A "cacophony" is a clamor or harsh noise, which is implied by "disruptive" and "resonating."

The adjective “veritable” is used to intensify noun that it describes. It could be translated “quite truly.” (It is related to words like “verity”, “veridical”, and “verify.” All of these come from the Latin "verus," meaning true.) Since the room was deadly in its heat, it is best called an "inferno," at least metaphorically speaking. An inferno is generally a large fire. The word is related to the late Latin word for “Hell.” It communicates the idea of great amounts of heat and does so without the “health benefits” that are somewhat connoted by “sauna.”

Although it is possible that the president was "enraged" by the presentation, we have no indication about his overall personality or disposition at this time. Therefore, it is best to use the hints in the expressions "not . . . merely boring" and "waste of time." He thought that the presentation was completely worthless. Thus, "inane" works well, for it means stupid or pointless.

The point of this sentence is that while Felicity did not have an overabundance of funds from her pay, she did earn enough for her lifestyle. The word "accepting" is perhaps tempting because it is close to "acceptable." To be "accepting," however, means to be receptive of something. This is not exactly the same as "acceptable", even though the two words certainly are related. When something suffices, it is enough. Thus, a sufficient amount of funds are enough for someone—as in this case for Felicity.

The point of this sentence is that Thomas was well known and famous in his day. Thus, his position was one of prominence among the scholars of his time.  Prominence is the state of being famous. A "prominent" person is someone who "sticks out" in the crowd, who is noticeable (usually because of excellence). A mountain peak can be prominent if it towers high above the others surrounding it.

The general point of this sentence is to say that while George did not hold his position with absolute, unbending certainty, he was not likely to give it up quickly. When someone is tenacious, he or she does not give up an ideal easily. He or she "holds" it tightly. The word comes from the Latin to hold. The word "extend" is related to this same root. When we extend something, we literally hold it (-tend) out (ex-). George may not tenaciously hold his position. Still, he does hold it enough that he is not likely to abandon it quickly.  

The sentence implies that the audience is likely to have questions, for they are "intrigued." Harvey is said to allow enough time for their questions. An "ample" space is one that is broad and plentiful enough. Thus, this is the best option among those given. The word "ample" comes from roots meaning large and / or plentiful. It is related to the word "amplify", which means to make larger or louder or to increase.

Delicacies can be expensive things, but they also can be things that have very intricate textures, tastes, and smells—having small, delicate spices and ingredients. Someone who eats a lot of such things will develop refined tastes. That is, he or she will be able to notice these delicate characteristics of the things in question. We know that the sentence is speaking of such refinement because of the description at the end of the sentence stating that these people are "able to discern the slightest taste or odor in the food they eat." Hence, the best option is "refined," which means well developed and able to discern many small aspects of a given thing.

The second sentence states that there was an "inexact figure" involved in the taxes paid. This means that the accountant must not have calculated an exact figure. Instead, it seems that he merely estimated the amount taxes due. "An estimation" is a rough guess or approximation.

The key expression in this sentence is "resonate again." Now, it might be acceptable to say that the sound was merely difficult to produce or deliver, but we are told that the engineers were trying to make the resonation happen again. This implies that the sound is difficult to "reproduce" or to cause again. Thus, the best option is "replicate." Note that "recall" really has to do with calling something to mind, not recreating something totally.