To "conclude" means to end; the second part of the sentence after the semi-colon makes it clear the scientists are ending their work, and should not continue, as they already have clear results. "Futile" in this case means counterproductive or pointless; "sensible" is its opposite.

The key phrase is "although . . ." and the sense of the juxtaposition is completed by "they often end by creating wholly cynical citizens." The sense is that the regimes begin by making the citizens very engaged, but they end in destroying this civic involvement; therefore, we can immediately eliminate "increase . . . inviting", "coup . . . deceiving," "waxing . . . leading", and "waning . . . discouraging." The best fit is "decline . . . inciting" because it captures the sense of the loss of spirit as well as its initial inspiration (even if through incitement).

To "conclude" means to end; the second part of the sentence after the semi-colon makes it clear the scientists are ending their work, and should not continue, as they already have clear results. "Futile" in this case means counterproductive or pointless; "sensible" is its opposite.

The first blank hints at Nicholas's hope that he can "soften" or reduce his boss's concerns. Whenever we "mollify" something, we soften it or reduce its intensity. This word comes from Latin roots meaning soft. Substances that are called emollients help to soften things. Perhaps you have bought facial creams that do this. Often, such a cream will be labeled as being an emollient. The second blank is hinted at by the phrase "obsequious words." Whenever we are "obsequious," we are very servile. Often, such an attitude hides a kind of flattery. This is what is being hinted at here. Hence, we need something better than "convince" or "persuade." The word "cajole" is best, for it indicates a kind of persuading that includes the idea of flattery.

For this question, it is probably best to begin with the first blank, using a process of elimination. To "fulminate" is to protest against something. It doesn't make sense to say that the king should do this. To "relegate" something or someone is to put it (or him/her) at a lower level of dignity. This is really not what is being demanded of the king. It doesn't make sense that he would lower his sovereignty. Likewise, "delegation" of the sovereignty would be giving it to someone else. The sentence does not indicate this either. Instead, it seems that the people want the king to step down. Indeed, this is what is meant by "abdicate." Hence, it is the best option for the first blank. When the king did not step down, it would make sense that the people would try to take him out of office forcefully. Hence, the word "depose" works well.

The answer choice with “eschew” might look reasonable. Given the context, however, it doesn’t quite fit that the martyrs were told shun their faith, the way you might avoid something morally wrong. “Exculpate” means to pardon, which could make sense if the martyrs had done something against church doctrine in the past. “Canonize” in this case means to declare a dead person to be a saint, and “abjure” means to swear off. These two form the correct answer.

The sentence contains clues that his girlfriend might not be completely sincere in her career advice. "Long-winded explanations” and “speeches on how she could be better organized” are mentioned. “Didactic” means instructive. It is often used in a negative way, which is fitting for this sentence. To “advert” means to turn the attention to. “Adverted . . . didactic” is the best answer.

You are told that the neighbor's son is "well-behaved" and shows "patience." From this information it is reasonable to conclude that the son could be described as "stoic" meaning calm, not emotional, impassive. Further, if the son is demonstrating his patience it makes sense that he is also demonstrating "compliance" or obedience, by not running around and disrupting his parent. Finally, the last blank is clearly related to running around heedlessly, so the correct answer is "ramble." To provide additional help, "irritable" means easily annoyed; "garrison" refers to troops stationed in a fort to protect it; "erudite" means well-educated, scholarly; "gravitas" means dignity; "curtail" means reduce in impact; "fleeting" means not lasting very long; "emigrate" means move to a new country; "apathy" means not caring; "wizened" means_ancient, very old_; "ignominy" means shame, disgrace; "appropriate" (when used as a verb) means take something not belonging to you and refit it to fit your need.

The key phrase is "although . . ." and the sense of the juxtaposition is completed by "they often end by creating wholly cynical citizens." The sense is that the regimes begin by making the citizens very engaged, but they end in destroying this civic involvement; therefore, we can immediately eliminate "increase . . . inviting", "coup . . . deceiving," "waxing . . . leading", and "waning . . . discouraging." The best fit is "decline . . . inciting" because it captures the sense of the loss of spirit as well as its initial inspiration (even if through incitement).

For the first blank, we need an adjective that means something like threatening. "Baleful" and "inauspicious" could each work. For the second blank, we need a word that describes what the sea is doing in the storm; between "welter," which means move tumultuously, and "oscillate," which means to swing back and forth at a constant rate, "welter" is the better choice, so the answer is "baleful . . . welter."