1. Those who know Larry quite well are extremely shocked by his _____ remarks as he is usually gentle and moderate.
(A) brindled
(B) astringent
(C) cathartic
(D) dexterous

12. Why does the author use the word Iuckily in mentioning that the Ambulocetus natans fossil included hind legs? (A) Fossil legs of early whales are a rare find. (B) The legs provided important information about the evolution of cetaceans. (C) I he discovery allowed scientists to reconstruct a complete skeleton of the whale.

13.Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage? (A) Even though Ambulocetus swam by moving its bodv up and down. it did not have a backhonp (B) The backbone of Ambulocetus, which allowed it to swim, provides evidence of its missing fluke. (C) Although Ambulocetus had no fluke, its backbone structure shows that it swam like modern whales.

14. The word propulsion in the udssd ge is clusest in meaning to (A)staying afloat(2Changindiectio3)eceasin weight(D)Moving forward

15. Look at the four squares[■ ] that indicate where the following sentence can be added to the passage. "This is a question that has puzzled scientists for ages." Where would the sentence best fit? (A)1(B)2(C)3(D)4

2. The lack of financial support and the shortage of workforce have _____ the process of the project. (A) encumbered (B) flaunted (C) germinated (D) harangued

3. There is no wonder that Greg is considered _____ since he always messes up tasks assigned, even those easy ones. (A) jocose (B) limpid (C) mellifluous (D) imbecile

4. The construction of the garbage incinerator was rejected by the locals due to the _____ smoke harmful to the residents. (A) obstreperous (B) pecuniary (C) noxious (D) recalcitrant

5. Walking is definitely a(n) _____ exercise. Studies show that walking at least 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk for coronary heart disease. (A) taciturn (B) salutary (C) unkempt (D) vitriolic

6. Flying in the air was once regarded as a ____ and crazy idea before the invention of airplanes. (A) xenophobic (B) acephalous (C) blithe (D) whimsical

7. Catherine is such a ____ person that all of her colleagues find it hard to work with her. Her picky personality also leaves her only few friends. (A) captious (B) diurnal (C) enamored (D) florid