Which of the following best explains the meaning of fastidious as it is used in the sentence? "Henry was fastidious about keeping his workspace organized, ensuring that every item was always in its proper place."

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this context, the word 'fastidious' describes someone who pays great attention to detail, is very meticulous, and particular about things being perfect. Henry's behavior of keeping his workspace organized and ensuring everything is in its proper place indicates his meticulous nature. 'Fussy' aligns best with this meaning as it conveys being hard to please and excessively attentive to detail, which accurately describes Henry's behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not capture the essence of being meticulous and attentive to detail, which is the central meaning conveyed by 'fastidious' in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B, 'When he leaped to the saddle, his horse bolted,' effectively removes the dangling modifier by clearly connecting the action of the subject ('he leaped to the saddle') with the consequence ('his horse bolted'). This restructuring ensures that the sentence is stylistically and logically clear. Choice A changes the order of the actions, which alters the original meaning. Choice C incorrectly places 'he leaped to the saddle' after 'His horse bolted,' leading to confusion. Choice D does not address the dangling modifier issue and maintains the original error in sentence structure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In medical terminology, the prefix 'an-' is commonly used to indicate 'without' or 'lack of.' In the word 'anaesthetic,' the prefix 'an-' combined with 'aesthetic' signifies the absence of sensation or feeling. Therefore, based on its meaning in medical usage, the most likely meaning of the prefix 'an-' is 'without.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: 'against,' 'away,' and 'before' do not align with the prefix 'an-' as used in medical terms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The prefix 'ante-' is commonly used to refer to something that comes before something else in terms of time, order, or position. In the provided sentence, the antechamber is described as a waiting area 'before' guests were allowed into the main hall. This usage indicates that 'ante-' in this context means 'before.' The other choices are incorrect: 'again' implies repetition, 'good' is unrelated, and 'together' does not fit the context of preceding or coming before something else.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: This sentence is an example of a simile because it compares 'his ego' to 'the tallest mountain' using the word 'as.' Similes use 'like' or 'as' to create a comparison, which is the case here. A metaphor, on the other hand, does not use 'like' or 'as' but instead states that one thing is another. Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, while idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning different from the literal interpretation. Therefore, the correct answer is 'C: Simile.'