She seems very ____________ and is obviously putting a lot of effort into her new job.

• conscientious

• persuasive

• courageous

• competent

Many owls are ________ creatures, meaning they are most active during the nighttime hours.

• Diurnal

• Nocturnal

• Arboreal

• Solitary

The severe storm damaged the old tree ________, leaving it beyond any hope of restoration.

• temporarily

• suddenly

• irreparably

• expertly

Some plants ________ in sandy soil, while others prefer loamy or clayey soil for optimal growth.

• struggle with

• perish in

• thrive on

• bring up

Indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in the following sentence:

The new software update promises to provide a more stable and robust performance, reducing crashes and glitches.

• inconsistent

• strong

• fragile

• complex

The historic landmark is highly __________ admiration by both locals and tourists for its cultural significance and architectural beauty.

• regarded with

• associated with

• ignored by

• disconnected from

Indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in the following question:

It has emerged that secret talks had been going on between the two companies before the takeover was announced.

• come to light

• conceal

• appeared

• blurt out

After months of planning and preparation, the construction project __________, with workers arriving on site and heavy machinery put into operation.

• encountered a delay

• faced insurmountable obstacles

• began in earnest

• stalled indefinitely

With two years' experience in the classroom, I'd say he's a very __________________ teacher

• down-to-earth

• unconventional

• knowledgeable

• outgoing

I think she'd make a great team leader because she's a __________________ sort of person, whereas I find it hard to make up my mind.

• narrow-minded

• decisive

• competent

• unconventional