Because the man was annoying everyone by disturbing the peace and quiet of the train, you can assume he was talking a lot or making noise. This leads to the correct answer, “garrulous,” which means talkative. “Depraved” means immoral or debauched; “curmudgeonly” means gruff and grumpy and is often used to describe old person; “repressive” means limiting the freedom of someone or something in some way; and "clever" means sharp-witted.

Against a "muscular giant," it stands to reason that a small or weak fighter would be given little chance. The fact that the fighter described by the blank is also called "wiry" (sinewy and skinny) supports this idea. This leads to the correct answer “puny.” “Puny” means small and weak; “colossal” means gigantic; “barren” means empty or infertile; “austere” means severe-looking or having a cold personality; and "invincible" means unable to be beaten.

The subject’s friend has died and the underlined word relates to a sad and serious reminder, so the correct answer is “poignant.” “Poignant” means touching, sad and reflective; “shrewd” means cunning, canny and wise; “precocious” means unusually gifted and usually refers to a child; “notorious” means infamous; and “inane” means vapid and idiotic.

The context of the sentence tells us that the condition of the man was slowly worsening. He was becoming steadily weaker and more incapacitated. The correct answer is therefore “debilitating,” which means making someone weak and unable to go about his or her normal life. “Uncomfortable” means not comfortable; this could be a correct answer, but it is not strong enough when compared with "debilitating." “Tightfisted” means stingy and not happy about spending money; “reclusive” means avoiding other people; and “unrestrained” means out of control or not held back.

“Malnourishment” is the lack of food and nutrition. You can reasonably infer that this would have a harmful impact on the growth of a child, so the correct answer is “deleterious.” “Deleterious” means harmful or hurtful; “beneficial” means helpful; “complicit” means partially responsible for some wrongdoing; “mutable” means changeable or capricious; and “petty” means trivial.

When the atmosphere of something is very tense, it is usually said that it is almost tangible, or almost “palpable.” “Palpable” means able to be felt or touched. “Admissible” means valid or acceptable; “anonymous” means published or done such that the identity of the author or person acting remains a secret; “acrid” means pungent or bitter; and “fulsome” means excessively flattering.

From the context of this sentence, you know that the underlined word must mean something similar to “predictable” and the opposite of “originality.” This leads to the correct answer, “banal,” which means unoriginal and boring. As for the other answer choices, “impeccable” means faultless or perfect; “astounding” means shocking, surprising, and amazing; “limited” means restricted; and “obdurate” means stubborn and inflexible.

The subject of this sentence spends a long time cleaning himself and making himself presentable, suggesting that everything must be “immaculate.” “Immaculate” means spotlessly clean and perfect. As for the other answer choices, “desirable” means wanted; “humane” means compassionate, considerate, and treating something like a human should be treated; “obstinate” means stubborn; and “patronizing” means condescending or spending money at a business and therefore supporting it.

Because the subject was unable to focus and you are told that he had a big test, the answer must be “overwrought,” which means anxious and full of tension. As for the other answer choices, “compassionate” means kind and generous; “emaciated” means malnourished and skinny to an unhealthy degree; “impartial” means not biased; “impervious” means not allowing something to pass through or unaffected.

Because the professor "commanded respect," you may call him “distinguished.” “Distinguished” means renowned, famous, and commanding respect in some area. As for the other answer choices, “competent” means capable, having the required skills to do something; “belligerent” means hostile; “amicable” means friendly; and “dismissive” means contemptuous and scornful.