The sentence states that the man in question was not friendly, even though he might have appeared so early on. The implication was that these "unfriendly intentions" (like punching the general) were not known. Whenever we are hostile to something, we want to oppose and attack it. This describes the man pretty well.

The idea in this sentence is that Janice goes over to the lady immediately, likely with little thought even. While this is a very kind action, the best option will be the word that best describes this kind of immediate action. Whenever we do something spontaneously, it is done almost a by an instinct, without thought or reflection. This seems to be how Janice helped the old woman, so it is the best option among those provided here.

The general idea of this sentence is that the Lagrange family had finally "used up" all of the iron in the ground. We use the word "exhausted" normally to describe how we feel when we are very tired. Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm totally drained?" This expression means something like, "All of my energy has been drained." In general, whenever something is completely drained like this, it is "exhausted." That is the sense in which the word is being used here. The mines were apparently totally emptied out—hence, the Lagrange family had to close down their operation.

This sentence implies that Brandon is going to try to make up all of the work that he had not completed. Therefore, he is going to have to cram into a few days what would have been many weeks worth of work. This will likely require him to work at a very fast pace. Whenever we describe something as being "feverish," this doesn't just mean that someone has a high temperature! It can also mean that someone or something is acting in a very quick way. Thus, to work feverishly means to work at a very fast pace.  This is likely how Brandon will need to work, given his earlier laziness!

The key expression in this sentence is "making the task much easier." The important thing to note is that the task has thus been made easier. The word "facilitate" means to make easier or to enable by making easier. It comes from Latin roots meaning easy. When something is "facile," it is simplistic. A "facile solution" is a solution that is probably too easy because of its simplistic nature.

From the description of these spice-seeking people, such collectors are very devoted to finding spices. The word "avid" describes such devotion in someone's character. The word is related to other words like "avarice" and "avaricious," both of which have to do with being greedy. The word "avid" doesn't have the negative connotation of greed, though it does express the general idea of being "greedy" in the sense of wanting something greatly.

Although the sentence states that the bowling balls will eventually harm the floor, it hints that the floors are able to withstand some damage from them. The floor must be somewhat strong to withstand this damage for a time. We do not know if it is rigid or malleable (i.e. flexible). All that we know is that it is "long lasting"—though not able to last forever under these conditions. Whenever something is "durable," it is sturdy and strong. Hence, this word is an excellent answer for this question.

It is likely that John was angry about what happened. This would mean that he could have been irate or incensed, but we are not directly told that in this sentence. All that we know is that he was more "watchful." This means that he was more vigilant about these matters. Whenever we have increased vigilance, we watch more carefully what is going on. Whenever we "hold vigil" over something, we stay around and watch that thing carefully. A vigil can be done after someone dies or merely when someone is very sick. Indeed, sometimes there are religious services that are "vigils"—they happen the night before the major event.

This question does not really tell us anything about this storm's strength. We only know that it is something that is "coming" to hit the shore. Whenever something is "impending," it is upcoming or soon to come. This is the only option that expresses this general, but simple idea. For this reason, it is by far the best option provided.

We really are not told in detail what Timothy thought about his life and how he reacted to it emotionally. We only know that he has a negative attitude. This does not necessarily mean that he was also depressive. Since he believes that the worst possible thing will always happen, his attitude is "pessimistic." A "pessimist" is a person who always thinks the worst thing will happen in given situations. Although this kind of outlook can be depressing, such sadness is an effect of the negative outlook.