Notice the important words that indicate a contrast being expressed in this sentence. Sally's current pie is surprising in that it is disgusting. This is contrasted with the normal state of affairs. The contrast is indicated by the use of the word "although" at the beginning of the sentence. Therefore, in contrast to "disgusting" her pies must have been rather tasty. This means that they were not merely nutritious, acceptable, or edible. They were quite delicious! 

You might be tempted to pick "majestic" or even "beautiful" as the answer to this question. Filbert apparently likes things that are "down to earth."  The real contrast here is between this kind of concrete and practical thinking and more abstract ways of thinking that are not so connected to common experience. Such abstract things can be majestic, beautiful, or even mathematical. The general term "abstract" best functions for the contrast, so stick to this!

The key word in all of this is "surprisingly." Since Theodore lived in extreme poverty for many years, it was likely thought that he would always be poor in this manner. Therefore, the surprise would come by him being very wealthy. Do not over-think this question. It is that simple of a contrast!

The key contrast being made in this sentence is between something that is theoretical and something that is practical. Theoretical things are often not able to be applied. For example, you might learn all about the nature of chemicals in a chemistry class. This is not, however, the same as learning how to apply this knowledge in particular experiments. Here, the contrast is very clearly between theoretical things in mathematics and the very practical matter of fixing the plumbing!

Notice that this sentence only discusses the fact that rich people often give money away. The implication is that not all rich people "hold onto" their money. Whenever someone does not want to give away his or her money, he or she might be greedy. Greed primarily deals with wanting to get money or something else. Whenever someone is "stingy," he or she "holds onto" what he or she has. This is the best option among those provided.

Notice that this sentence implies a contrast between two kinds of people. Some like to work on overall plans for a project.  We sometimes say that these people like to work on the "big picture." Such people don't like dealing with all of the little details involved in the project. This second kind of person is the kind of person being discussed at the beginning of the sentence. Therefore, the best option is the word "details."

We really do not know if Matthew's desk was very dirty; all that the sentence conveys is that the work area was disorganized. This is explained in the description and in the contrast that is made between Matthew's desk and Courtney's work area. Therefore, the only option that works is "untidy." When things are "neat and tidy," they are organized. Something that is "untidy" is disorganized. Sometimes, we call our bedrooms "untidy" if we leave things lying around. Yes, that can include "dirty" or "soiled" clothes, but the "untidiness" mainly comes from the lack of organization, not the dirt!

We really don't know if the idea was "outdated" or "dangerous" in any way; all that we know is that Flavian must have feared that the idea would seem unacceptable and abnormal. The only option that is somewhat close to this idea is "controversial." Whenever something is "controversial," it creates a lot of disagreement and argumentation. The people's reaction was quite the opposite of that which happens when something is controversial. They just accepted it! However, Flavian had thought it would be controversial and unacceptable. The contrast is indicated by the word "although."

By means of the word "although" there is a contrast between those people who are watching the launch on television and those who are watching it "in person." Now, the only word that really works for to experience in person is "witness." You likely know the noun form of this word.  When a crime happens, we often talk about "the witnesses", namely people who saw the crime. The act of "witnessing" is the act of directly experiencing something. Do not select "reported." A witness may later report on what is witnessed. The actual seeing is witnessing, not reporting.

You must use the context clues in this sentence to find the best phrase to complete it. Caitlin is worried that she does not know how to speak German, so to it would make the most sense that she was pleasantly surprised about people speaking English. The other choices have nothing to do with what the beginning of the sentence is talking about, so would not make sense.