“Indulgent” means lenient or very generous. When someone is “avuncular,” they are like an uncle, more specifically in being kind and indulgent. If an adviser took the time to have a “lively discussion,” then these choices are fitting candidates. “Alacrity” refers to cheerful promptness. “Avuncular . . . alacrity” is the correct answer.

“Alimony” is money paid by one spouse to another to cover basic expenses, as ordered by the court. “Emollient” refers to something that soothes. When someone is “insouciant,” they are free from concern or anxiety — pretty much the opposite of the word we want for the first blank. “Incumbent” means it is mandatory as a responsibility. “Incumbent . . . alimony” is the correct answer.

"Oblivious" works because it is an adjective that describes the lack of knowledge of the dog--no other options really work in that case. "Kismet" is harder to derive, but echoes how dire the situation may have otherwise been unless the dog were fated to survive.

The other answer choices don't work for the following reasons.

"Wise" doesn't work because the dog is immediately described as "unwise" in the following phrase.

"Stupid" seems like it may work to describe the unwise dog, but the word "fire" accompanying it doesn't fit the context of the sentence as a cause for the dog to move out of the way.

"Clever" doesn't work because the dog is immediately described as being unwise in the following phrase.

"Innocuous," meaning harmless, doesn't fit the context of the unwise dog moving out of the way.

"Sheepish," meaning demonstrating embarrassment, also doesn't fit in describing the dog.

“Cadence” refers to the rhythm of the sound, and it would be a possible solution if “fetid” didn’t mean stinky. Similarly, “malodorous” means something has an unpleasant smell; note the difference between it and “melodious,” which is used to describe something that sounds like music. “Congruous” means appropriate or harmonious together. “Alliteration” refers to using the same sound at the beginning. “Congruous . . . alliteration” is the best answer.

The first blank is a little tough. It’s common to mix up “allusions” with “illusions” or “inference.” An “allusion” is an indirect reference to something— a definition that fits quite nicely. An “illusion” is a trick or deception. An “inference” is a conclusion drawn from sorting out the evidence. To be “engrossed” in something is to focus all of your attention. “Allusions . . . engrossed” is the correct answer.

There’s a right and wrong way to do things, at least insofar as a “scrupulous” person or group of people are concerned. “Scrupulous” means doing things carefully, properly, and precisely. It is hardly the word to follow “disorderly.” It is highly unlikely that a separation of two schools could make the halls and classrooms “congested.” “Amalgamation” refers to merging two or more things. “Amalgamation . . . muddled” is the correct answer.

Since there is a sentence shift, we can assume the word in the first blank has the opposite feel as the word in the second blank. For example, “innocuous” means harmless, and “amity” means friendship— these two meanings both have an easy, positive vibe, which means they are not the pair for which we are looking. “Innocuous” means something is not likely to hurt or offend. “Altercation” is a noisy fight. “Innocuous . . . altercation” is the correct answer.

The first blank should describe some kind of very horrible penalization—some kind of utter condemnation. The word "perdition" comes from the religious idea of being condemned for all eternity to hell. Though it is a bit overstated, it does capture the sense that this sentence is attempting to convey. Apparently Boniface's jury condemned him in this kind of absolute manner.

Now, as regards the jury, we really only know that they are unpitying. There may be other character traits for them, but we cannot say anything about those based on the clues provided here. Hence, the best option is the synonym for "unpitying," namely, "ruthless."

For the first blank, do not assume anything beyond the clues provided in the sentence. The river is only described as "winding through the mountains." We really do not know if it was wild or dangerous. Thus, the word "sinuous" is the best option. This word means bending or full of curves. Think of a sine wave from trigonometry—a continuously bending curve!

As for the second blank, it seems that Albert has a feeling of great respect for his ancestors. The closing interjection enforces this sense of appreciation. Otherwise, it would be tempting to read this second blank as expressing marvel. There is marvel involved in his reaction; however, the sense of appreciation should also be expressed in your choice of an answer. Hence, "reverence" is the best option among those provided.

The first blank needs to express the idea that the business never had enough money to pay back its creditors. Now, a number of the options describe businesses that are not very profitable. Even if a company is not greatly thriving, it may at least be "in the black"—that is, able to pay back its debts. If a company is "not solvent," it does not have the ability to pay back all of its debts. This is why the word "solvent" is better than the other options for the first blank.

As regards the second blank, the owner likely feared the arrival of his creditors, at least in the sense that they would "come" for the money. They could be aware of the debts and not actually request for them to be paid back. Once they came for the money, there would be trouble for the business owner. The word "advent" means arrival or coming. It comes from the Latin advenire, which is the source of the Christian season of Advent. "Advent" is the period just before Christmas. It is meant to prepare for the birth (i.e. the arrival) of Jesus of Nazareth.