The word "exert" in line 14 is closest in meaning to A. put B. reduce C. replace

Indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s):

I prefer reading fictional stories to hearing about real events.

The _______ music for the film has been taken from the works of Chopins.

Last night, we ____ for you for ages but you never ____ up.

Ancient civilizations were not aware that the earth ______ a sphere.

In lines 13-17, why does the author compare tree roots with growing salt crystals?

In lines 17-18, the author mentions the "expansion of halite crystals...by heating and of sulfates and similar salts by hydration" in order to

The word "durable" in line 19 is closest in meaning to

The word "shattered" in line 20 is closest in meaning to