4. The old oak tree had a _____ bark, with patches of gray, brown, and green creating an intricate pattern on its trunk.
(A) husky
(B) mottled
(C) quaint
(D) rigid

50. What underlying assumption is made in the text to influence the overall argument? (A) The assumption that the arts are only beneficial for academically successful students (B) The assumption that the arts have a dubious impact on the development of character traits (C) The assumption that making art can alter the brain and improve learning (D) The assumption that student engagement leads to improved learning outcomes

1. The team of engineers struggled to _____ a design that would meet all the project’s requirements while staying within the allocated budget. (A) conceive (B) deceive (C) perceive (D) retrieve

2. During the job interview, the candidate asked several _____ questions about the company’s goals and work culture, demonstrating his genuine interest in the position. (A) conversant (B) fastidious (C) pertinent (D) stigmatized

3. The small village is _____ to have the best artisanal cheese in the region, attracting foodies from far and wide to sample its delicious offerings. (A) devoured (B) hoisted (C) muffled (D) reputed

5. After being left in the hot car, the garden hose was so _____ that water could barely squeeze through. (A) constricted (B) erudite (C) gluttonous (D) infatuated

6. The bakery’s _____, a jovial woman with flour-dusted cheeks, proudly displayed her freshly baked bread and pastries. (A) conjurer (B) hypnotist (C) proprietor (D) royalist

7. The fierce storm _____ the coastline with powerful waves and howling winds, causing significant erosion and damage to the beachfront properties. (A) belied (B) debunked (C) lashed (D) muddled

8. The formal gala was a night of _____, with guests indulging in champagne, laughter, and lively conversations that carried on into the early hours of the morning. (A) cremation (B) debasement (C) grievance (D) frivolity

9. After carefully planting the tomato seeds and providing the right conditions of warmth and moisture, the gardener was delighted to see the first sprouts _____ and break through the soil. (A) culminate (B) germinate (C) precipitate (D) truncate

10. The bride’s veil, a _____ of delicate lace and shimmering pearls, flowed gracefully behind her as she walked down the aisle. (A) brilliance (B) cascade (C) hymnal (D) lifeblood