Question

the sudden earthquake was a ______, destroying homes and infrastructure across the region.
perfunctory
cataclysm
shard
fervent

it is ______ that all students wear safety goggles during the chemistry lab.*
fervent
shard
imperative
pedestrian

Explanation:

1. For the first sentence, "perfunctory" means done without interest or effort; "cataclysm" is a violent natural upheaval like an earthquake that causes great destruction; "shard" is a small piece of broken glass, pottery etc.; "fervent" means having or displaying intense feeling. Since the earthquake caused destruction, "cataclysm" is the right - fit.
2. For the second sentence, "fervent" is about strong feeling; "shard" is a broken piece; "imperative" means of vital importance, necessary; "pedestrian" means ordinary. Requiring students to wear safety goggles in a chemistry lab is a necessary thing, so "imperative" is correct.

Answer:

1. B. cataclysm
2. C. imperative