The correct answer indicates the unrealistic and impractical nature of Samantha's belief in her future ("quixotic"). The incorrect answers claim that Samantha's belief is realistic ("pragmatic" and "down-to-earth") or normal and unremarkable ("mundane"). "Messianic" somewhat addresses the lack of realism present, but does not work in the context of the sentence.

The correct answer refers to how Cedric has great foresight in his stock market trading ("prescient"), demonstrated when he sold his shares before they lost most of their value. The incorrect answers either refer to Cedric as lacking good judgment ("injudicious"), being unnecessarily prone to spending wastefully ("spendthrift" and "profligate"), or being unwilling to take possible risks ("frugal").

As the politician’s speeches put his audience to sleep, the correct answer will be the one that is most synonymous with boring, dull, or sleep-inducing. "Rapacious," "salubrious," and "engaging" all have quite positive connotations, while "loquacious," meaning wordy, does not fit well.

The context of the sentence describes how the two boxers disliked one another and the use of the word “glared” suggests that the look exchanged between the two boxers was hostile. This leads to the correct answer “contemptuously” which means derisively or lacking respect. Amicably and cordially both refer to friendliness and politeness; superficially describes something down without depth and not profound.

The second clause in the sentence describes how Stephen could not help from sharing his thoughts out loud; therefore you know the correct answer must describe some talkative quality of Stephen. This means that the correct answer is “garrulous” which means chatty or talkative. Serendipitous refers to the accidental discovery of some good fortune; terse means brief; loopy means crazy or absurd.

The use of the conjunction “however” tells you that the second clause is different in meaning to the first clause. The second clause describes how some people can still hear dog whistles “loud and clear” so you know that the first blank must describe the inability to hear. The correct answer is therefore inaudible (which means impossible to hear).

From the context of the question you know that the description of Derek has to be positive and related to kindness. Of the possible answer choices only amiable closely resembles the required meaning of the blank. "Amiable" means friendly and pleasant company. "Distant" means aloof; "robust" means strong; "succulent" means delicious; "fortuitous" means lucky.

From the context of the sentence you know that whatever Carrie was called by her friends she must have proved it right when she stormed out of the room. Storming out of a room is a dramatic response so the blank word must closely resemble a dramatic action. Jubilant means joyous; courageous means brave; haughty means condescending or proud; negligible means insignificant. Those answer choices are all incorrect. The correct answer is histrionic which means overdramatic or theatrical.

The second clause of this sentence emphasizes how the economic and social situation of the South was changed by the invention of the cotton gin. Therefore it would appear to be foolish to describe its invention as insignificant. Of the five answer choices negligible is by far the best match. Negligible means insignificant; indulgent means tolerant; apoplectic means overcome with anger; wondrous means inspirational; comely describes something cute.

From the context of this sentence you know that Rasputin must be perceived as something otherworldly, magical or unnatural. Of the five answer choices preternaturally is by far the best answer. It means exceeding what is common in nature or supernatural. Sardonically means sarcastically; wistfully refers to looking back with sorrowful appreciation to the past; magnanimously refers to a noble-spirited, generous individual.