The author tells us that there will always be things to overcome in life and it is important not to give up. The best answer choice is “obstacles,” which are things that need to be overcome, things that get in the way. To provide further help, “parity” means equality; “ceremonies” are formal meetings done for purposes of tradition or ceremony; “jubilations” are happy celebrations.

This sentence indicates that the diversity in the United States is partly due to peoples' beliefs or "creeds." "Creeds"are ethical codes and are what the sentence is referring to in terms of diversity. The other word choices do not mean the same thing and/or don't refer to the same sort of diversity.

This sentence suggests an informal meeting or "rendezvous" was arranged between Jessica and her friends. A "council" is a panel of people; an "assembly" is a formal grouping of people; a "conference" is a formal meeting; and a "function" is synonymous with "conference."

The rock overhang served as shelter from the pouring rain, and therefore it acted as a "haven." The other answer choices mean the following: a "protrusion" is an outgrowth; a "precipice" is a ledge; and a "reservation" is an area of land managed by a certain group of people or a tribe.

The sentence suggests that the object in question is an instrument used to measure temperatures. This means that the correct answer is “thermometer.” The suffix "-meter" is used in English to refer to something that measures things. So a “barometer” is an instrument that measures pressure; an “altimeter” is an instrument that measures height or altitude; a “chronometer” is an instrument that measures time; a “fathometer” is an instrument that measures depth. 

From the context of the sentence, you can assume that the blank word must relate to the compassionate nature of the subject. "Empathy” is the ability to share the feelings of others and best captures the likely attitude of a compassionate person. To provide further help, “derision” means mocking cruelly; “nostalgia” is a feeling of fondness for the past; “fervor” means passion. 

A political state without a government and embracing chaos is called an “anarchy.” To provide further help, “communism” is an economic system where labor, production, and resources are pooled and shared equally; “democracy” is a political system where each individual is able to vote for representatives in government; “oligarchy” is rule by a select, wealthy few; “patriarchy” is a social system where men dominate over women.

The girl seems to have a friendly appearance and the closest word in meaning to appearance is "demeanor" or exterior expression. "Conduct" refers to behavior; an "aura" is an atmosphere; and "signals" and "symbols" are signs of some degree.

The physical shift as seen going from middle to high school shows a change or "transition." "Mobility" is movement; "adaptations" are mechanisms used to fit in; "development" is evolution; and "stagnation" is staying the same.

The best word choice is one that indicates the viewpoint from the plane differed from that on land; therefore, the best answer choice is "perspective." The other answer choices mean the following: "visibility" is the ability to be seen; "stance" is a stand taken on an issue; "interpretation" is a translation of something; and "disclosure" is revealing a truth or secret.