Nouns in One-Blank Texts

The key phrase in the sentence is "being laughed at." As that phrase refers back to the missing word, the correct answer must mean a big or notable laugh, the definition of guffaw.

The key element in the sentence is the obscenities and name-calling. The politician is giving not just any speech, but a nasty one full of hatred and abuse. The only answer choice that fits the sentence then, is "tirade," which means a speech full of nasty words and hatred.

While many words could fit this fairly wide ranging sentence, some clues help find the best choice. "The songwriter" is analyzing "his favorite writers" to "write better lyrics." "Prosody," meaning the study and analysis of poetry, is the correct answer.

The sentence notes the people described by the missing word go to the king to "ask his favor." The correct answer must show someone who is asking for something from a powerful person. "Supplicants," meaning people begging for favors, is the best choice among the answers.

The sentence notes two key facts, that the groups are "throughout the country" and that they have made "law enforcement highly concerned." The correct answer needs to indicate that the "terrorist groups" are spreading and disseminating, the definition of "proliferation."

The key phrase is "perfect agreement." Recognizing this, you can quickly ascertain the correct answer, if you know the meaning of unanimity—complete agreement in a group. It comes from the Latin roots "unus" (one; see "unity," "uniform," "unit," etc.) and "animus" (soul or mind; see "animated," "magnanimous").

The trash had essentially found a permanent home in the man's backseat, and the correct answer will indicate that. "Receptacle," meaning container or vessel, is the best answer choice.

The sentence notes both that the author was "uncomfortable with fame" and "never gave interviews." The correct answer will indicate the author's avoidance of others. "Recluse," meaning a person who cuts himself off from others, is the best choice.

If the subject is a "natural collector," then he would need to get something to collect. The correct answer will be a word indicating some small item. "Trinket," meaning a knick-knack or something of little value, is the best answer choice.

The use of "a small force" away "from the real invasion" means the correct answer needs to indicate a trick of some kind. "Decoy," meaning a fake used as a trap, is the best choice.