1. Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 13 (reproduced below)? Actually, I did mind but grudgingly allowed him entrance into my sanctuary.
A. (as it is now) Correct
B. stubbornly
C. angrily
D. cautiously
Explanation
The word “grudgingly†in sentence 13 accurately conveys the chef’s reluctant and slightly resentful attitude toward allowing Danny into the kitchen, aligning with the context of her preference for solitude and initial discomfort. Alternatives like “stubbornly†suggest defiance, “angrily†implies stronger hostility, and “cautiously†indicates carefulness, none of which fit the nuanced tone of reluctance that shifts to acceptance as described in the passage. Thus, “grudgingly†remains the most precise and contextually appropriate choice.
2. In context, which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 14 and 15 (reproduced below)? My grumpiness dissolved. I saw how truly fascinated Danny was with what I was doing.
A. My grumpiness dissolved, and I
B. My grumpiness dissolved, though, when I Correct
C. Although my grumpiness had dissolved, I
D. When my grumpiness dissolved, I still
Explanation
Combining sentences 14 and 15 with “My grumpiness dissolved, though, when I†effectively links the chef’s change in mood to her observation of Danny’s fascination, maintaining the passage’s narrative flow and causal relationship. Option B uses “though†and “when†to clearly indicate the shift in attitude, while options A (incomplete), C (awkward tense and structure), and D (implies continued resistance, contradicting the context) are less precise or contextually appropriate.
3. In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 9 (reproduced below)? My husband and I have invited a neighboring family to dinner.
A. (as it is now)
B. had invited Correct
C. are inviting
D. would invite
Explanation
The phrase “had invited†is the best choice for sentence 9 because the invitation occurred before the dinner event described in the past tense in subsequent sentences, requiring the past perfect tense for chronological clarity. The original “have invited†(present perfect) is inconsistent with the past-tense narrative, “are inviting†suggests ongoing action, and “would invite†implies a hypothetical, none of which align with the context of a completed past action.
4. In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 4 (reproduced below)? The more important reason, therefore, is that at home I can cook alone.
A. (as it is now) Correct
B. similarly,
C. after all,
D. however,
Explanation
The word “therefore†in sentence 4 logically connects the second reason (cooking alone at home) to the preceding discussion of reasons for preferring home cooking, emphasizing its importance. Alternatives like “similarly†(implies comparison), “after all†(suggests a conclusion not yet warranted), and “however†(indicates contrast, which is inappropriate) do not fit the logical progression of the passage, making “therefore†the most suitable choice.
5. In context, which of the following words or phrases would most appropriately be inserted immediately before "in my own home kitchen" in sentence 7 (reproduced below)? It's only when I'm in my own home kitchen that I can relax and take real pleasure in the culinary arts.
A. here
B. helping out
C. surrounded by family
D. by myself Correct
Explanation
Inserting “by myself†before “in my own home kitchen†in sentence 7 reinforces the chef’s stated preference for cooking alone, which is central to the passage’s theme of valuing solitude in her home kitchen. Options like “here†(vague), “helping out†(irrelevant to context), and “surrounded by family†(contradicts the solitude theme) do not align with the passage’s focus on the chef’s solitary enjoyment of cooking at home.