31
There was no denying the lecturer’s ------- , but her arguments were unsophisticated and ------- .
(A) bravura . . precise
(B) boorishness . . unoriginal
(C) charisma . . vapid
(D) competence . . infallible
(E) indifference . . benign
答案：C
解析：The structure of the sentence sets up a contrast between two ways of describing the lecturer. The fact that she had a charismatic, or magnetic, presence, does indeed contrast with the notion that the content of the lecture was unsophisticated and “vapid” or uninteresting
32
Since the two legislators had a long history of major disagreements, the senator considered his colleague’s enthusiastic assurances that they would be in agreement on a forthcoming piece of legislation -------.
(A) fatuous
(B) precious
(C) sagacious
(D) meritorious
(E) ignoble
答案：A
解析：Choice (A) is correct. It makes sense that the senator, in light of his and his colleague’s shared history of non-cooperation, would consider the colleague’s assurances “fatuous,” or complacently foolish.
33
According to the company spokesperson, the majority of the wrongful termination lawsuits filed against the company were -------, representing bogus claims made by ------- former employees hoping to strike it rich.
(A) legitimate . . disgruntled
(B) frivolous . . greedy
(C) uncommon . . surprised
(D) embarrassing . . contented
(E) warranted . . wise
答案：B
解析：Choice (B) is correct. For the company spokesman to describe the lawsuits as “bogus claims” implies that the company views these lawsuits as “frivolous,” or as having no sound basis. Moreover, as is indicated by the phrase “hoping to strike it rich,” the spokesman would likely want to characterize the claimants of these suits as “greedy,” or motivated by a selfish desire for wealth, rather than as people seeking fairness or justice.
34
Enrique did not take Marisol seriously when she told him she was going to bed to sleep for a week: he knew she was prone to -------.
(A) earnestness
(B) belligerence
(C) simile
(D) hyperbole
(E) understatement
答案：D
解析：“Hyperbole” is extravagant exaggeration, often not intended to be taken literally. If Marisol is prone, or has a tendency or inclination, to greatly exaggerate things or make extravagantly exaggerated statements, Enrique would know not to take seriously her statement that she was going to sleep for a week.
35
The voice of gospel singer Marion Williams has been captivating listeners since 1947; it is lyrical in its expression of joy, yet ------- when singing of life’s sorrows.
(A) exhilarating
(B) melodious
(C) stifling
(D) sublime
(E) poignant
答案：E
解析：The word “yet” sets up a contrast between the singer’s ability to sound “lyrical,” or enthusiastic, when singing about joy and “poignant,” or touching, when singing of sadness.
36
Mrs. Williams found it ironic that her twelve-year-old son, who made all A’s on his report card, was so ------- at home, apparently unable to follow her most basic instructions concerning such commonsense matters as tidiness.
(A) stubborn
(B) astute
(C) candid
(D) obtuse
(E) sullen
答案：D
解析：Choice (D) is correct. It is logical that a mother would see irony in the contrast between her son’s success at school and his obtuseness, or apparent inability to comprehend, at home.
37
Because King Philip's desire to make Spain the dominant power in sixteenth-century Europe ran counter to Queen Elizabeth's insistence on autonomy for England, ------- was -------.
(A) reconciliation . . assured
(B) warfare . . avoidable
(C) ruination . . impossible
(D) conflict . . inevitable
(E) diplomacy . . simple
答案：D
解析：The word "because" indicates that the information in the first part of the sentence (the part before the comma) explains the reason for the situation described in the second part. The first part states that what King Philip wanted (domination for Spain) "ran counter to" what Queen Elizabeth wanted (independence for England). Choice (D) logically completes the sentence: Given that there was such a fundamental disagreement between the two monarchs, "conflict" would likely be "inevitable," or unavoidable.
38
Although the scientist claimed to have made a major breakthrough in his research, the evidence he offered as proof of his assertion was ------- at best.
(A) conclusive
(B) indubitable
(C) paltry
(D) copious
(E) extensive
答案：C
解析：“Paltry,” or meager, fits within the context of this sentence because it questions or qualifies the scientist’s claim of achieving a “major breakthrough.”
39
There is no doubt that Larry is a genuine ------- : he excels at telling stories that fascinate his listeners.
(A) braggart
(B) dilettante
(C) pilferer
(D) prevaricator
(E) raconteur
答案：E
解析：The structure of this sentence indicates that the words after the colon define or directly clarify what came before. The phrase "he excels at telling stories that fascinate his listeners" serves to define the missing word. Choice (E), "raconteur," is the only word that describes someone who excels at storytelling.
40
Until Florence Nightingale made nursing ------- , it was considered a ------- profession.
(A) scientific . . painstaking
(B) essential . . dangerous
(C) noble . . lofty
(D) patriotic . . worthy
(E) respectable . . degrading
答案：E
解析：“Respectable” and “degrading” most clearly convey a distinct change in the image of nursing: though nursing was first considered degrading, Florence Nightingale's accomplishments made it respectable.