The "humanitarian problems" are "massive"—this suggests the shortage of food is severe. The correct answer is therefore “acute,” which means severe, extreme, or intense. As for the other answer choices, “obtuse” means slow-witted; “drenched” means soaking wet; “hospitable” means welcoming and friendly, especially towards guests; and “innate” refers to a trait, skill, or ability and means possessed naturally instead of having been learned or taught.

Because the subject of the sentence won over the committee, it suggests his smile was in some way appealing or attractive. The correct answer is therefore “beguiling,” which means charming and attractive. As for the other answer choices, “jarring” means unsettling or disturbing; “paltry” means insignificant; "insincere" means not authentic or stemming from emotions one actually feels; and "pathetic" means causing others to feel pity for one.

The context of the sentence tells you that the answer choice must have something to do with being dull and not challenging. This should lead you to the correct answer “vapid,” which means offering nothing, not stimulating or challenging, or dull and tedious. As for the other answer choices, “cantankerous” means grumpy; “miserly” means not liking to spend money and not generous; “unruly” means out of control and disobedient; and "riveting" means holding one's attention completely due to being so interesting.

From the context of the sentence, you know the answer choice must relate to something that is not generally allowed in churches. “Profane” language is rude and irreligious language, so this is therefore the correct answer. (When used to describe other subjects, "profane" can also just mean secular, or not having to do with religious things.) As for the other answer choices, "haughty” means arrogant; “serene” means quiet and peaceful; “paltry” means existing or given in too little of a quantity; and “accommodating” means welcoming and helpful.

"Pious" means devout, but one calls people "devout," not religions, and not due to the number of deities a religion worships, so we can discard the answer "pious." We can also discard the answer choices "popular" and "obscure" because while Hinduism is a common religion, this has nothing to do with it involving the worship of many deities. This leaves us with "polytheistic" and "monotheistic." The key to solving this question at this point is understanding how different prefixes change the meaning of the base "theistic." "Poly-" means many and "mono-" means one, so it makes sense that "polytheistic" religions involve the worship of multiple deities and "monotheistic" religions involve the worship of a single deity. This means that "polytheistic" is the correct answer.

As the author employs the word “but” it suggests that the subject is not really charming, but rather uses his personality to mask an evil nature. This should lead to the correct answer “malevolent,” which means wicked-natured. To provide further help, “knowledgable" means knowing about a topic or wise; “humble” means modest and not arrogant; “capacious” means roomy; and “relentless” means constantly doing something or unstoppable.

"Plagiarism" means to copy someone else's words and not give them credit for it. If you are writing a report and take large chunks of information from a book or website, and don't credit your source, you are plagiarizing the author's work, or taking credit for it. Since, in this case, Eliza was severely punished in an academic setting, and she was punished because she had taken something from the internet, "plagiarism" is the only answer that makes sense. One is not punished merely for "researching," which carries an inherently neutral/positive connotation.

If Ruth is asking for help, the problem must be difficult. "Knotty" means difficult, when applied to a problem or task.

The author notes that his sister needs to learn this lesson on her own meaning he is probably unwilling, hesitant to help her. The correct answer therefore is "reluctant." To provide further help, "detrimental" means harmful; "zealous" means passionate; "fortunate" means lucky; "eager" means enthusiastic. 

Because the young man did not "endear" (inspire admiration and affection) himself to his colleagues you can reasonably assume that the correct answer must be something negative. The only negative answer choice is "brash," which means rude, cocky and arrogant, impudent. To provide further help, "eloquent" means well spoken; "deft" and "adept" both mean skilled and capable; "dynamic" means energetic.