that has gone horribly wrong; a "fatality" is a death, an incidence of death caused by war or disease. 

The athlete ran a marathon for the first time, it makes sense that she would feel very exhausted, lacking in physical energy. The correct answer is therefore "fatigued." To be "fatigued" means to be mentally or physically exhausted. Additionally, "hysterical" means very funny; "plausible" means believable, able to be believed, not absurd; "common" means usual, regular, occurring often; "tawdry" means flashy, cheap and of poor quality but meant to be noticeable.

In order for the little girl to be comfortable atop a horse it makes the most sense if the horse is also small. Of these answer choices only "miniature" means very small. The other four answers are all synonyms that mean very large.

To begin with a "locust" is an insect that moves in large numbers and consumes crops and other plant life in destructive quantities. In this sentence you are told that the locusts destroyed most of the crops in the rural community so they must have moved in large numbers. The correct answer is therefore "swarm" which means a large group of animals, particularly insects. To "swarm" means to move in large numbers. Additionally, a "reign" is the rule of a King or Queen; a "wordsmith" is someone who has a way with words, someone who can use complicated words correctly; a "benchmark" is a point of reference, some record used as an indicator of progression; a "festival" is a fair, a day of celebration, a party. 

If the girl had to go buy a new laptop battery it makes sense that her old one was either broken or had run out of power. The correct answer must mean one of these definitions. Therefore the correct answer is "depleted" which means used up, exhausted, having no more energy or power. Additionally, to "obtain" means to get, to acquire; to "mourn" means to express sadness over the loss of; "request" means ask for; "brandish" means flourish, wave about. 

One's favorite team winning the World Series is an event that would cause great joy and happiness. So, the correct answer is "elated." "Elation" is another word for joy, great happiness. Additionally, "perilous" means dangerous; "penniless" means very poor, having nothing; "dismayed" means disappointed, shocked, discouraged; "indignant" means feeling angered by unfair treatment, offended.