Which of the following substitutions best captures the meaning of the word 'obsequious' in the sentence: 'The young apprentice was obsequious to his master, always eager to please'?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The word 'obsequious' means excessively submissive or eager to please, often to the point of showing deference. In this context, 'showing deference' best captures the meaning, indicating respect or submission rather than being poorly dressed, reserved, or aggressive. 'Poorly dressed' (B) is unrelated to the meaning of obsequious. 'Reserved' (C) suggests a different behavior that is opposite to being obsequious. 'Aggressive' (D) is the opposite of obsequious and does not fit the context of the sentence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word "bark" is used in two different contexts in the sentences provided. In the first sentence, "bark" refers to the covering of a tree, while in the second sentence, it refers to a sound made by a dog. Therefore, option C correctly states that "bark" has different meanings in each sentence - plant covering in the first sentence and a sound in the second. Option A is incorrect because the meanings are clear from the context. Option B is incorrect as the meaning is not defined by the references to the dog or the tree but by the context of the sentences. Option D is incorrect because there is no misspelling of the word in either sentence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: This sentence correctly uses commas to set off the nonrestrictive phrase 'my pet bird' in between the name 'Maya' and the rest of the sentence. Nonrestrictive phrases provide additional information but are not essential to the sentence's meaning. Choice B has a missing comma after 'Peter' to separate the list of names correctly. Choice C should use commas, not dashes, to separate the items in the list. Choice D lacks a comma after 'project' to separate the clauses in a compound sentence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The word 'piqued' means to stimulate or arouse interest or curiosity. In this context, the sentence is referring to Helene's interest in Shakespeare being stirred or awakened, which makes 'piqued' the correct word. Both 'peaked' and 'peeked' have different meanings (reaching the highest point and looking quickly, respectively) that do not fit the sentence. 'Peked' is not a valid word and does not make sense in the context of the sentence. Therefore, option 'A' is the correct choice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The prepositional phrases in the sentence are 'as a class' and 'into small groups,' making choices (a) and (c) correct. The phrase 'when we arrive' is not a prepositional phrase but rather a subordinate clause indicating a time. Prepositional phrases typically begin with a preposition (as, into) and end with a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause. Therefore, the correct answer is option D, as it correctly identifies the prepositional phrases in the sentence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The conjunction 'and' is used to connect the two independent clauses in the most effective and grammatically correct way. This choice maintains the clarity of the sentence and the relationship between the two ideas. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks the necessary conjunction to properly connect the two independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect as it misses the subject 'they' before 'were determined.' Choice D is incorrect as it lacks the necessary coordinating conjunction 'and' before 'were determined,' resulting in a run-on sentence.

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.'

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: A

Rationale: The correct spelling is 'intrude,' which means to enter a place or situation where one is unwelcome or not invited. The other answer choices, 'aclimate,' 'wisen,' and 'alude,' are misspelled. 'Aclimate' should be spelled as 'acclimate,' meaning to become accustomed to a new climate or environment. 'Wisen' is likely intended to be 'wisen' but is not a recognized word. 'Alude' should be spelled as 'allude,' meaning to suggest or call attention to indirectly.