Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'despite.' 'Despite' is used to indicate a contrast between attending the party and the dislike for the host. 'Because of' (choice A) is incorrect as it would imply that she attended the party specifically because of her dislike for the host. 'In spite of' (choice C) has the same meaning as 'despite' but is less commonly used. 'Due to' (choice D) is incorrect as it is used to show causation, which does not fit the context of the sentence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The word 'did' is correctly used in the sentence to form the past tense of the verb 'do.' In this context, 'did' is the appropriate term. The other words in the sentence, 'work,' 'asked,' and 'before,' are all used correctly and do not represent an incorrect word choice. Therefore, 'did' is the only word that is not used incorrectly in the given sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word 'cease' means to stop or come to an end. In the given sentence, it is implied that the rain will stop at sundown, not decrease, begin, or increase. Therefore, the correct option is 'Stop.' 'Decrease' means to become smaller or less, which doesn't fit the context. 'Begin' means to start, which is the opposite of what is stated. 'Increase' means to become or make greater in amount, which is also contrary to the statement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The sentence 'Somebody left his or her jacket on the train.' is grammatically correct and respects gender neutrality. 'Somebody' is singular, so the pronoun 'their' in choice A is incorrect. Choice C changes the subject from 'somebody' to 'his,' making it grammatically incorrect. Choice D is grammatically correct, but it is less concise and more awkward than choice B, which smoothly combines 'his' and 'her' for gender-neutral language.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The term 'discrete' means individually separate and distinct. Therefore, the most appropriate choice to describe the symptoms that are distinct and separate from each other is 'separate' (option D). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not convey the specific meaning of the term 'discrete' as separate and distinct.