DSE English Vocabulary Practice

詳解：The correct answer is A: 'apprehension' means anxiety or fear that something bad will happen. In the sentence, the public's negative reaction ('unfair') suggests they were worried or fearful, not approving (B) or indifferent (C). 'Acclaim' (D) means praise, which is positive.

詳解：The correct answer is B: 'plausible' means seeming reasonable or probable. The context says the hypothesis could explain all observations, so it is plausible. 'Dubious' (A) means doubtful, which contradicts the idea that it explains everything. 'Obscure' (C) means unclear, and 'redundant' (D) means unnecessary, both irrelevant.

詳解：The correct answer is B: 'mitigate' means to make something less severe or serious. Here, strict protocols are meant to reduce the risk. 'Exacerbate' (A) and 'intensify' (D) both mean to make worse, which is opposite. 'Alleviate' (C) means to make pain or problem less severe, but it is typically used for suffering or pain, not risk; 'mitigate' is more appropriate for risk.

詳解：The correct answer is B: 'evocative' means bringing strong images or feelings to mind. The phrase 'painting vivid pictures' indicates that the descriptions are evocative. 'Mundane' (A) means ordinary and dull, opposite. 'Verbose' (C) means using more words than needed, not necessarily vivid. 'Ambiguous' (D) means unclear, which is not consistent with vividness.

詳解：The correct answer is B: 'counterproductive' means having the opposite effect from what is intended. The decision to cut costs was meant to improve finances, but it led to lower quality, which is counterproductive. 'Prudent' (A) and 'advisable' (D) both mean wise, which is opposite. 'Arbitrary' (C) means based on random choice, but the context suggests a negative outcome, not randomness.

詳解：The correct answer is B: 'vociferous' means expressing opinions or feelings loudly and forcefully. Criticism that is 'vociferous' is strong and loud, which fits the context of the politician being resolute despite it. 'Scanty' (A) means small amount, opposite. 'Reticent' (C) means reserved, not loud. 'Ambiguous' (D) means unclear, not relevant.

詳解：The correct answer is B: 'monotonous' means dull and repetitive, causing boredom. The fact that students struggled to stay awake indicates the lecture was boring. 'Engaging' (A), 'lively' (C), and 'stimulating' (D) all mean interesting, which is the opposite.

詳解：The correct answer is A: 'bolster' means to support or strengthen. The government would want to strengthen the currency's value. 'Belittle' (B) means to make seem less important, 'berate' (C) means to scold, and 'blemish' (D) means to spoil or damage; none fit the context.

詳解：The correct answer is B: 'urgency' means importance requiring immediate action. As a deadline approaches, urgency increases, prompting efficiency. 'Lethargy' (A) means lack of energy, which would not increase efficiency. 'Complacency' (C) means self-satisfaction, and 'indifference' (D) means lack of interest; both would reduce efficiency.

詳解：The correct answer is B: 'eloquent' means fluent and persuasive in speaking. An inspiring speech would be eloquent. 'Apathetic' (A) means showing no interest, 'monotonous' (C) means boring, and 'ambiguous' (D) means unclear; none would inspire.