The subject of this sentence “refuted” (discredited or invalidated) the state religion, which would likely upset the established order. It therefore makes sense that he would be “banished,” or sent away and exiled, from his homeland. “Lamented” means mourned or expressed sadness about; “shrouded” means covered or enveloped; “procured” means got or obtained; and “ransacked” means searched recklessly and quickly for something.

The use of the word “witness” suggests that the correct answer is “testify.” “Testify” means to speak out about or bring evidence against in a court of law; “concede” means give up or accept defeat; “amend” means edit; “lampoon” means mock or deride; and “transgress” means misbehave or break the rules.

The parents are angry with the babysitter because she put the maintenance of the children’s routine in danger. This means that the correct answer is “jeopardizing.” To “jeopardize” means to put in danger, to endanger, or to threaten; “reinforcing” means backing up, improving the defense of, or strengthening; “mollifying” means calming, soothing, or alleviating; "investigating" means exploring or looking into an issue; and "permitting" means allowing.

It makes sense that the boy’s father would criticize or reprimand his son for losing the car keys, so the correct answer must be “chided.” “Chided” means scold, rebuke, reprimand, or chastise. As for the other answer choices, “lionized” means made into a hero; “complimented” means praised or said something nice about; "acclaimed" means praised openly; “hailed” means praised, lauded, or mentioned the impact of favorably. All four of these incorrect answer choices are loose synonyms of one another.

A good impressionist would be able to copy the voices and mannerisms of people, so the best answer is “mimic,” which means to copy, particularly for the purposes of humor. As for the other answer choices, "contravene" means violate or breach; “rout” means beat completely or destroy in competition; “agitate” means disturb or annoy; and “exasperate” means anger, enrage, or antagonize.

The context of the sentence suggests that the man being described has traumatic and horrible memories of being bitten by a dog. This suggests that he was “tormented” by these memories. “Tormented” means emotionally distressed; “exposed” means revealed; “swindled” means tricked out of money; “censured” means expressed one's disapproval of; and “assured” means guaranteed or made to feel confident.

The underlined word describes what the organizers did. Because they did so “passionately” and their purpose was to get people to do something, the best answer is “exhorted.” “Exhorted” means passionately urged. As for the other answer choices, “chided” means censured or rebuked; “aspired” means desired to achieve; “mourned” means expressed great sadness over the loss of; and “pardoned” means officially forgave a wrong.

Because the subject feels as if she is "finally ready to publish," you know that her theory must have been supported or reinforced by the evidence. So, the correct answer is “bolstered." “Impeded” means slowed down or halted; “disregarded” means ignored; “implored” means begged; and "invalidated" means shown to be false.

The subject is frustrated with the man because he does not speak plainly and openly with her, yet he is constantly doing something that relates to a problem. The opposite of speaking plainly and openly is hinting at or suggesting a problem, and this tells you that the correct answer is “alluding.” “Alluding” to something means indirectly hinting at it. As for the other answer choices, “imitating” means copying; “compiling” means gathering or collecting; “feigning” means pretending; and “motioning” means gesturing to indicate something.

If the university increased its scholarship funding, this would presumable help underprivileged kids attend the university. So the answer choice must mean help. This leads to the correct answer, “facilitate,” which means to help something happen. As for the other answer choices, “resign” means quit, especially quit one's job; “provoke” means instigate or cause someone to have a negative reaction; “inhabit” means live in; and “impede” means stop the progress of.