For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.  In the past, anyone who angered the gods would be killed.

Analyze the question: The italicized word is "angered". We need the option that means the opposite.

Concept: An antonym is a word with the opposite meaning. "Anger" means to make someone furious or displeased. So we need a word meaning to make someone calm, satisfied, or happy.

Check each option:

• A. pleased: to make someone happy or satisfied. This is the direct opposite of "angered".
• B. appeased: to calm someone down by giving in to their demands, especially someone who is angry. It is close in meaning to "pacify". It could also work as an opposite, and it fits the "gods" context well, since people appease gods with sacrifices.
• C. begged: to plead. It is not an opposite.
• D. settled: to resolve or place. It is not a clear opposite.

Deciding between A and B:

• "Angered" is the act of causing anger or displeasure. The direct opposite is "pleased", which means causing happiness or satisfaction.
• "Appeased" means soothing an already angry person. It describes a response to anger, not the exact opposite of causing it.
• The sentence "anyone who pleased the gods" is a natural contrast with "anyone who angered the gods".

pleased** is the best opposite. I admit "appeased" is a tempting second choice, but it is more a remedy for anger than its direct antonym.

Exam tip: In antonym questions, look for the word that reverses the direct meaning, not just a related idea. If two options both seem close, choose the one that is a pure opposite (angered ↔ pleased) over one that describes a reaction or remedy (appeased).