1.Correct Answer: A
解析:
Clue: the part after the comma expands on what has been stated. Also note the word ‘least’, which here means ‘not’. Therefore, the peasants were least free, because they were fettered (restricted or bound) by superstition. (enfranchised = given voting rights; enthralled = fascinated; pinioned = tied down; encumbered = burdened)

2. Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Clue: ‘However’ indicates that the first part of the sentence is contradicted by the second. Therefore, if people once believed that spices preserved food, then the person mentioned found that spices did not preserve food, and in fact the spices were teeming (full of) bacteria etc. that could destroy the food.

3.Correct Answer: E
解析:
Clue: ‘but’ indicates something contradictory. So, if the waves are not absorbed they travel on indefinitely (apparently for ever), but the intensity gets less (diminishes) as they travel away. Remember, the sentence has to make the best sense, so saying that sound intensity increases as the waves travel is counter to common sense. (erratically = not constantly; alleviates = makes less severe)

4.Correct Answer: B
解析:
Clue: Since both ‘differ’ we need opposites. So, since ‘reserved’ and courteous’ are both good words, we need a ‘bad’ word for the blank. Choleric means easily angered and so would be a good opposite to restrained. (phlegmatic = calm, imperturbable; constrained = restrained; tractable = easily lead, docile; stoic = having fortitude)?