Which phrase best completes the sentence: 'Despite _____, he managed to complete the race.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: his injury.' In the context of completing a race, an injury would be a significant obstacle to overcome. While choices B, C, and D could also pose challenges, an injury is the most severe hindrance that would make completing a race particularly difficult. His condition, pain, or fatigue may affect performance, but they are not as directly impactful as an injury in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Became.' In this sentence, we need the simple past tense 'became' to describe the action that occurred in the past. 'Become' (choice A) is incorrect as it is the base form of the verb and doesn't fit the sentence structure. 'Been' (choice C) is incorrect as it is the past participle and doesn't match the sentence context. 'Had become' (choice D) is unnecessary as the sentence doesn't require the past perfect tense.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Diameter is defined as the distance across the center of an object, typically a circle. Choice A is incorrect because width refers to the measurement of something from side to side, not necessarily through the center. Choice C is incorrect because height is a measurement from top to bottom, not across the center. Choice D is incorrect because the radius of a circle is the distance from the center to any point on the circle's circumference, not the distance across the center.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: TO GATHER TOGETHER means to bring things or people together in one place. The word "assemble" is synonymous with gathering together and is the most appropriate choice among the given options.

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: D

Rationale: The sentence 'He runs fast' uses 'fast' correctly as an adverb. An adverb is used to describe a verb and in this case, 'fast' is describing how 'he runs.' Choices A, B, and C use 'fast' as an adjective, not an adverb. In choice A, 'fast' is describing the car, in choice B it is describing how the car drove, and in choice C it is describing the runner.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Concave means rounded inward. When something is concave, it curves inwards like the interior of a bowl. Choice B, 'Rounded outward,' is incorrect as this describes a convex shape, not concave. Choice C, 'Straight,' is incorrect as concave refers to a curved shape, not a straight one. Choice D, 'Flat,' is also incorrect as it does not describe the inward curve characteristic of concave shapes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rush. To expedite means to accelerate the progress or speed of something, to hasten or facilitate. 'Transfer' (choice A) means to move from one place to another, 'Cancel' (choice C) means to call off, and 'Hold' (choice D) means to keep or detain. Therefore, 'Rush' is the most appropriate synonym for expedite in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Correct answer: Another word for AFFECT is INFLUENCE. Affect and influence are synonymous when used in the context of producing an effect on something or someone. Choice A, 'Reduce,' is incorrect as it means to make something smaller or lessen its quantity. Choice B, 'Contaminate,' is incorrect as it means to make something impure or harmful. Choice C, 'Eliminate,' is incorrect as it means to completely remove or get rid of something.