The key thing for this sentence is to note the boss' surprise. The word "still" in the second independent clause means nevertheless. This adverb indicates that even though the boss announced the meeting was going to be X, he was surprised that people came to it in such a very casual manner. You are looking for a synonym for "casual." "Informal" works well to this end.

"Radical" opinions are ones that are very daring and bold, often held by very few people. The word literally means cut to the root, as though you were to hold an opinion that is "uprooted" from all that is commonly believed by society. Generally speaking, "radical" implies something very innovative and even bold (for good or ill). In contrast to such opinions, "moderate" ones are "middle of the road" or average. Indeed, in political parties, the "moderates" are precisely those people who are said to avoid radical positions.

The key "trigger" word is "instead." This indicates a contrast between Brandon's preferences and the thing following "instead of." In contrast to "new and bold" solutions, Brandon must like "older, tested solutions." When something is "traditional," it is the sort of thing that has been "handed down" from past generations. It contrasts with the "new and the bold" by being "old and familiar."

The sentence suggests that the author is feeling nervous walking home alone at night. The answer choice that most closely resembles nervous is “wary,” which means nervous and cautious. To further help you, "enamored" means in love with; "passive" means restrained or not aggressive; "rage" means anger; "effusive" means demonstrative.

The context of this sentence suggests that the teacher should have been inclined to punish the boy for breaking the rules, but instead decided to be tolerant and patient. When someone has good reason to be angry, but decides instead not to yell, we call this person "lenient." To provide further help, "severe" means intense or extreme, "diabolical" means evil, "immaculate" means spotless or perfect, and "ominous" means suggesting danger or threatening.

From the context of the sentence, you know that Ryan is capable, but not spectacular at his studies. This is similar in meaning to “competent,” which means capable, but not the best. To provide further help, “obtuse” means dull, not sharp; “anonymous” means unknown; “perennial” means occurring regularly, constant. 

If you were merely filling in the blank for this sentence without looking at the options provided, you would likely write: "Todd's faults were not as bad . . ." The second clause (after "for") implies that Todd only has minor character flaws, not major ones (even if the latter appears to be the case). The word "grave" does not only mean "a burial place." It is also can be used as an adjective meaning "serious." This use of the word comes from the Latin for "heavy" (as well as "serious") and is related to the word "gravity."

Because Alice’s friends do not like her extreme enthusiasm, it is likely they would wish her to be more relaxed and calm, or “mellow.” To provide further help, “belligerent” means aggressive; “impulsive” means acting without thinking; “antagonistic” means annoying, irritating.

A "cheery" attitude is one that is very happy and often "optimistic" (seeing the best in everything). If someone has the opposite of such an attitude, such a person is depressing, "dark," and unhappy.  Since Donald is being contrasted with Geneva, this is the case for him. It is not proper to say that he has an "angry" attitude (or any of the options related to that). Likewise, "chipper" is really a synonym of "cheery"; we need an antonym.  "Dreary" works best, as it means bleak or depressing.

The first thing to notice is the the conjunction "but," which indicates that there is some contrast or qualification in the second clause. In the second clause, it is said that others were not always sure whether or not James was avoiding the truth. It is uncertain whether or not he was being deceptive. Therefore, the first clause states that he was not, properly speaking, deceptive—even though he did seem to be so at times.