This sentence is perhaps difficult, but pay attention to the role played by extravagance and the act of “seeing” done by those who come to the park. They come to see something that is quite impressive, even if there are no other reasons for them to come. When something is called a “spectacle,” it is something that is “quite a sight”—that is, an impressive sight. The word is related to words like “spectator” and “introspection,” as well as many other words implying “sight” in their “spect-” portion.

Although the sentence might seem strange, still it clearly states that Patrick had never experienced love at all; therefore, he cannot merely be said to have no opinion or assessment of it but instead must be said to have “no idea at all” concerning it. To this end, the word “conception” is the best option, for it can mean a “mental idea.” The word often is used to describe the process of becoming pregnant, but its older philosophical usage aligns more directly with the notion of the mind being united with the thing known, as is reflected in the literal translation from Latin: “to take (-ception) with (con-).”

Since the deed is described as being courageous, we know that Odo was not insane in his undertaking. Likewise, it does not make much sense to say that he showed his great fame or honor by undertaking the task, though he might have gained fame and honor thereby; therefore, “valor” is the best option, for it means “great courage” particularly when one has to face a dangerous situation. It comes from the Latin meaning “to be well, strong, or healthy” and is found in English words like “prevail,” “invalid,” and “valid.”

The key word here is “outlast,” for it implies that the commander hoped to wear down his foes with time. Although this could be considered an act of “patience,” the more appropriate word here is “attrition,” which means “to wear down” something through continual action. It is derived from the Latin for “to rub or wear” and is found in words like “contrite,” “contrition,” and “detritus.”

The best answer here is that which most closely describes a turtle’s defensive shell. The word “carapace” is a specific instance of external protective devices that some creatures have. While this is a defense or shield of types, the sentence’s comparison to the turtle makes “carapace” the best answer.

Since the sentence is not general about the kind of math problem involved, the best answer will be that one which is most general. Therefore, the option “elements” best fits, for it can mean merely “the smallest part” of something, unable to be broken down any further. This can apply to anything, not merely the so-called chemical elements. All of the other options imply more specificity than is needed here.

Since Scott realizes that he should have listened to stories about previous generations, he is interested in those who preceded him, that is, his ancestors. Therefore, the best option is “ancestry” which applies to the generations that precede a person. The word literally means “those going before (someone).” The “cest-” portion is related to English words like “secede” (or “secession”) meaning “to go apart or away” (e.g. when the South seceded from the North during the Civil War). The “an-” prefix of “ancestry” comes from the Latin “ante-”, which means “before.” The word “antebellum” is often used to describe the southern states of the United States before the civil war. It literally means “before the war.”

The only thing implied by this sentence is that the country experienced a reduction in certain services. While this might mean poverty or a bad economy, the closest word is “austerity,” which generally means “plainness” or “sternness.” When applied to government actions, it can carry the additional meaning of “cutting services.” Think of it as “making the government services plain or simpler.”

The key word to the contrast is “several small” found in the main clause. This implies that most of the evidence was centered on the fateful night of the crime. The word “bulk” can mean “the majority” in addition to “a large mass.” It is therefore better than the other options, which do not reflect this contrast as well.

Although Diane might be said to be insane or perhaps even irrational because of her refusal to change, we cannot go beyond this stated fact. Therefore, he is best described as being “rigid,” meaning that she is “unbending” or “inflexible” in the sense of not deviating from her positions. The word is related to “rigorous” and “rigorist.”