Since George is pretending that he is able to perform calculations, we can assume that he must not actually be able to do such calculations. This is implied both by the fact that he is pretending as well as the use of "instead," which likewise indicates that there is a contrast occurring. In contrast to being able to do something, someone can be called "incompetent." This means that someone lacks a given "competency," or an ability or skill. This is the only option that expresses such a lack of ability.

This sentence is very direct regarding the contrast that it expresses. The word "superficial" means surface level or not complete or thorough. Already, you can see that the best contrast will be "thorough." Still, consider the wrong answers. "Cursory" means means not detailed—it is basically a synonym of "superficial." "Passing" likewise is a relative synonym of "superficial." While "scholarly" might appear to be detailed, this really expresses something else, namely the fact that something is being written for a specific type of audience (i.e. an academic audience). There can be superficial "scholarly" works. Finally, we do not know whether or not the review was "supportive," merely that it was not a superficial review. (Perhaps it was a thorough critique!)

The word "still" can be used to mean "nevertheless." In this sentence, this means that, in spite of the fact that the prediction had an improbable premise, it was still not completely improbable. The implication is that while improbable, it was still possible (not completely ruled out by the improbability that was mentioned). Without a doubt, it would not be fair to say that it was "certain."  The improbability mentioned above needs to be recognized. Likewise, the use of "still" indicates that it is not completely out of the question either.

Because "the rock contains minerals not found on Earth," it is likely that it comes from space. This means that it must be “extraterrestrial” in origin, where the prefix "extra-" means from beyond and the root word "terrestrial" means having to do with the Earth. (The word "terrestrial" derives from the root "terra," which is Latin for earth.) To provide further help, “volcanic” means having to do with volcanoes or deriving from a volcano; “subterranean” means existing or having to do with underground areas. (It is derived from the prefix "sub-" meaning below and "terra," Latin for earth.) "Sedimentary" refers to a type of rock which is composed of sediment, and "urban" means having to do with cities as opposed to rural areas.

Because of the comparative structure of the sentence, we can tell that we need to pick out a verb that has to do with reading and books, but means the opposite of "flip through." So, "skimmed" cannot be the correct answer because to "skim" a book means "to read (something) quickly or cursorily so as to note only the important points," and that is not what Gary is doing in the sentence, since he is going "slowly." "Peruse," however, is a verb that means either "read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way" or "examine carefully or at length," and because it best describes Gary's actions in the sentence, "peruse" is the correct answer.

This sentence is based upon a contrast that is implied by the conjunction "though." A "remote possibility" is a "distant" or unlikely possibility. In contrast to such unlikeliness, Samantha actually had good reasons to believe that Ronald actually would take her to the dance; therefore, it is fair to say that she had good reasons to think it to be probable, meaning it was likely.

The clear parallel being stated in this sentence is that it takes a hard heart to allow children to fall into complete poverty. Many of the options are related to poverty, such as "sadness," "hunger," and "craving." Indeed, "difficulty" is perhaps the most tempting wrong answer, for it seems to indicate a general enough state of hardship to qualify as a synonym of "complete poverty." However, the word "destitution" is far better because it means utter and complete poverty, even regarding the necessities of life." This is by far a better synonym than the much weaker "difficulty."

Clearly the needed word is a verb to complete an infinitive form. The key interpretive phrase is the direct object of that verb, namely, "the blaze to a small flame."  A "blaze" is a large fire. The implication is that Peter is deciding to do something that will take a fire from being a blaze to being a small flame. The only option that describes such a process is "reduce," meaning, make smaller or lessen in degree. ("Reduce" is also an antonym of "stoke," meaning make a fire larger).

There are two important clues in this sentence. First of all, notice that the sentence begins with "in contrast with." Therefore, what follows in the main clause will be contrasted with the robust health that Sebastian had in his youth. Notice, however, that this is not a matter of being healthy or sick (in the sense of having diseases or other directly health-related issues). Instead, the sentence states that he could not perform many tasks at all. This means that he is now weak—perhaps because of disease but perhaps merely because of age. The only option that expresses weakness is "feeble."

The contrast between Vernon and the other classmates is not merely a matter of him being "on display" (i.e. perhaps always talking in a loud, pushy manner). If this were the case, the option "boisterous" would be acceptable. Instead, he was not humble and would display his high estimation of himself to the others. A "pompous" person acts in a way that is grand and self-important. This is far from being humble. At least among the options provided, it is the best choice. "Pomp" is ceremonial display. Vernon must make such displays about himself.