From the context of this sentence, you know that whatever aspect of Emperor Frederick I is being described must refer to his ability "to make practical decisions." Of the five answer choices, "pragmatism" is the best option, since it means a practical way of thinking concerned with how to get the best results. As for the other answer choices, "indulgence" means something that gratifies one's desires; "smugness" describes excessive self-satisfaction or arrogance; and "cooperation" refers to the practice of working with someone towards a goal that is mutually beneficial.

Frivolity is the noun version of frivolous, a word you are more likely to have come across. It means self-indulgence or a carefree feeling. This answer makes sense because everyone is celebrating and cheerful. Revolt and guile have darker implications, sensibility is the opposite, and while fantasy could fit, frivolity more specifically matches the first part of the sentence.

The key words here to note are “deceive” and “duplicity.” The implication of the sentence is that although Derrick might not try to be deceptive, he nevertheless is believed to be such. This is implied by the fact that he is considered “duplicitous” which directly means having two sides (or being a “double dealer”), though often meaning “deceitful” (implied in the act of having “two faces”). The best option is “guile,” which means cunning intelligence. Although this is not a direct synonym of “deceitful,” combined with “duplicity,” it functions to capture the sense of someone who is able to work through intelligence to be deceitful.

The general idea of this sentence is that the cost is extremely large. Now, when something is "majestic", it is usually large, but "majesty" pertains to great beauty or grandeur. The best option is "immensity", for this best describes the characteristic of the project that unnerves the board of regents—it's immense size.

The point of the sentence is that John had reached the heights of his career. He could go "no higher."  The word "zenith" means highest point. The word "nadir" is one of those high point / low point words that often confuses students. It means low point. Therefore, it is the complete opposite of what you need. None of the other options are appropriate, so "zenith" is the best option for this sentence.

The sentence clearly indicates that Robert is hoping to investigate the balance in the fund, for he is "hoping to ascertain the complete balance." This immediately rules out "investment." You might think that "subpoena" is an option, but this is actually a kind of court order that requires someone to come to court. Likewise, an "inquest" is a much closer option, but it too indicates a kind of court proceeding (one to look into the matters surrounding a given happening). Thus, the best option is the simple answer "inquiry."

What we know about Nigel is that he abandoned many tasks. We cannot say much else, so be careful regarding several of the options. We do not know anything about his strength or fortitude. The problem is not necessarily with those character traits. It is a problem of devotion or the ability to complete tasks. Thus, he was lacking in perseverance. When someone perseveres through something, he or she continues to do it in spite of difficulties. 

The word "levity" means to treat something in a joking way, often when it is a serious matter. The word comes from the same roots as "levitate." The root means light. To have "levity" about something is to treat it as being a "light" matter (when in fact it is important or, as many say, "heavy" or "weighty").

From what is said in this sentence, we can gather that Vanessa had a well-mannered bearing in public. Such a person is said to have "grace." Though this might seem to be a strange use of the word, we do say that someone who is courteous is "gracious." Thus, Vanessa must act with grace. ("Iniquity" means wickedness, and "lugubriousness" means the state of being sad-looking. These certainly are not correct.)

Luckily, the sentence gives you several clues that are repetitive. The contrast here is between "well-known," "grand locales" and ones that are not so well known. The only really tempting wrong answer should be "triviality," which means unimportance, but that really is too negative. We are talking about something that is enticing about the obscure place. Thus, the best option is "intrigue." This word indicates a quality of being both mysterious and also enticing. When we find something "intriguing," we find it to be interesting.