Quiz 1.3 — Words in Context

7Words in Context (Easy). As a human body ages, its ability to remove damaged cells ______ time, resulting in an accumulation of senescent cells, which are cells that have ceased to replicate but are not removed by the immune system. Senescent cells release chemicals that trigger inflammation and are linked to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?*

8Words in Context (Easy). Many cave-dwelling salamanders have reduced or nonexistent eyesight due to the dark, subterranean environments in which they live and instead have evolved enhanced non-visual senses such as keen smell or touch. However, not all cave salamanders are completely ______ sight, and the extent of their vision can vary among species. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?*

9Words in Context (Medium). Rashomon, a jidaigeki or Japanese period piece, by Akira Kurosawa was originally deemed by many in the Japanese film industry as far too ______. In fact, Masaichi Nagata, the head of the studio that produced the film, famously walked out of the first screening and, until the picture started winning awards, openly disparaged the film as incomprehensible. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?*

10Words in Context (Medium). Over decades of searching the skies for signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life, scientists have found no solid evidence that humans have any nearby galactic brethren. According to the "dark forest" hypothesis, this is the luckiest of all scenarios: any intelligent species in the galaxy that becomes aware of another, this hypothesis states, would likely ______ the other in preemptive self-defense rather than risk becoming a target themselves should their newly-discovered neighbors turn out to be hostile. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?*

11Words in Context (Hard). Though famed in commonwealth nations for being the flavor preferred by "the posh," Earl Grey tea likely received its name as a means of rebranding. The method of soaking tea leaves in bergamot oil distinctive to Earl Grey was once used as a means of ______ the poor quality of some imported tea leaves before they were put out for open sale. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?*

12Words in Context (Hard). Although the Solonian Reforms (a series of political, economic, and legal reforms implemented in Athens in the early 6th century BCE) did not establish a full-fledged democracy, they were critical steps in that direction, introducing the concept of isonomia, which meant equal treatment under the law. Although the highest class in Greece still wielded the most political power, these reforms marked a move toward a more ______ form of governance for all the classes. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?*

13Words in Context, quoted word (Hard). The following text is adapted from the autobiography of Frederick Douglass. In the same book, I met with one of Sheridan's mighty speeches on behalf of Catholic emancipation. These were choice documents to me. I read them over and over again with unabated interest. They gave tongue to interesting thoughts of my own soul, which had frequently flashed through my mind, but died away for want of utterance. As used in the text, what does the word "want" most nearly mean?*