Chapter 6

The editor found the author’s ________ style annoying, as he constantly used footnotes to explain very basic concepts. A) Pedantic B) Penitent C) Prolific D) Rudimentary

The ________ student spent more time staring out the window than completing his chemistry assignment. A) Pragmatic B) Astute C) Indolent D) Sagacious

The professor’s ________ was evident when he spoke; he seemed to have read every book ever written on the subject. A) Gaffe B) Erudition C) Penchant D) Asylum

Marcus has a ________ for spicy food; he adds hot sauce to almost every meal he eats. A) Gaffe B) Penchant C) Asylum D) Erudition

It can be difficult for immigrants to ________ into a new country while still maintaining their original cultural identity. A) Malinger B) Ascertain C) Proliferate D) Assimilate

He made a social ________ when he forgot the host's name during the introductory speech at the gala. A) Gaffe B) Penchant C) Erudition D) Asylum

The student’s ________ behavior toward the principal resulted in an immediate three-day suspension. A) Insolent B) Reticent C) Pedantic D) Tentative

In the spring, the weeds in the garden tend to ________ if they are not pulled out immediately. A) Ascertain B) Malinger C) Proliferate D) Assimilate

The detective’s ________ observation allowed him to notice the small clue that everyone else had missed. A) Indolent B) Astute C) Insular D) Penitent

After realizing he had hurt his friend’s feelings, Leo felt deeply ________ and offered a sincere apology. A) Indolent B) Penitent C) Specious D) Callous

The quiet boy was quite ________, rarely sharing his thoughts or feelings with his classmates. A) Insolent B) Reticent C) Pedantic D) Callous

Even with only a ________ understanding of French, she was able to navigate the subway system in Paris. A) Rudimentary B) Sagacious C) Prolific D) Erudite

Because the evidence was ________, the prosecutor decided not to move forward with the trial. A) Pragmatic B) Sagacious C) Tenuous D) Prolific

The billionaire’s ________ views were a result of never traveling outside of his small home town. A) Prolific B) Astute C) Insular D) Sagacious

The CEO was criticized for her ________ disregard for the workers' safety concerns during the factory expansion. A) Sagacious B) Callous C) Erudite D) Reticent

Political refugees often travel thousands of miles to seek ________ in a country where they will be safe from persecution. A) Erudition B) Gaffe C) Asylum D) Penchant

When the manager caught him trying to ________ by pretending to have a migraine, he was given a formal warning. A) Ascertain B) Assimilate C) Proliferate D) Malinger

Although the theory sounded ________ at first, a closer look at the data proved it was completely false. A) Specious B) Rudimentary C) Pragmatic D) Astute

Rather than worrying about "what-ifs," Sarah took a ________ approach to solving the budget crisis. A) Specious B) Pragmatic C) Tenuous D) Insular

After the massive data breach, the company worked quickly to ________ exactly how many accounts had been compromised. A) Assimilate B) Malinger C) Ascertain D) Proliferate