Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Movement of nutrients from the digestive tube into the bloodstream.' Absorption specifically refers to the process where nutrients are taken up by the body from the digestive tract into the bloodstream for utilization. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B refers to the secretion of enzymes into the stomach, choice C refers to the absorption of water from the intestines, and choice D refers to the excretion of waste from the body, which are not the definitions of absorption.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To buttress a fence means to reinforce or support it, typically by adding extra material or structures to prevent it from falling apart. In this scenario, the homeowner needs to strengthen the deteriorating section of the fence, making 'buttress' the correct answer. 'Degrade' means to diminish in quality, which is the opposite of what the homeowner should do. 'Hinder' means to create obstacles or difficulties, not a solution for the falling fence. 'Flounder' means to struggle or fail, which is not related to repairing the fence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: "Pondering" is another word for contemplating because it means to think about something carefully or thoroughly. Both terms imply deep reflection or consideration of a subject or idea. Therefore, "pondering" best captures the meaning of contemplating among the given choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'graduated.' In reported speech, the verb tense often shifts back, so 'graduated' (past tense) is the appropriate choice here. 'Completes' (present tense), 'finishes' (present tense), and 'finished' (past tense) are incorrect as they do not match the reported speech context where the verb tense typically shifts back. Therefore, 'graduated' is the most suitable choice to complete the sentence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To draw together.' Contract means to reduce in size or draw together. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they suggest actions opposite to what contracting means. A: 'To expand,' C: 'To elongate,' and D: 'To dissolve' all indicate actions that involve increasing in size or breaking apart, which are the opposite of what contracting means.