The word "contrary" implies a contradiction or opposites in some manner. The word "actually" tips the reader off to the fact that the actor's public and private personas are different and "contrary" is the only choice which reflects that.

"Esoteric" means designed or intended for the specially initiated alone. If the band did not expect to find mainstream success, it can be reasonably assumed that their music is either poor or intended for a smaller audience. As no options are available reflecting low quality, it can be assumed that they are playing for a niche market.

The correct answer addresses the severity of Fred's error that led to the motion's defeat ("egregious"). The incorrect answers treat Fred's error as minor or minute, which does not follow in the context of the sentence.

The correct answer will note how commonplace personal computers are today ("ubiquitous") in comparison to how they were thirty years ago. The incorrect answers treat personal computers as a new, unique, or unknown phenomenon.

The correct answer indicates the unrealistic and impractical nature of Samantha's belief in her future ("quixotic"). The incorrect answers claim that Samantha's belief is realistic ("pragmatic" and "down-to-earth") or normal and unremarkable ("mundane"). "Messianic" somewhat addresses the lack of realism present, but does not work in the context of the sentence.

The correct answer refers to how Cedric has great foresight in his stock market trading ("prescient"), demonstrated when he sold his shares before they lost most of their value. The incorrect answers either refer to Cedric as lacking good judgment ("injudicious"), being unnecessarily prone to spending wastefully ("spendthrift" and "profligate"), or being unwilling to take possible risks ("frugal").

As the politician’s speeches put his audience to sleep, the correct answer will be the one that is most synonymous with boring, dull, or sleep-inducing. "Rapacious," "salubrious," and "engaging" all have quite positive connotations, while "loquacious," meaning wordy, does not fit well.

The context of the sentence describes how the two boxers disliked one another and the use of the word “glared” suggests that the look exchanged between the two boxers was hostile. This leads to the correct answer “contemptuously” which means derisively or lacking respect. Amicably and cordially both refer to friendliness and politeness; superficially describes something down without depth and not profound.

The second clause in the sentence describes how Stephen could not help from sharing his thoughts out loud; therefore you know the correct answer must describe some talkative quality of Stephen. This means that the correct answer is “garrulous” which means chatty or talkative. Serendipitous refers to the accidental discovery of some good fortune; terse means brief; loopy means crazy or absurd.

The use of the conjunction “however” tells you that the second clause is different in meaning to the first clause. The second clause describes how some people can still hear dog whistles “loud and clear” so you know that the first blank must describe the inability to hear. The correct answer is therefore inaudible (which means impossible to hear).