Banter is correct because it means to speak playfully or wittily. Joking and teasing (especially when it is quick and witty) can be described as banter. 

The second half of the sentence contrasts with the first, as we can tell by “on the other hand.” This means that the word in the blank should mean the opposite of reluctance and grudge. The correct answer is “alacrity,” which means cheerful willingness.

The apex is the best fit in this sentence since Tara Lipinski won the highest medal possible at the height or apex of her career.

The situation suggests that both son and daughter were willfull and had disagreements during the road trip; thus, they had contention between them.

The key to this sentence is noting that the author does not simply write straightforward facts, but he instead uses sarcasm and ridicule or satire.

If the person isn't candid, it indicates he has subtlety in his speech and nuances or implications in word meanings.

The key word here is “dishonesty,” for this is the most specific that we can get about Laura’s sickness. There is nothing in the sentence to indicate anything about the specific nature of her ailment. Given that she was fired for dishonesty, the illness must have been a complete story that she made up. Hence, it is best called a “fabrication.” Something “fabricated” is strictly speaking something “manufactured.” When this is applied to human actions, a “fabrication” takes on the additional implication of intention to deceive.

The key word, of course, is “worn,” but you must be careful not consult any knowledge that you might have concerning tea party ceremonies. The sentence itself implies nothing specific about what exquisite items are worn by the participants; therefore, the best option is “garb,” which generally means “clothing,” though often implying that said clothing has a special use. This latter point makes the word even more appropriate for the sentence, though it is really the very general nature of “garb” that makes it more appropriate than any of the specific options.

Since Jeremiah detects injustices being done by those who are in power, the best description for his declarations would be “grievances.” A “grievance” is a reason that one has (perhaps completely in imagination, though perhaps also truly) for registering a complaint for being wronged or “aggrieved.”

The opposition between the two sentences is between activity and something else. This can be detected by the parallel construction that speaks of one thing (“on the one hand”) breaking down the body and another (“on the other hand”) breaking down the soul; therefore, the best choice for an opposite to “activity” is “idleness.”