1. The conclusion of his argument, while ____ , is far from ____ .
A. stimulating - interesting
B. worthwhile - valueless
C. esoteric - obscureD. germane - relevant
E. abstruse - incomprehensible
Correct Answer: E
解析:
Clue: ‘far from’ indicates the need for an opposite. So, while the conclusion is abstruse (obscure, difficult to comprehend), it is not totally incomprehensible. (esoteric = obscure; germane = relevant)

2. In the Middle Ages, the ____ of the great cathedrals did not enter into the architects’ plans; almost invariably a cathedral was positioned haphazardly in ____ surroundings.
A. situation - incongruous
B. location - apt
C. ambience - salubrious
D. durability - convenientE. majesty - grandiose
Correct Answer: A
解析:
Clue: The semicolon indicates that the second part of the sentence expands on the first part. So, the second part tells us we are talking about the position, or situation of a cathedral. And since the first part tells us that architects did not pay attention to situation, the cathedral was positioned randomly in odd (incongruous) surroundings. (incongruous = not matching, odd; apt = suitable; ambience = atmosphere, environment; grandiose = on a grand scale)

3. Unwilling to admit that they had been in error, the researchers tried to ____ their case with more data obtained from dubious sources.
A. ascertain
B. buttress
C. refute
D. absolve
E. dispute
Correct Answer: B
解析:
Clue: The researchers were unwilling to admit that they were wrong. Therefore they would try to support (buttress) their arguments. (ascertain = find out; refute = prove wrong; absolve = forgive)

4. Archaeology is a poor profession; only ____ sums are available for excavating sites and even more ____ amounts for preserving the excavations.
A. paltry - meager
B. miniscule - substantial
C. average - augmented
D. judicious - penurious
E. modest - generous
Correct Answer: A
解析:
Clue: The part after the semicolon expands upon the first part of the sentence. So, since the first part tells us that there is no money in archaeology, then there will only be small (paltry) amounts for excavating. Also ‘even more’ indicates that another similar word is required. Thus, meager also means small. (miniscule = tiny; augmented = increased; judicious = wise, just; penurious = poor)