For each sentence, choose the most suitable option and write the letter in the ellipse.

The hunter came accidentally upon a decomposing corpse and called the police.

• The phrase "came accidentally upon" is best described by stumbled.
• Answer: b) stumbled

The assassin made an earnest request for clemency.

• An "earnest request" for mercy (clemency) is best described as a plea.
• Answer: b) plea

The painter fell off the roof of the new building and is in a ............ condition at the hospital.

• After falling off a roof, a person would likely be in a critical condition, meaning life-threatening.
• Answer: b) critical

Brian Lara was awarded the Trinity Cross for his excellent performance.

• An "excellent performance" that earns an award is exemplary.
• Answer: b) exemplary

The sly detective trailed the kidnapper to his den.

• A "den" in this context refers to a hideout or a place frequently visited. Haunt is the closest option.
• Answer: a) haunt

The grocer sells items which extend from shoe laces to hair spray.

• The phrase "extend from X to Y" indicates a range of items.
• Answer: a) range

The tourist walked round the periphery of the new swimming pool.

• "Periphery" means the outer boundary or edge of something.
• Answer: c) edge

The zoologist said that the reptile once had wings.

• A zoologist is a type of scientist who studies animals.
• Answer: c) scientist

Three vouchers for outstanding performance have been granted to Adams, Chanderpaul and Lara.

• Vouchers for performance are awarded.
• Answer: b) awarded

This week's match had to be shelved because of heavy rain over the past fortnight.

• "Shelved" means postponed or put off to a later time, which is synonymous with deferred.
• Answer: b) deferred

This fine painting was worth a lot.

• A painting that is "worth a lot" is often rare or of excellent quality. Given "fine" already implies quality, "rare" provides a reason for its high value.
• Answer: c) rare

The coroner inquired into the cause of death of the guard.

• A coroner's role is to inquire into or investigate the cause of death.
• Answer: a) inquired into

I have good hearing and am able to distinguish subtle sounds.

• To "distinguish" subtle sounds means to perceive and differentiate them.
• Answer: b) distinguish

An unidentified man was killed in a hit and run accident. The authorities wish to contact his relatives.

• The closest living relatives are referred to as next of kin.
• Answer: d) next of kin

The police-wrecker hauled those vehicles that were parked at the main gate of the stadium.

• A wrecker tows away vehicles.
• Answer: c) towed away

The hideout is not approachable by vehicles.

• "Approachable by vehicles" means accessible to vehicles.
• Answer: a) accessible to

The Customs Department collects tariff from importers.

• A "tariff" is a tax or duty levied on imported or exported goods.
• Answer: c) duties

The gangsters' attempt to rob the cashier was foiled by an alert guard.

• "Foiled" means prevented from succeeding, which is synonymous with thwarted.
• Answer: c) thwarted

When the Principal saw her office wide open, she perceived something was wrong.

• To "perceive something was wrong" means she sensed it.
• Answer: a) sensed

The revellers boarded their hired aircraft in high spirits.

• A "hired aircraft" for a specific journey is typically referred to as chartered.
• Answer: a) chartered