OE


A,   F Look at the key phrase “hurricane weakened considerably.” This phrase suggests a positive outcome for residents, so the correct answers will reflect this. Choice (A) assuage means “to lessen or relieve.” It makes sense that people’s fears were relieved. Choice (F) allay also means “to lessen or relieve.” Only (A) and (F) give the sentence the same meaning, so they’re correct. Even if you didn’t know the meaning of either correct answer, you could use the process of elimination to rule out the words you know don’t fit. Choice (D) annihilate, meaning “destroy,” is a very negative word, and you need a positive one. Choice (B) emblazon means “to adorn, decorate, or celebrate.” This doesn’t work in the sentence. Choice (C) ignite means “to light a fire” or “to arouse one’s passions.” This would imply that the residents’ fears grew more intense, and you need the opposite meaning. Choice (E) mediate shares its root with the word medium, which means “in the middle.” That doesn’t make sense in the context of people who’ve just received news that a threatening storm is abating.