We knew Tom was looking for the right tool from the ___ of sounds which came from the shed.

• sputter

• clatter

• mutter

• flutter

Answer explanation

clatter of sounds: a series of short, loud sounds

The vegetation on the island was ___

• exuberant

• chivalrous

• overcast

• ingenious

Answer explanation

EXUBERANT: (of plants) strong and growing quickly

VEGETATION: plants in general, or plants that are found in a particular area

The river was flowing ___ after the heavy rainfall.

• serenely

• frantically

• nonchalantly

• arduously

Answer explanation

FRANTICALLY: in a hurried way and in a state of excitement or confusion

The artist's work was characterized by ___ use of colors.

• vivid

• dull

• monochrome

• subdued

Answer explanation

VIVID: very brightly coloured

The chef's ___ cooking style impressed the guests.

• experimental

• traditional

• haphazard

• meticulous

Answer explanation

METICULOUS: very careful and with great attention to every detail

Despite the high divorce rate, the ___ of marriage remains popular.

• practice

• habit

• institution

• state

Answer explanation

INSTITUTION: a custom or practice that has existed for a long time and is accepted as an important part of a society

Before the invention of the Internet, people couldn't ___ of such universal access to information.

• reminisce

• conceive

• contemplate

• access

Answer explanation

CONCEIVE (OF): to imagine something

A new computer has been produced, which will ___ all previous models.

• overdo

• supersede

• excel

• overwhelm

Answer explanation

SUPERSEDE: to replace something (especially something older or more old-fashioned)

The match ___ in the darkness.

• glared

• flared

• glowed

• gleamed

As a matter of ___, we have six security guards on the premises at all times.

• wisdom

• prudence

• foresight

• acumen

Answer explanation

AS A MATTER OF PRUDENCE: used to refer to someone's cautious behavior