Which of the answer choices best explains the purpose of the parentheses in the sentence?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Parentheses are used to set off supplementary information (the years of Franz Joseph I's reign) that provides context but does not disrupt the flow of the main sentence. Choice A is incorrect as the purpose of the parentheses in this case is not to offer commentary but to provide additional information. Choice B is incorrect as the parentheses do not modify or qualify the statement before. Choice C is incorrect as the information in the parentheses is not identified as being from another source.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the words proactive, progress, and projecting, 'pro-' is a prefix meaning 'before, forward, or front.' This prefix denotes something happening before or moving forward, as seen in 'progress' and 'projecting,' where it signifies moving ahead or progressing. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because 'pro-' is not a suffix, affix, or prefix that means 'good, on top of, or over,' 'after, behind, or in back of,' or 'against, under, or below' respectively. The key is to recognize the meaning of the prefix 'pro-' in the given words and associate it with concepts related to being before or moving forward.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the best supporting detail to follow Maria's topic sentence as it describes the initial planning stages of the holiday celebrations, which aligns with the concept of throwing elaborate holiday celebrations. It sets the stage for the organization and preparation involved in these events, making it a logical progression from the main idea. Choice A is incorrect as it presents a contrasting opinion about holidays that does not support the idea of elaborate celebrations. Choice C provides information about family size but does not directly relate to the process of throwing elaborate holiday celebrations. Choice D talks about post-celebration activities and does not directly support the initial statement about the elaborate celebrations themselves.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Anaesthetic'. 'Anaesthetic' refers to a drug that removes feeling or sensation. The prefix 'ana-' means without, and the root 'esthetic' relates to sensation or feeling. 'Hyperalgesia' refers to increased sensitivity to pain, 'Subcranial' does not relate to drugs or removing sensation, and 'Hypoglycemic' refers to low blood sugar levels, not a drug that removes feeling or sensation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'However.' In this context, the transitional word 'However' is used to introduce a contrast between the two sentences. The first sentence presents an argument about the potential dangers of complete freedom of speech, while the second questions the notion of living in a free society without such freedom. 'However' establishes a logical link by indicating a shift or contradiction in ideas. Choice B, 'Therefore,' would imply a cause-and-effect relationship, which is not supported by the content of the sentences. Choice C, 'So,' would indicate a conclusion or result, which does not fit the context. Choice D, 'Supposedly,' is not a suitable transitional word in this context as it does not connect the contrasting ideas presented in the sentences.