Directions: For the given question, select one entry for the blank from the given choices, to best complete the text.

But in recent years the parallel has taken a less flattering turn. Opinion has long been divided on Bloom. Some regard him as little more than a blowhard, the promulgator - in indigestible prose - of theories both ___________ - a pontificator, a narcissist, a mountebank. Others - by far the majority in the popular press - have anointed him the critic of the age.

(1) Incorrect; the sentence needs a contrast with 'critic of the age'. Since the protagonist is a 'blowhard', it hardly seems likely that his theories will be boring. (2) Correct; at one extreme Bloom is hailed as the greatest critic of the age, it makes sense that the opposite side will have a contrasting view. Another clue comes from the use of 'indigestible prose' which drops a hint about his theories. (3) Incorrect; the clue comes in the use of 'indigestible prose'; the option has to convey a continuity with it. (4) Incorrect; the clue comes in the use of 'indigestible prose'; the option has to convey a continuity with it. (5) Incorrect; the sentence needs a contrast with 'critic of the age'. Since the protagonist is a 'blowhard', it hardly seems likely that his theories will be muddled.