They're both equally good and very common. Just mix them up!

Mind modularity is a bit of a controversial topic and I'm not all that clued up on the debate - but basically it would refer to a distinct neural structure within the brain (brain module), which works with/responds to a given category of inputs (domain-specific).

1) basically synonyms, cherished is a higher register of language. 2) huddle is to get very close together (like penguins), Gather is just to form a group (you can also gather objects but not huddle objects. Plead is completely different. 3) Avenge is a verb, revenge is a noun. Avenge is exactly the same as "get revenge for" 3) Virtue is usually more a quality of a person, feature is used exclusively for objects. 4) Cruel is a synonym for mean/nasty. Brutal is related to generally related to violence. 5) Basically synonyms, merely is perhaps a slightly higher register. 6) Inflict has to be used with a noun - eg to inflict a defeat. It also has to be about something bad. Neither of these are true for affect - you can use it without a noun and for positive effects.

I would perhaps go a bit further too and say that this would be much more natural without "it".