Chapters 1. 2. 3

24. To magnify a problem is to ____________. A) solve it diplomatically B) make it seem larger or more serious C) minimize its importance D) interpret it logically

12. Though usually tranquil, his placid demeanor could quickly turn to ____________ when provoked. A) equanimity B) dissonance C) volatility D) complacency

13. The circumventive strategy allowed the hackers to ____________ new security measures. A) comply with B) bypass cleverly C) strengthen D) document

4. The artist’s amorphous designs were admired for their ____________. A) geometric precision B) formless fluidity C) classical symmetry D) rigid structure

25. The pseudonym “George Eliot” concealed the identity of a female novelist; pseudo- means ____________. A) false B) secret C) foreign D) ancient

1. The monk’s lifestyle was intentionally ____________, rejecting all luxury and comfort. A) amorphous B) astringent C) ascetic D) ambivalent

6. Because of his malfeasance in office, the governor was ____________. A) promoted to a higher post B) removed for misconduct C) praised for honesty D) granted immunity

2. Her argument was so ____________ that no one could tell which side she supported. A) equivocal B) benevolent C) unanimous D) transparent

18. The historian’s anachronistic interpretation placed medieval values in a ____________ setting. A) futuristic B) modern C) classical D) realistic

10. The omniscient narrator possesses knowledge that is ____________. A) limited to one character B) flawed and biased C) complete and all-knowing D) purely speculative

5. The general remained ____________, scanning every detail before authorizing an attack. A) magnanimous B) circumspect C) ambivalent D) vociferous

23. The logophile delighted in words, whereas the bibliophile loved ____________. A) conversation B) writing C) books D) learning

21. Because the event was transitory, its influence was ____________. A) fleeting B) permanent C) monumental D) recurrent

14. Her ambiguous apology was so ____________ that no one knew if she was truly sorry. A) sincere B) contrite C) equivocal D) unequivocal

8. After hours of negotiation, the diplomat managed to ____________ hostilities between the two nations. A) placate B) provoke C) evoke D) magnify

22. The chronometer was vital to navigation because it could accurately ____________. A) measure time B) predict storms C) mark distance D) gauge altitude

9. The benevolent benefactor donated millions, while his malevolent rival sought to ____________ his reputation. A) vindicate B) malign C) exalt D) placate

11. The senator’s irrevocable decision meant that the policy was ____________. A) open to appeal B) final and unchangeable C) awaiting review D) subject to amendment

16. The politician’s vociferous outbursts were seen as an attempt to ____________ public opinion. A) suppress B) manipulate C) charm D) silence

3. The CEO’s ____________ attitude toward criticism revealed her belief that she was beyond reproach. A) complacent B) complaisant C) circumspect D) placid

20. The anthropocentric worldview assumes that everything revolves around ____________. A) divine beings B) humanity C) nature D) reason

19. A philanthropist differs from a misanthrope in that the former ____________. A) avoids people entirely B) distrusts human motives C) seeks the welfare of others D) despises society

7. The scientist’s discovery was lauded as a ____________ in modern medicine. A) metamorphosis B) chronometer C) magnate D) milestone

17. His antipathy toward authority made him ____________ to following orders. A) amenable B) hostile C) neutral D) indifferent

15. Ancient Greek philosophy often sought to balance pathos with logos—that is, ____________ with logic. A) passion B) truth C) speech D) faith