Multiple choice
Although John Lennon was frequently portrayed as sarcastic and emotionally ______, those who knew him well often described a surprisingly vulnerable individual who craved affection and reassurance.
A) baffled
B) hefty
C) aloof
D) deem
aloof
Having grown increasingly disillusioned with the relentless scrutiny of his private life, George Harrison began to __________ the celebrity lifestyle that had once seemed an inevitable consequence of the Beatles' extraordinary success.
shun
o openly disregard or show contempt for a rule, law, convention, or accepted standard of behaviour, especially in a deliberate or provocative manner.
flout
Although Let It Be eventually became a hugely successful album, the atmosphere during much of its recording was reportedly extremely unpleasant.
DISMAL
Despite Let It Be's eventual commercial success, the atmosphere during ........................................................ .
much of the recording of was dismal
Which Beatles song features the a tune similar to French nursery rhyme Frère Jacques sung in the background?
Paperback Writer
Despite R.E.M.'s enormous commercial success in the 1990s, Michael Stipe remained reluctant to ______ the band's chart performance a reliable indication of its artistic merit.
A) fathom
B) deem
C) baffle
D) aloof
deem
Although R.E.M. enjoyed considerable commercial success throughout the 1990s, Michael Stipe was never reluctant to __________ journalists who attempted to reduce the band's politically charged lyrics to simplistic interpretations.
berate
To introduce or raise a subject for discussion, particularly one that is sensitive, controversial, or potentially difficult to address.
broach
Some critics argued that R.E.M. had wasted an excellent opportunity to consolidate their mainstream popularity by releasing an album as experimental as Monster.
SQUANDERING
According to some critics, R.E.M.'s decision to release Monster amounted to ........................................................
squandering their mainstream popularity.
Which R.E.M. album takes its title from a restaurant slogan spotted by the band in Georgia?
Automatic for the People
Many music journalists were genuinely ______ by the Gallagher brothers' decision to reunite, having assumed that the bitterness surrounding their 2009 split had made reconciliation virtually impossible.
A) baffled
B) aloof
C) hefty
D) fathomed
baffled
Despite years of bitter public exchanges between Liam and Noel Gallagher, the enormous financial incentives associated with a reunion eventually persuaded both brothers to reconsider their positions, although Noel appeared to __________ over whether returning to the stage together was a wise decision.
waver
To regard someone or something with intense dislike, disgust, or moral revulsion; to detest or loathe profoundly.
abhor
The Gallagher brothers' reunion prompted an extraordinary rush for tickets, although the ticketing websites responded frustratingly slowly to the overwhelming demand.
SLUGGISH
Such was the demand for Oasis reunion tickets that fans were left frustrated ........................................................ .
by the sluggish ticketing websites
What was Oasis called before Noel Gallagher joined the band?
The Rain
Given Barça's well-documented financial difficulties, the club's willingness to commit a ______ sum to strengthening its squad has raised questions about its long-term economic strategy.
A) fathom
B) baffled
C) aloof
D) hefty
hefty
Barça's ongoing financial restrictions have continued to __________ the club's attempts to compete with Europe's wealthiest teams in the transfer market, forcing its sporting directors to rely increasingly on graduates from La Masia.
thwart/hinder
To pay careful attention to advice, a warning, an instruction, or an appeal, particularly with a view to acting upon it.
heed
Despite repeated warnings about the club's mounting debts, Barcelona's previous administration appeared completely unconcerned about the long-term financial consequences of its spending.
BLITHE
Despite repeated warnings about the club's debts, Barcelona's previous administration appeared ........................................................
blithe about the long-term financial implications of its spending
Who managed Barcelona when they won the 1958–60 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup?
Helenio Herrera
With opinion polls suggesting that neither major political bloc is likely to secure an outright majority, even seasoned analysts are struggling to ______ how a stable government might emerge from the next Spanish general election.
A) deem
B) fathom
C) baffle
D) hefty
fathom
Opposition parties have accused the government of introducing last-minute legislative changes designed to __________ their efforts to secure greater parliamentary scrutiny in the run-up to the next Spanish general election.
hinder/thwart
To attract, tempt, or persuade someone to do something by offering or suggesting something desirable, appealing, or advantageous.
entice
Unless the governing parties manage to regain public confidence before the next general election, their chances of securing another parliamentary majority will become increasingly slim.
DWINDLE
Should the governing parties fail to restore public confidence, their prospects of obtaining another parliamentary majority ........................................................ as the election approaches.
will dwindle
How many seats are needed for an absolute majority in Spain's 350-seat Congress of Deputies?
176