This sentence initiates a contrast between Patrick and Isaac by using "although." It seems that Isaac becomes drunk very easily; however, Patrick does not become inebriated in this way. (The word just means to become drunk.) It seems that Isaac fears being in a drunken stupor—that is, a state of unconsciousness (or at least semi-consciousness). Thus, he remains sober—in the sense of avoiding alcohol. (The word can also mean serious—a person who is not drinking might well be a serious temperament.)

The first blank is relatively easy, for the best noun for a group of disconnected things is "jumble," which describes a disorganized pile of things—though the expression can be metaphorically transferred to "things" like thoughts as well. The word "instead" indicates that it actually was something quite different from such a jumble. It was organized. Therefore, its topics could be said to be "interwoven." If they are so, it also makes sense to say that they are an "arrangement," which is well contrasted to the "jumble" spoken of in the first part of the sentence.

The conjunction "but" let us know that there is a contrast in the sentence to look out for. We also can use the word "stranded" to infer what kind of hour it is referring to. "Verdant" is defined as green and lush, "vista" is a panoramic view, and "prudent" is defined as wisely cautious.

The answer here is one of degree. Although Diane's work of art was fine, the competitors were superior, and thus she did not win. From the logic of the sentence, we know that the first statement will be positive, and the second will reflect on the reasons for her failure, which in this case was the superior competition. It would not make sense, for instance, for an exceptionally "creative" work of art to lose out to "lackluster" competition.

A number of these possible answers do have a correct word (or set of words) for the second blank. This needs to be something like "colder" or "brisker." However, the key blank is the first. It clearly needs to be opposed to the word "literally." The point is that most people use words in ways that are not literal, even when they say they are speaking "literally." A metaphorical use of a word is one that is extended, as when we say that the glass is "sweating" when what is really occurring is condensation. The last blank, likewise, is quite obviously something like "initially" or "originally."

The clues here lead us to see that Peter has in mind several options that are short-term. While these solutions do not provide the final solution to his long-term goals, they do contribute to the accomplishment of such things. From the structure of the sentence, we can see that the first and the third blanks must be filled with words that are relatively similar in meaning. "Intermediary" and "temporary" are not exactly the same, but things that are only "in the middle" (i.e. intermediary) are not generally meant to last for the long-term. The general idea is that as time passes, these temporary solutions can set the stage for greater, more durable things in the future.

This sentence indicates a contrast between the subject and other older professors. It directly indicates that the professor in question had an "openness" to ideas. Therefore, he did not become "closed off" from new ideas. To be "doctrinaire" is to be rigid in your beliefs—taking them like they are "finished doctrines or dogmas" like unquestionable religious truths. To be "amenable" to new ideas is to be open to them. The other option "permeable" is a tempting wrong answer, but not as appropriate as "amenable." If he is open to these new ideas, he will be interested in them, hence listening to them with interest.

The closest incorrect answer is "gelatinous . . . puddles . . . encircle"; however, such gelatinous matter would not make "puddles." Clearly, however, the oatmeal is some kind of thick material. This is indicated by the clue latent in the language that states that it fell "reluctantly from the ladle" as well the explicit word "thick" used in the sentence. The word "viscous" describes a thick material that is neither fully solid nor liquid in its general characteristics. The related word "viscosity" represents a measure of such thickness. Such matter certainly would fall into little globules into the bowl.

Clearly, Paul's family thinks that he is making horrible choices. This is the best defense of the option "abominable." It might be tempting to choose "questionable . . . outcast . . . laudable," for the second blank needs to indicate the fact that Paul is being cast out from his family contacts; however, "laudable" means praiseworthy, so this is not a good answer. A "pariah" is an outcast, so this word works well for our purposes in this sentence as well. The introductory clause does not necessarily have to state that Paul's actions were good. It may well be that they are private—in contrast not to their "abominable" nature but, instead, to the public act of his family's shunning of him.

The word "dire" means extreme. We use this sometimes in the expression "dire poverty." The word "straits" means a state of difficulty. Now, it is likely tempting to choose "fortunes" or "need" as well; however, the coupled pair for the first two blanks must be contrasted and relative to this idea of being in dire need. We know the contrast must hold because of the "although" construction. Particularly, the contrast is between what Odo appears to be and what he can be at times (by helping the needy). To be "altruistic" is to be "other-focused." The "altr-" portion comes from the same basis as "alter" and "alterity," both of which refer to "otherness." This action seems to be in contrast to his normal way of acting, so it is astonishing to his friends!