For example, a answer choice says, qualified approbation, to describe the authors tone. I didn't know what approbation meant...any advice how to deal with a situation like that?

Basically, you leave it in as an option and narrow down all the others as best you're able. You might eliminate the other 4 and then you'd pick this one! Or, if you narrowed it down to 2, say, then ask yourself: Does the one that I DO understand fit the situation EXACTLY? If so, pick it. If you feel like you're having to force it to fit, then pick the one you don't know.

The basic roots of words can be helpful....

We know the meaning of qualified already
read the question as 'qualified a probation' ~
we know probation is something temporary or trial period or period of review.

so a qualified probation is an approved probation..an approved trial period.. or an approved performance...this meaning is quite close to the real meaning of the word....'Official approval' or 'An expression of warm approval'

my gmat blog: d4dial.blogspot.com

Back to the basics reminds me of a Bill Currington song! :oops:

Thanks for your ideas, Aragorn!