Because the director achieved something notable, it is likely that he received some praise. The answer choice that most closely resembles “praise” is “acclaim," which means public praise or approval. To help you, "denigration" means scorn or hatred, and "superstition" is any belief not grounded in logic or reason.

The blank word must mean something like “saying” or “maxim.” The correct answer is therefore “adage,” because an "adage" is a well-known expression. To help you, a "martyr" is someone who gives their life for a cause, a "calamity" is a disaster, and the "climate" is the weather of a large, defined area over a long period of time. 

It seems logical that Marcia would work hard to provide something beneficial (helpful) for her family. This rules out "famine," which means a period of sustained hunger or food shortage. "Bilk" is a verb that means cheat, and a "buffoon" is a fool. So, neither of those answer choices work either. An "income" is money earned through work, and this is the only logical answer choice. The other possible answer choice “fervor” means passion.

For this question, you cannot infer that the son was being annoying (or that he was not being annoying). What is obvious, however, is that he is repeating his questions. This is indicated by "the same question three times." Therefore, it is his repetition, not the annoyance of that repetition (etc), that is without effect on his mother.

The key expression in this sentence is "thinking he could not accomplish anything greater." The implication is that Theodore is "at the top" of his career. The word "pinnacle" means high point, as in the high point or peak of a mountain. This word is often used metaphorically to describe the high point of some life process (like someone's career).

The context of the sentence and the use of the phrase “all the way,” suggests that the mountain climbers wanted to reach the "summit,” which means the top of a mountain. To further help you, a zenith is the highest point reached in the sky by a celestial object; "nadir" means lowest point; "expedition" means journey or voyage.

The word "dismayed" means upset, angered, so it follows that people who live in the apartment complex would likely to be upset by its terrible condition. This tells us that the correct choice is “occupants,” which means residents. To further help you, a "magnate" is a business owner; "neophytes" are beginners; "fraternal" means of brothers or related to brotherhood. 

From the context of the sentence, you know that the author is not speaking to his father. This means he has lost "contact" with him, so "contact" is the correct answer. To provide further help, "cogent" means clear and logical and often refers to arguments, explanations, or texts, a "cacophony" is a harsh or unpleasant sound, "acumen" is the ability to make good decisions or wisdom, and someone's "visage" is his or her facial appearance.

The name of the political system where the power rests with the people is called "democracy," so "democracy" is the correct answer. To provide further help, "theocracy" is rule by religion or religious figures, "oligarchy" is rule by a few individuals, an "autocracy" is another name for a dictatorship or rule by one person, or a government in which power rests with one supreme, unquestionable ruler.

The context of the sentence tells us that the author was on top of the Empire State building and was able to see something about New York City. Because the author is high up, it makes sense that he or she could a complete "panorama" of New York City. "Panorama" means a complete view of something in every direction. To provide further help, "hypertension" is high blood pressure, a "convocation" is a meeting, and a "garrison" is a group of military troops left behind to defend something.