Explanation:

The author is bringing to our knowledge how obesity can cause sleep apnea. He says that sleep apnea is caused by snoring, which is a result of physical discomfort due to obesity. This does not imply that obesity is a ‘governing’ factor of sleep apnea, nor does it mean that obesity is decisive to sleep apnea. The text simply implies that obesity contributes to sleep apnea and consequently ‘contributing’ is the correct option. For the second blank, we select the option ‘encourage’. We reject the option ‘counsel’ because counseling is required for someone who does not accept the suggestion and needs some discussion. Out of the other two options, we select ‘encourage’ because it shows more concern than the word ‘suggest’ does. The author is talking about either you or people around you facing the problem of sleep apnea. The reader is either the sufferer himself or he is worried about the sufferer. This is clear from the first two sentences. Hence, the reader needs to give confidence to the sufferer that a doctor could help him; merely suggesting might not be enough. Thus, we choose ‘encourage’ over ‘suggest’. For the last blank, we reject the option ‘fatal’ as it shall not leave any scope of probability. The author says that you may stop breathing, but he does not imply that it could be fatal. Out of the other two options, ‘dangerous’ is more suitable than ‘risky’ is as there is an element of unpredictability in risky whereas dangerous means unsafe.

Explanation:

The given paragraph is about successful people and leaders. The option ‘structure’ is not correct for the first blank. Changing the structure of an organization need not be required for success. Out of the other two options, we select ‘pace’. The reason behind this selection is the use of the word ‘turnover’. The word cannot be associated with ‘progress’ as it signifies improvement in any case. ‘Turnover’ can be linked with ‘pace’ as there is scope of improvement of the pace of an organization, unlike the ‘progress’. For the second blank, we reject the word ‘conscientious’. We reject this option in light of the succeeding sentence. The author says that successful people do not blame others in case of failures. This statement supports the other two options better and hence we reject ‘conscientious’. Out of the remaining options, we select ‘accountable’. To be responsible means to shoulder the task, whereas there is a certain amount to answerability in the word ‘accountability’. When you are responsible, you need not be answerable to others, but you are answerable to others when you are accountable. Since the given paragraph refers to an organizational set-up, we select ‘accountability’. The succeeding sentence also lends support to our choice. For the last blank, the correct answer is ‘proactive’. The option ‘meticulous’ is rejected because it conveys the same meaning as the preceding sentence does. The option ‘progressive’ is rejected because it does not add to what is already said. The option ‘proactive’ explains how successful people think before time and this option also finds support in the sentence itself.

Explanation:

In the beginning of the paragraph, the author shows to the reader that the writer of God Went Fishing, Shields, tells readers to find a little humor in the reality of today’s world. The same idea is explained in other words in the second sentence. The writer says that the book is meant to make people laugh in light of everyday ‘woes’. This word is thus the correct answer option. For the second blank, the option ‘controversy’ is the most appropriate answer option. The option ‘confusion’ is clearly wrong as it does not find any support in the paragraph. Out of the other two options, we observe that the aspect of provoking ‘contemplation’ is already mentioned in the sentence, when the author uses the words ‘ignite thought’. The author says that the book has elements that can spark debate and ‘controversy’. This is the correct answer option. For the last blank, we readily reject the option ‘restoration’ as the other options are more suitable. Out of ‘stability’ and ‘redemption’, we select the latter. The selected option means deliverance from sin or salvation. The book ignites thought and sparks controversy. It mainly discusses the battle between good and evil and concludes with the notion of ‘redemption’. The option fits in logically in the sentence.

Explanation:

In the given paragraph, the author gives important advice to the reader. The reader is someone who aspires to become a motivational speaker. In the beginning of the paragraph, the author advises the reader to have a clear message. A clear message shall help you keep ‘in pulse with the main message’. In other words, you shall not wander from the topic to become ‘irrelevant’. Even if you deliver disconnected messages, you can still remain in pulse with the main message; that is a matter of structure, irrespective of the content. Hence, the correct answer for the first blank is ‘irrelevant’. For the second blank, we select the option ‘articulate’. The previous sentence shows that the scenario is that of your delivering the speech since the author uses the word ‘talking’. Hence, the sentence under consideration shall also refer to the same scenario. The author means that you will state clearly or ‘articulate’ why you are delivering the message and what benefit it holds for the audience. The other options are consequently incorrect. For the last blank, the correct answer option is ‘promote’. The author asks the reader to promote himself as much as he would promote any other inspirational speaker. The answer choice is amply clear from the last two sentences.

Explanation:

For the first blank, we reject the word ‘initially’ since the sentence shows a pattern, which is based on likelihood. The author himself says that the obstruction that causes might be partial or complete. Hence, the related problems arising cannot be fixed in pattern. The snoring could ‘initially’ be very low and then turn to loud. On a similar logic, we reject the option ‘alternately’ as well. The option ‘often’ is the best fit because it shows a generalization, which can have some exceptions also, depending on the situation. For the second blank, we readily reject the option ‘grasp’ since it means to hold or seize firmly. This option can be confused with ‘gasp’, which could be an appropriate option. The problem described in the paragraph is that of difficulty in breathing because of obstructed airways. The word ‘pant’ means to breathe hard or quickly, the word ‘grunt’ means to utter a deep sound. Clearly, ‘pant’ is the correct answer option. For the last blank, we need to read the sentence carefully. The author says that the pattern is ‘snoring and stopping’. Besides, we understand from the description in the paragraph that the pattern is ‘disturbed and irregular’. We shall not add to the meaning of the sentence by using either of these options. Consequently, we choose the option ‘destructive’, which means damaging.

Explanation:

In the given paragraph, the focus is on overdoing time management and making it a hindrance instead of a help. The author says that time management is a good thing in itself but when one takes it to the ‘extreme’ and it crosses the ‘limits’ the effect is ‘reversed’ as it becomes a hindrance. Clearly, the correct answer option for the first blank is ‘extreme’. For the second blank, we analyze each option. ‘Urge’ means instinctive impulse, ‘drive’ means a vigorous course towards a goal and ‘pursuit’ means a quest. In the given context, the option ‘drive’ is the most suitable one. For the last blank, we select the option ‘abuse’. Clearly, the option ‘bungle’ is not appropriate. Out of the other two, we have to look for the one that conveys the opposite sense of ‘use of time management to best advantage’. The option best suited for showing the contrast is ‘abuse’. While misuse means to use wrongly, ‘abuse’ means to use in an unjust manner. Hence, we choose the option ‘abuse’.

Explanation:

The author writes this paragraph to support hiring private detectives. He opens the paragraph by saying that one should be positive. Then he says that people should look for good private detectives since they do the needful and offer a lot of support as well. For the first blank, we reject the option ‘detectives’ since the introduction to detectives comes in the third sentence only. In the first two sentences, the author focuses on the sufferers only. He says that they should keep up hope and not suffer alone. They should look for ‘help’. To support means to hold up whereas to help means to provide assistance; hence, the latter is more suitable. For the second blank, we select the option ‘crucial’. The sentence shows how detectives can be actually useful. The author brings out a contrast by showing how they can actually deliver results even though they are ‘often criticized’. The most suitable word for showing the contrast will be ‘crucial’. Though detectives are criticized, they can make a difference in crucial moments. For the last blank, we select the word ‘emotional’. This shows the scope of the assistance that a detective can offer. ‘Economical’ is clearly an incorrect option. The detectives can make ‘life easier in a difficult situation’ by the emotional support they offer, in addition to their professional duties. The first two sentences also lend support to this answer choice.

Explanation:

The given paragraph is about how people train and keep various things in mind to impress an audience. More than half of the paragraph describes the practices of eloquent speakers. The first blank cannot be filled with the word ‘ensconced’ as it means securely sheltered and it does not go with the theme of the paragraph. Out of the remaining options, we select ‘rigorous’ over ‘relentless’. While both the words seem to be synonymous, they differ in degree. ‘Rigorous’ means rigidly sever or precise, while ‘relentless’ means harsh to the extent of being unyielding. For the second blank, we reject the option ‘immaculate’ since it is irrelevant to the topic. ‘Articulate’ means capable of speech or clear speech and ‘eloquent’ means having fluent, forceful and appropriate speech. Clearly, the word ‘eloquent’ is more appropriate since it brings out the transformation. Curran used to stutter and then became an eloquent advocate. The correct answer option is thus ‘eloquent’. For the last blank, we need to carefully analyze the last two sentences. The emphasis in the last two sentences is on the eyes, face, arms, body, looks and how one sounds. These, the author says, can be used to elicit the right response. They can be categorized as aspects of posturing rather than personality or performance. Personality is the summation of a lot of other features as well and the same is the case with performance. Hence, ‘posturing’ is the correct answer option.

Explanation:

The author is giving some suggestions related with panic and negative thought. He suggests a self-help method in the first sentence. He says that you should think good thoughts only and sleep and take rest. These ideas will basically help you ‘relax’. ‘Enjoy’ is not the correct option since it does not gain support in the paragraph. Out of ‘de-stress’ and ‘relax’, we select the latter because the author does not suggest the existence of stress in the life of the reader. He says that you need to relax and avoid negative thoughts. He is giving a precautionary suggestion and not a curative one. For the second blank, the suitable options are ‘occupy’ and ‘preoccupy’ since the sentence is about the mind. Out of these two selected options, the word ‘occupy’ means to fill up, whereas to preoccupy means to occupy beforehand. The author says that you should not fill your mind with thoughts that ‘provoke’ panic. Hence, we select the option ‘preoccupy’ for this blank. You should not fill your mind beforehand with thoughts that can provoke panic. For the last blank, the option ‘occupy’ is clearly incorrect. The author suggests that you should relax yourself, avoid negative thoughts and excite your ‘thoughts and senses’ so that your mind does not remain idle. Thus, we select the option ‘stimulate’.

Explanation:

In the first two sentences, the author is telling the reader that if he or she is confused about how to react then it is difficult to be empathic. This means that if you and your partner feel the same way, then your reactions shall automatically be empathic. The best answer option for the first blank is ‘instantly’. If you directly or immediately feel the same emotions as your partner does, then you can share the same understanding of an issue, else it is difficult to react with similar sensitivities. For the second blank, we select the option ‘frustration’. In the last sentence, the author says that your inability to feel empathy for your partner combined with non-empathic communication shall make him or her feel worse. This is a comparative word and hence we select the option ‘frustration’. You and your partner shall have misunderstandings and feel frustrated. In the last sentence, the author gives an example of how non-empathic communication can make an already bad scene worse. He says that if you give an ‘unsolicited’ opinion it shall make matters worse. We select this option because your opinion can be logical as well as unimportant, but when you are not asked for it, it shall not be received well. The question here is of emotions and not of logic. When you have hurt your partner, you shall make him or her feel worse by trying to communicate without true empathy.

Explanation:

For the first blank, we select the option ‘prospects’. The author says that when our clients are happy with our work they will refer us to other people who can be our ‘prospective’ clients. Hence, he calls them ‘prospects’. For the second blank, we select the option ‘tentative’. When we have faltered in the past, our clients shall take time to trust us completely again. Hence, their support may be unsure, uncertain or ‘tentative’. They shall be cautious and check you for your seriousness. Since they have suffered in the past because of you, they will be careful before they arrive at any decision about you. As you become more dedicated and show ‘consistency’, your clients will be appreciative of your efforts.

Explanation:

The writer says that the fundamental treatment options for sleep apnea include options devoid of medicines. He then says that there are still no approved medicines that are ‘specifically’ for sleep apnea. The medicines have to first exist in order to be ‘successful’ and ‘effective’. Had there been any medicines available, the writer would have mentioned as much in the paragraph. For the second blank, we reject the option ‘personalized’ as any treatment suggested by a doctor is personalized by default. Out of the other two options, we reject the option ‘suitable’ as it would lead to a repetition. The first step towards effective treatment is to discuss the most suitable treatment option for you. The correct answer is ‘effective’. In the first sentence, there is mention of basic treatment options, including mouthpieces. In the last sentence, the writer says that mouthpieces are ‘specifically’ for those suffering with mild sleep apnea. The other options are not as apt, in light of the first sentence.

Explanation:

The option ‘hosting’ is clearly wrong, as it is illogical. Out of the remaining two options, we select ‘enjoying’. The paragraph begins with a general statement, then there are two random examples to explain the meaning and ultimately it ends in a general statement. The last sentence says that if you have to miss the events that would make you happy, then you need to get help to treat your phobia. In line with this thought, we select the option ‘enjoying’. For the second blank, we readily reject the option ‘self-help’ because there is nothing in the sentence that supports the idea of treatment in opposition to self-help. The author is not rejecting the option of helping yourself. Out of the remaining options, we select ‘willpower’. ‘Courage’ means bravery and ‘willpower’ is firmness of will. You can get over your fears if you have the willpower to be courageous and face the fears. A strong determined effort is required to overcome fears, courage is the next requirement. For the last blank, we select the option ‘ruin’. ‘Influence’ means the same as ‘affect’ and hence we reject it. The author is trying to convince the reader to get help to remove his phobia by downplaying its effect. He says that the phobia does not have a major or even a minor effect on our daily lives. Hence, we use the stronger of the two options, i.e. ‘ruin’.

Explanation:

For the first blank, the correct answer is clearly ‘depression’. This is amply understood when you go through the complete paragraph. The author mentions the factors that can ‘push a person is a state of depression’. For the second blank, the correct answer is ‘intensity’. ‘Intensity’ means strength while ‘extent’ and ‘scope’ mean degree. For the last blank, we understand the correct answer from the last sentence. The author says that natural remedies do not have any side effects and that is why they are favored by people. The state of depression is related with the emotional state of a person and hence it can ‘reoccur’ after getting cured if the circumstances are such. The other options are not correct.

Explanation:

We understand from the paragraph that Bob made efforts of astounding proportions to help animals. He travelled far and wide in his pursuit. This shows extreme form of devotion and hence it is ‘dedication’. Bob had dedicated himself to helping animals. For the second blank, we select the option ‘medium’. The psychic powers of Gabriella were supernatural. She is the one who is referred to as ‘animal loving’ in the sentence. One of the meanings of the word ‘medium’ is a person through whom spirits contact the living. In the given context, this meaning of ‘medium’ is the only appropriate answer option. For the last blank, we select the option ‘review’. The word ‘parameter’ means a constraint, ‘guideline’ means principle and ‘review’ means assessment. Hence, Gabriella made an assessment of how to use astrology and horoscopes to rescue animals. The correct answer is ‘review’.