As you likely know, the genre of fiction is about stories that are "made up." Non-fiction is about true facts. This seems interesting that the "not real" category doesn't have a "non-" in front of it! However, root words help to understand this state of affairs. The word "fiction" and "fictitious" come from Latin meaning to do or to make. From this, you can understand why "fictitious" is related to "fabricated." Something that is "fabricated" is also "made up." A "fabrication" is something that has been created. Often, we use it to describe something that is made up and not true, as when we say, "He fabricated a tale to cover over his bad deed."

The word "insular" comes from the Latin word "insula," meaning island. It is actually the root for the English word "isolated." We use the word "insular" to describe someone who is isolated from others. This can be meant physically, but also culturally. An insular person is someone who is ignorant and uncultured. For this question, however, the only good option is "solitary," meaning alone. An insular person is like someone alone on an island.

To help you remember this word, think of the word "peninsula". The state of Florida in the United States of America is almost an island because it is surrounded by water on three sides. Therefore, it is almost an island. The word "peninsula" literally means almost an island.

The word annual comes from the Latin for "year." When we celebrate an anniversary, we celebrate the fact that another year has passed after something occurred. Hence, the best meaning for "annual" is "yearly." An annual gathering is one that occurs once every year.

The word "durable" comes from Latin roots meaning hard or lasting. The word "endure" is actually related to this. When something "endures," it lasts on because it is so hardy. It is like a hard stone—as opposed to a non-durable soft material. Sometimes we talk of "durable goods." These are things that last a long time and do not need to be bought often—like appliances and well-made cars. Thus, the best option among those provided is "persisting." Something that "persists" manages to "stand through" various hardships. It remains and, hence, "endures"!

The word "regiment" comes from the Latin "regula," meaning measure, and "regulare," to measure. When we measure things, we sometimes use "rulers." This word comes from "regula." Thus, a person who is "regimented" is a person who is "measured" or "ruled." This means that he or she is "ruled" by discipline—and hence is not lax and undisciplined. Indeed, being regimented indicates that someone is very thoroughly disciplined in his or her actions and activity. (To help you remember this word, think of the idea of army "regiments"—groups that most certainly are disciplined!)

We tend to think of miracles as being associated with religion. While it is true that he word "miraculous" can be used to describe something that is supernatural and, hence, perhaps associated with a religious phenomenon, this is not its primary meaning. The word actually comes from Latin roots meaning to be in wonder or to marvel at. Thus, something that is "miraculous" is something that is very wonderful, surprising, or (as is the option for this question) "astonishing"!

Do not be tricked by all of your hard studying! The word "mortified" does have the Latin root "mort-" in it, which means dead or death; however, the word "mortified" does not directly deal with death or being killed. Instead, it indicates the kind of extreme embarrassment or humiliation someone can feel from time to time. It is that kind of feeling that makes people say something like, "I would rather be dead than be caught in that place," or, "I would rather be dead than to have tripped like that in front of Susan!" Thus, the best option among those provided here is "humiliated," not the options about death and dying like "slaughtered" and "massacred."

The word "civil" comes from Latin root words meaning citizen. A civilian is a person who is a regular citizen of a country—that is, not a soldier. Whenever someone is described as being civil, we mean to say that he or she is living in a way that befits those who are able to live in a city. A person who is barbaric and uncivilized cannot interact with other people and likely is rude. A "civil" person is polite and personable.

The word "literate" comes from the Latin word littera, meaning "letter" as in one of the letters in a word. A person who is "literate" is able to read letters. More simply stated, he or she is able to read and write. This word is therefore generally used to describe someone who is educated. It doesn't indicate great genius or deep education, but it does indicate the state of being educated. Hence, the word "educated" is a fine option among those provided here. Do not confuse "literate" with "literal," which would mean either "strict" or "precise." The literal meaning of something is its exact meaning. Actually, "literal" means something like "just by the letters"—in the sense of meaning "without any further interpretation."

The word "audition" comes from Latin roots meaning to hear. We find this same root in the word "audio." Whenever someone has an audition, he or she wants to have a "hearing" from some sort of "judge." That is, he or she wants some kind of "judge" to give him or her a chance regarding a position or task. For example, people may audition for various parts in a musical. Thus, the only acceptable option provided here is "trial." A "trial run" is a kind of initial attempt. When we "try out" for a part, we could also say that we are giving the part a "trial run"—though we will only get the part if we are judged to have done well!