Question

the preferred method of boiling vegetables is to...
select one:
a. add a large amount of boiling water and cook for a long time
b. add a small amount of boiling water and cook for a short time
c. boil vegetables slowly in a weak soda solution
d. place vegetables in a pot of cold water and bring slowly to boiling point

when used with reference to a dining table, the term cover refers to

select one:
a. a table cloth or place mat
b. one person’s place setting
c. the centerpiece
d. the protective pad

Explanation:

For the first question: Using a small amount of boiling water and short cooking time preserves vegetables' nutrients, color, and texture better than other methods. Long cooking or cold water start leaches nutrients, and soda affects texture/nutrients.
For the second question: In dining service terminology, a "cover" specifically means the full place setting allocated for one diner.

Answer:

1. b. add a small amount of boiling water and cook for a short time
2. b. one person's place setting