The correct answer is "shy." We know that the blank space should be a word with the opposite meaning as "sociable and talkative" because of the word "although," which suggests a contrast, or opposite. The words "fun-loving," "disobedient," and "unhappy" do not have the opposite meaning of "sociable and talkative," so they are incorrect choices.

The best choice is the word "farm." The context clues that help us with this question include the words  "rural", "roosters", and "large plot of land". These clues, when placed together, lend themselves most closely to a farm--not a factory, school, or shop. 

The correct answer is "luxury." This question presents a contrast, as we can tell from the words "despite" and "actually," and so we need to find a word that suggests an opposite. Stephen's clothes and car are at odds with his lack of finances, and so the best choice is "luxury" because having a luxurious car means that it is expensive. Practical, and dilapidated would all mean that his car was either a responsible choice or very cheap, whereas casual is not a good descriptive word for a car. 

The correct answer is "dependent." We know we are looking for a word similar in meaning to "quite needy" because the sentence has signaled that we are reading a comparison with the word, "similarly." "Dependent" means requiring the help of something or someone else, which makes sense in this context. "Independent" has the opposite meaning of "quite needy", and "fierce" or "clever" would imply that the kittens are more independent as well, while also not being good synonyms with the phrase "quite needy."

The correct answer is "never;" meaning at no time. This sentence presents a cause and effect, as we know from the word "because." If someone "usually," "sometimes," or "always" studied, the effect would probably be passing a class. If someone never studied, on the other hand, it is likely that he or she would could fail. For that reason, "never" is the best choice.

The correct answer is "popular." We can tell that this is the correct answer because of the clues that say the author has "best-sellers" and "crowded book tours," phrases that show that the author is liked by many. "Inventive" is not the best choice because it means creative, which does not necessarily create fans. "Traditional" and "intelligent" likewise are not qualities that describe someone who is liked and admired by many. For that reason, the best choice is "popular."

The best choice is "notable" We know that we are looking for a contrast word because of the word "although" that begins the sentence. "Although Rhode Island is small, it is notable, or important," is a contrast that makes sense. "Minor" and "meaningless" both mean that it is unimportant--the opposite of the meaning we are searching for. "Historical" is not the best choice because it would be repetitive in this sentence ("historical place in the history"). That is why the best choice is "notable."

The correct answer is "informed." This is because the sentence uses the past tense, and so the verb must also be in past tense. Neither "inform" nor "informing" are in past tense. The word "asked" is in past tense, but it does not make sense in this sentence, since the landlady is giving the speaker information, not asking him a question. 

Without a map, it's hard to figure out which route to take. The word that best replaces "figure out" is determine. 

Though define and determine are close in meaning, to define something means to establish its definition or meaning, while determine means more to reach a conclusion or make a choice. 

Expertise is a plural noun meaning skills or knowledge. It is the only choice that fits both grammatically and logically.