For this sentence, there are two possible ways of finding the answer. If you know the word “thurible,” you will know that such devices are used for the burning of incense. This immediately provides the answer; however, if you do not know that vocabulary item, it is likely that you know that the burning of incense gives off “vapors” in a smoky form.

The key word is “dwindled,” which describes the pile as shrinking. When something shrinks in size, it is said to “diminish” or to undergo “diminution.” These words are likewise related to English words having the prefix “mini” such as “miniature,” “minute,” and “minimal.”

Do not be fooled by the “Santa” or “mascot” options, which really have little to do with the description of Thomas’ enunciation and vocal tone. The most tempting trap answer is likely “announcer,” but one does not usually read a tale in the manner of being an announcer. (That type of proclamation more appropriately describes either an introduction to some other thing or the type of speaking done by one conveying some information at an event like a sports match.) The word “lector” literally means “reader.” While it is often used to describe one who reads scriptures in a church service, it does have the more general meaning of “reading.” It is derived from the Latin for “to read” and is related to English words like “legible,” “lectern,” and “lecture.”

The sentence only implies that the children are staying awake instead of sleeping late at night. When someone keeps awake in this manner, it is called a “vigil.” The term often has religious overtones, for Christian monks would “keep vigil” by praying late at night (or very early in the morning, depending on one’s perspective); however, it has the general sense of being “awake.” When someone is “vigilant,” he or she keeps watch for dangers in a “wakeful” manner.

The contrast in this sentence is between advanced studies and the basics necessary for them. The basic principles of a subject are called its “rudiments.” Something “rude” is something that is “uncultured” or (closer to its Latin bases) “unshaped” or “unmade.” When something is “rudimentary,” it is basic, not having been subjected to much elaboration and further development.

Since the students are said to be exploring the unknown tunnels and not merely doing research on them, the best option for this sentence is “expedition.” An expedition is a trip organized for a particular goal. It is often used to describe scientific and military outings of this sort, though it has a more general sense as well.

A “bout” of something is an abrupt incident of some kind of illness or activity. The word “vertigo” is the best option, for it is a condition resulting in a loss of balance and the feeling that the world is spinning. The word “spins” really is just a flippant trap word. Do not be tricked by it. The other options are too general, given that we have the very specific “vertigo.” The word comes from the Latin for “to turn.” A close relative is “vertiginous,” which means “causing vertigo” (such as a high cliff that overwhelms someone looking over its edge). Since it is derived from “to turn,” “vertigo” has many other relatives in English like “convert,” “divert,” “introvert,” and many others.

The argument is said to be complex, but nothing in the sentence should lead you to think that it is an incorrect argument; therefore, the words “assumptions,” “presuppositions,” and (especially) “conjectures” all convey more than is necessary for completing the sentence. Strictly speaking, the “premises” of an argument are the statements upon which it is based. Since the sentence only implies that there are many such foundational statements, the best option here is “premises.”

Each of the multiple paintings are considered “derivative” works, meaning that they are “taken from” some preceding work. In this sentence, it is clear that they are all imitations of a single original. Therefore, the most appropriate word here would be “archetype,” meaning (among other things) such an original exemplar from which other like things are derived. The “arche-” prefix means “ancient” or “original,” and “type” means more generally “figure, model, or example.” We sometimes say things like, “The herring is a type of fish,” meaning, “The herring is an example of a fish.”

Do not be fooled by this sentence into thinking that it calls for “carnie.” The man does not work in the carnival but instead follows it to make a living. When someone does not have a regular job but instead travels about to make his or her living, that person is called a “vagrant.” The word is ultimately derived from the Latin for “to wander.” When something is called “vague,” it is implied that it cannot be understood because it “wanders around the topic” without being explicit and direct.