The word "shielded" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) raised
(B) protected
(C) hatched
(D) valued
352. A second, more dense atmosphere, however, gradually enveloped Earth as gasses from molten rocks within its hot interior escaped through volcanoes and steam vents.
The word "enveloped" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) surrounded
(B) changed
(C) escaped
(D) characterized
353. With much of the water vapor already condensed into water and the concentration of carbon dioxide dwindling, the atmosphere gradually became rich nitrogen.
The word "gradually" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) accidentally
(B) quickly
(C) in the end
(D) by degrees
354. At any rate, plant growth greatly enriched our atmosphere with oxygen. The reason for this enrichment is that plants, in the presence of sunlight, process carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen.
The word "At any rate" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) regardless
(B) in addition
(C) although unlikely
(D) fortunately
355. Over 25,000 islands are scattered across the surface of the Pacific, more than in all the other oceans combined, but their land area adds up to little more than 125,000 square kilometers, about the size of New York State, and their inhabitants total less than two million people, about a quarter of the number that live in New York City.
The word "scattered" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) widely known
(B) usually estimated
(C) rarely inhabited
(D) irregularly distributed
