Glue is used to join two things together so the correct answer is "splice." To "splice" is to join, to connect, to interweave. Additionally, "recite" means speak aloud and from memory; "depict" means visually represent, draw and show; "applaud" means clap for, praise; "activate" means make active, start up.

Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that means something like decorated. So, the correct answer is "adorned." It can help to remember that "adorn" means decorate, if you think that "ornaments" means decorations. Noting the similarities between the words "adorn" and "ornaments." They sound similar right? Additionally, "amassed" means gathered, collected, compiled; "confounded" means confused, bewildered; "usurp" means take control from, seize power from; "abdicate" means give up power, renounce authority.

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that means something like publicly supported. So, the correct answer is "endorsed." To "endorse" something is to offer one's personal support and recommendation publicly. Additionally, "conspire" means plot, plan together against someone else; "perturb" means worry, unnerve, scare; "loft" means throw high in the air, pass; "behoove" means it is one's responsibility to do something, it is in one's best interest to do something.

All we know is that the work on the carpet took up the person's time. When we are occupied with something, we spend our time working on that thing or being concerned with it. Yes, it might be annoying or even torturous. All we know is that it took up time. Therefore, "occupied" is by far the best option available.

The basic meaning that we are looking for is "slowed." Clearly, Gerald's questions are slowing progress on the project, for the partners are having to stop to answer numerous questions. Whenever something is "impeded," it is "slowed."  An "impediment" is something that gets in the way. The word actually comes from Latin roots that literally mean to put on the foot. (The word "pedal" is related to the "-ped" portion of "impede.") If you have something on your foot, you certainly are not going to get things done quickly!

We really are not told anything about physical or emotional abuse in this sentence. All we know is that the boy was held in the custody of security. This means that they held him in a particular place until his parents could come to get him. When we are detained, we are held by something or by someone. Generally, this kind of action happens at the hands of authority. The boy most certainly was detained by the authorities in the mall. Hence, this is by far the best option among those offered here.

A number of these options are likely tempting, as the clouds clearly did travel past the mountain. The sentence does hint that they had to "go up" over the top of the mountain's peak. Therefore, the best option is "ascended," for this expresses most clearly the idea that the clouds are going upward in their travels over the peak.

Since the sentence talks about the handwriting of the man from whom the checks had been stolen, the best option is to stay as close as possible to this idea of using stolen checks. Therefore, the word "forging" is the best option among those provided. Whenever we "forge" someone's handwriting or signature, we make a copy of it (falsely and deceptively). This is likely what the thief wishes to do.

A "crawlspace" is an area under a house, like a very small basement. Clearly the man in question wants to go down there to avoid being detected. Whenever we "evade" something or someone, we try to get away from them or avoid them. This is what the person in question is doing by going down into that area.

The general idea of this sentence is that the metal has to be cleansed of its impurities before it is sold. Now, the word "cleansed" might be tempting. Indeed, even "heated" might be tempting if you know about how metals are processed. The best option, however, is "refined." This word means to remove impure elements from something. This is clearly what the sentence calls for, so it is the best option among the various other, tempting options provided.