Explanation

24.
In the context in which it appears, “shades” is used to refer to the subtle distinctions in meaning that are made possible by “multiple definitions, each subtly different from all the others.” Since the sentence deals with multiple definitions conveying meaning, Choice C (“obscurities”) and the more literal Choice D (“coverings”) may be eliminated. In deciding between Choice B and Choice E, one should bear in mind that the sentence focuses on subtle differences in meaning as opposed to different degrees of emphasis for the same meaning. Choice B, “nuances,” best captures this sense of slight variations in meaning and is therefore the correct answer.


25.
Lines "The inner life of a writer often says more than most readers can know; the mind of a reader can discover truths that go beyond the intent or
perhaps even the comprehension of the writer" clearly indicate that multiple meanings of words enable readers to “discover truths that go beyond the intent or perhaps even the comprehension of the writer”; hence, Choice C is the correct answer. Choices A, B, D, and E all deal with topics that are not mentioned in the passage: the writer’s life, the reader’s frustration, the avoidance of ambiguity, and the question of how efficiently multiple definitions can aid in the presentation of unfamiliar ideas.