There are two key context clues in this sentence. First, the word "however" lets us know that Mrs. Howe was acting in a way she usually does not. Second, we know that the way she acts is usually very different from "cool and distant." That means we're looking for a word that means roughly the opposite of "cool and distant."

Looking at the answer choices, we can see that the only word that fits this description is "cordial," which means warm and welcoming.  

However, if you did not know the definition of cordial, you could find the answer through process of elimination.  

If you were to consider the word "cool" in a different context, it could mean modern and hip rather than unwelcoming or emotionless, which might lead you to select "outdated" (old-fashioned) as the answer.  However, if you used the context clues to infer the correct definition of cool in this sentence, you would be able to eliminate this choice as it has nothing to do with being distant vs. warm.

If you had ignored the context clue word "however," you might be looking for a word that has a similar meaning to "cool and distant", leading you to pick "aloof" (not friendly). Once we consider we're looking for the opposite of "cool and distant," and if we know the definition of this word, then we can eliminate this choice.

And finally, you could eliminate "fickle" (changing one's mind often), since this word has nothing to do with how a host might treat his or her guests in this context.

"Timidly" and "shyly" are synonyms, so eliminate them. "Conservatively" means in a manner that is conforming to what is expected of you, so that is the wrong choice. "Audaciously" means daringly or boldly, so it is the correct answer because it best fits the context of the sentence.

"Partial" and "incomplete" are synonyms. Get rid of them. "Amusing" means funny or entertaining, which makes no sense in the context of this sentence. "Comprehensive" means complete, and is the only word that fits the sentence, so it is the correct answer.

"Amicable," "affable," and "friendly" are all synonyms. Therefore, none of those words is correct. "Belligerent" means angry and aggressive or likely to fight. "Belli" is a root that means having to do with war, so that is a clue.

The context of this sentence tells you that this surgeon is good at his job. "Faulty" means having or making errors or problems, "incompetent" means unable to do something due to not having the necessary skills, and "obsolete" means out of date. The correct answer is "preeminent," or distinguished or renowned.

"Enthralling" (fascinating) and "dazzling" (beautiful) have similar meanings. Go ahead and eliminate them. "Delicate" kind of works, if you think of someone suffering from a disease as being fragile, but it doesn't quite fit. "Hideous" (ugly) works best, because "deformative" means causing deformities. "Deformities" are conditions in which the body does not have a normal appearance or shape.

We learn from the sentence that the tour guide knew nothing about the landmark at which he was guiding a tour. If someone knows very little or knows incorrect information, we call them “misinformed.” The prefix "mis-" negates the word “informed,” which originally means knowledgeable or well-read. To provide further help, “perturbed” means worried; “illegal” means against the law; “zany” means wacky, crazy; “succinct” means expressed using the fewest words possible. 

The blank term matches with the phrase “only happens once a year” in the first clause. This means that the correct choice is “annual,” whch means occurring on a yearly basis. To provide further help, “centennial” means hundred year anniversary; “biennial” means occuring every two years; "daily" means occuring every day; “minimalist” means simple, as little as possible.

Based on the name of the community and that it is made of many countries, we can infer that it is an “international” community. “International” means between nations. To provide further help, “omnipotent” means all powerful; “belligerent” means aggressive; “educational” means instructive, helpful for learning. 

The author reveals that he is sometimes frightened of his father. This suggests that his father is scary or “intimidating.” To provide further help, “nervous” means worried; “pompous” means arrogant and self-important; “whimsical” means quirky and silly; “intelligent” means very clever.