The key word in this sentence is "unpredictable," which, when coupled with the way students avoid the professor, indicate that there is something unpleasant or disagreeable about him. "Cantankerous," which means ill-tempered or disagreeable, is the only answer choice with such a negative connotation.

The context of the sentence, that the CEO had to leave the company, indicates that the correct answer choice is something extremely serious. Also, because the comments were about his employees and got him in trouble, the tone of the comments had to be quite negative. "Derogatory," which means insulting and uncomplimentary, is the answer choice that best fits both of those parameters.

The behavior exhibited by the old woman is a clear indicator that she has some problems with money. Two of the answer choices, "obsequious" and "preeminent," do not have much to do with financial issues. "Resplendent" and "generous," while having some relation to money, generally indicate having a large amount of wealth. "Impecunious," which means not having financial means, is the correct choice.

While the player did receive a concussion, which indicates harm and mental confusion, the structure of the sentence indicates something different. The fact that the player has a good prognosis means that he was actually clear-headed and awake, making "lucid" the correct answer.

The main phrase to pay attention to in this sentence is "hopelessly out of touch." All choices with any sort of positive tone can be ruled out. The correct answer choice needs to indicate that the father looks silly, which is the definition of "ludicrous."

Laying in a hospital bed for months will make someone much less healthy-looking. Look for the answer choice that indicates an unhealthiness or sickness. "Gaunt," meaning thin or even bony, is the only answer choice with such a meaning.

The arrested man was never directly involved, but had some connection to illegal activities. The correct answer choice will have a meaning of working with or being linked to such acts. "Compliant," meaning accomodating or involved in, is the only possible answer choice.

"Inconsistent" means lacking agreement or self-contradictory. The fact that this sentence describes two things which are supposed to not agree should lead the reader to look for a choice which expresses some degree of disharmony.

"Candid" means honest and straightforward. The fact that he was recognized as trustworthy gives a strong clue to this. "Duplicitious" is the exact opposite, meaning deliberately deceptive or dishonest.

The word "contrary" implies a contradiction or opposites in some manner. The word "actually" tips the reader off to the fact that the actor's public and private personas are different and "contrary" is the only choice which reflects that.