From the description of these spice-seeking people, such collectors are very devoted to finding spices. The word "avid" describes such devotion in someone's character. The word is related to other words like "avarice" and "avaricious," both of which have to do with being greedy. The word "avid" doesn't have the negative connotation of greed, though it does express the general idea of being "greedy" in the sense of wanting something greatly.

Although the sentence states that the bowling balls will eventually harm the floor, it hints that the floors are able to withstand some damage from them. The floor must be somewhat strong to withstand this damage for a time. We do not know if it is rigid or malleable (i.e. flexible). All that we know is that it is "long lasting"—though not able to last forever under these conditions. Whenever something is "durable," it is sturdy and strong. Hence, this word is an excellent answer for this question.

It is likely that John was angry about what happened. This would mean that he could have been irate or incensed, but we are not directly told that in this sentence. All that we know is that he was more "watchful." This means that he was more vigilant about these matters. Whenever we have increased vigilance, we watch more carefully what is going on. Whenever we "hold vigil" over something, we stay around and watch that thing carefully. A vigil can be done after someone dies or merely when someone is very sick. Indeed, sometimes there are religious services that are "vigils"—they happen the night before the major event.

This question does not really tell us anything about this storm's strength. We only know that it is something that is "coming" to hit the shore. Whenever something is "impending," it is upcoming or soon to come. This is the only option that expresses this general, but simple idea. For this reason, it is by far the best option provided.

We really are not told in detail what Timothy thought about his life and how he reacted to it emotionally. We only know that he has a negative attitude. This does not necessarily mean that he was also depressive. Since he believes that the worst possible thing will always happen, his attitude is "pessimistic." A "pessimist" is a person who always thinks the worst thing will happen in given situations. Although this kind of outlook can be depressing, such sadness is an effect of the negative outlook.

The patient is likely surprised that the medicine is stronger than expected. If the doctor has told him that the disease is not very strong, he likely expects that the medicine will likewise not be very strong. The word "potent" is the only option that expresses the idea of being strong or powerful. It is related to the word "potential," which means possible but could also be thought of as meaning in the power of something. To understand this second meaning, consider the sentence, "Riots were a potential outcome of the speech." This means, in effect, "The speech had it in its power to cause riots among the people."

The particular description of Katherine's breathing leads us to believe that she is barely able to breath at all. It seems that it takes a lot of work for her to breathe even this little bit. Whenever something is "labored" it appears to require a lot of energy and work. Indeed, even when it is accomplished, such a labored activity is achieved after great difficulty. From all appearances, this seems to be the situation with her breathing. This option is better than "ill" or "infirm." These two words do not explain well the difficulties that she is experiencing.

This sentence is stating a very simple fact. Deborah just is not sure if she ever ate the cereal before. Indeed, she isn't sure that she has even seen it before. Therefore, the only adjective that really fits these very general clues is "prior."  A "prior occasion" is an occasion that happened once upon a time. The word "prior" really just means before. This matches these boring, general statements!