The key answer of exercise 10

a)

1. single-minded = determined / never gives up
2. self-sufficient = doesn't rely on other people / looks after herself
3. thick-skinned = doesn't get upset when criticised / doesn't take criticism personally
4. kind-hearted = good to other people / generous
5. stand-offish = not friendly / doesn't talk to other people
6. career-orientated = always thinks about his career / does a lot of things to enhance his career
7. level-headed = calm (in good and bad situations) / not too excitable
8. absent-minded = forgetful

b)

1. positive
2. positive
3. positive (in this context, though it can also be negative in other contexts)
4. positive
5. negative
6. neutral
7. positive
8. slightly negative