Verbal Ability (Fill in the blank)

Superfluous means more than is needed or desired; excessive, unnecessary, or redundant. In the context of a report being 'marred by detail', 'superfluous detail' means the report contained excessive, unnecessary information that detracted from its main purpose or clarity.

Banished means to send someone away from a country or place as punishment. While 'exiled' has a similar meaning, 'banished' is specifically used in the context of sending someone away to an unwanted place (like an uninhabited island) as a form of punishment or exclusion. 'Exhumed' means dug up (from a grave), and 'expelled' means forced to leave (typically an institution).

In the phrase 'in another ten years', the word 'another' is required because it refers to a future additional period of time. The phrase 'in another ten years' means 'ten years from now'. 'Other' cannot be used in this construction, and 'probably' appears later in the sentence already.

Shade refers to the dark area sheltered from direct sunlight, especially under a tree. In the context of someone sleeping under a tree, 'shade' is the correct word. 'Shelter' is too general, 'protection' is abstract, and 'shadow' refers to the dark shape cast by an object rather than the area itself.

Diverted means to cause something to change direction or course. In the context of traffic, 'diverted' is the standard term used to describe rerouting vehicles to alternative routes. 'Changed' is too vague, 'gone' doesn't fit the context, and 'shifted' is less precise than 'diverted' for traffic management.

Interrogated means to question someone formally and rigorously, especially about suspected crimes or political activities. In the context of dissidents (people who oppose government policies), 'interrogated' is the correct term. 'Inquired' is too mild, 'investigated' is broader, and 'probed' is less formal. The sentence describes political repression, where interrogation is commonly used.

The correct phrase is 'have a command over' which means to have mastery or control over a language. 'Command' is the most appropriate choice here as it directly relates to linguistic proficiency and dominance.

In legal contexts, judges 'try' cases - this is the standard terminology used in judicial proceedings. 'Try' means to examine or hear evidence in a court of law.

'Postpone' means to reschedule or delay something to a later time, which fits perfectly with the context of cancelling or delaying a trip due to family illness.

'Admire' means to regard with respect or warm approval. When you admire someone for determination, you appreciate their quality of being persistent and committed to their goals.

'Resolve a dilemma' is the correct collocation. While 'solve' is similar, 'resolve' is more precise when dealing with dilemmas or difficult situations that require decision-making.

'Beside' means next to or at the side of, which is the intended meaning here. 'Besides' means 'in addition to' or 'other than' and would change the meaning completely.

'Conference' is the most standard term for large formal meetings held at hotels. While other options could work in different contexts, 'hold a conference' is the most natural collocation for hotel events.

'Bestow' is the correct formal verb used with honors and awards. While 'awarded' would also be acceptable, 'bestow honours on someone' is more precise in formal contexts and fits the society's official recognition.

'A spell of warm weather' is a common idiomatic expression in English. 'Spell' here means a short period of time with specific weather conditions. While 'period' or 'time' would make sense, 'spell' is the most natural collocation with weather.

'Meagre' means very small or insufficient in quantity. When describing income that is inadequate to make purchases, 'meagre' is the precise term. 'Small' is too neutral, 'spare' means extra/unused, and 'scarce' typically describes resources in short supply, not someone's personal income.

Close in this context means the end or conclusion of a time period. The phrase at the close of this month is a standard expression meaning at the very end when the month finishes. It does not mean to shut or nearby here.

The word momentous means very important or significant. While momentary meaning temporary might seem to fit better with only in a pessimistic sense, the question is testing the contrast between momentary fleeting and momentous significant. The claimed answer is momentous.

Colleagues specifically refers to people you work with in a professional setting or office. Comrades suggests political or military solidarity, companions is more general for friends, and collaborators emphasizes working together on specific projects rather than the professional relationship itself.

To pursue a career means to follow it actively and work toward advancement in it. Direct your career would mean to give orders to it which doesnt make sense. Complete means finish, and follow suggests just continuing along rather than actively advancing.

To refuse means to decline or reject something offered. Refrain means to hold back from doing something, refute means to prove something wrong, and refuge is a noun meaning shelter not a verb that fits this context.

To command respect means to have a presence or authority that naturally earns respect from others. Observed respect would mean just noticed it, acquired suggests it was obtained like an object, and attained is similar to acquired. Commanded implies the respect was earned through their character and authority.

Proper means appropriate or suitable. In this context, paying proper attention means giving the right kind or adequate amount of attention to his studies. Remarkable would mean extraordinary attention, just means only or fair, and suitable is close but proper is the more natural collocation with attention.