Sentence Completion Test 6

A key clue here is “in order to “. This links the two halves of the sentence - the clinic is doing something in the first half in order to achieve some goal in the second. The first blank is what the clinic did to the numbers of people who dropped out of their program; the second is why they did this. Of all these options, it is (3) that fits our prediction. Hence, (3) is the answer.

“Vices”, “ignorance”, “lack of self - control” and “weak will” highlights the negative tone of the sentence; thus the blank characterizes negative connotation. This implies that weak will (and other negative expressions in the sentence) are the biggest “impediments” (obstacles, hindrance) in our way to do good. Hence, (1) is the answer.

“Don't forget” in the sentence emphasizes on the negative aspect of the blank. This implies that the literary style that was acceptable in 1850 might be not so important today. “Turgid” means using or characterized by high-sounding but unimportant or meaningless language, which fits our prediction.
Hence, (2 is the answer.

“To make water run up the hill or to twist a rope of sand” would require effort i.e. it requires effort to cheat nature. Therefore, “endeavors” (effort, try) replaces the blank. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Foreign technocrats view about country's problem can neither be 'beguiled' (to deceive), nor 'besieged' (to hem in with armed forces, esp. for a sustained attack; lay siege to).Therefore, (1) and (3) can be ruled out. If foreign technocrats view is 'incessant' (ceaseless, continuous), which is irrelevant according to the passage, and if it is 'attenuated' (to lessen in intensity, severity), then their coming again would be productive; hence (4) and (5) are ruled out. Hence, (2) is the only option that fits our prediction as 'exacerbation' means to make more intense or sharp, thus the answer.  

In this sentence, “or” sets up the contrast between the blank and general truths. “General truths” imply the truths by nature i.e. natural truths. Therefore, the blank must characterize the universal accepted truth. “Axiom” is an established principle or law of a science, art, etc. i.e. a proposition assumed to be true, hence it fits our prediction and is the answer. “Avowal” is an open acknowledgement or declaration, which is not contrary to general truth; hence ruled out. On the same lines, “comments” is also ruled out.
“Promulgate” (to publish or make known officially - a decree, church dogma, etc) and “placard” (a notice for display in a public place; poster) implies advertisement in a broader perspective; therefore ruled out as they are off the track. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Inspite of attending the institutions for knowledge in this world, we are still like a child. This implies that the second part of the sentence, though beginning with and is contrary to the first part of the sentence.
(Babes - a baby; infant provides the clue). Of all the options, “jejune” (not interesting or satisfying; dull or empty), is the most appropriate choice and replaces the blank. Hence, (3) is the answer.

The sentence highlights all the three faculties of the soul; which implies that the blank would be replaced by a word similar in meaning to appetite (not contrary word or we could have predicted from “or”). “Appetite” is any strong desire or craving i.e. “desire”. Therefore, “avidity” having an intense craving) also emphasizes desire; thus fits our prediction. “Ardency” is enthusiasm; it does not imply desire, therefore ruled out. Hence, (4) is the answer.

We know (from our common sense) that the hypothesis of an immaterial soul is indefensible and time has always proved this. We can provide no more proofs to convince anyone. Therefore, “untenable” (that can't be held, defended or maintained) fits our prediction. Moreover, “superfluous” is also in tandem with untenable. Hence, (4) is the answer.

“New facts in nature” in last part of the sentence gives a clue for the blank. This implies that some supernatural forces at times with their mysterious acts reveal new facts to us about nature. Of all the options, 'disclose' in (3) fits our prediction and hence is the answer.

In first part of sentence, “god” means any of various beings conceived of as supernatural, immortal and having special powers over the lives and affairs of people and the course of nature; and this is our traditional god. The author's belief in god seems contrary to the traditional (“broken” and “ceased” gives the clue) concept of god. Therefore, a negative connotation would characterize the blank. Of all the options, “rhetoric” (language that is showy and elaborate but largely empty of clear ideas or sincere emotions; artificial eloquence) when replaces the blank gives a cogent meaning to the sentence.
Hence, (1) is the answer.

As computers were not in existence at that time, which implies their presence in that movie was a chronological error. “Anachronism” means the representation of something as existing or occurring at other than its proper time, hence fits our prediction.
“Euphemism” means the use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct. Hence (5) is the answer.

The latter part of the sentence provides a clue for the blank. As the river changed its course after every downpour, this implies that river was tending to change abruptly and without any apparent reason. As “capricious” means unpredictable, hence replaces the blank. Thus, (3) is the answer.

“Than” sets up a contrast between the blank and understanding. Of all these options, 'enthusiasm' and 'erudition' (learning, knowledge) seem to fit the bill. But on close scrutiny, erudition would be in tandem with understanding, it would not fit the contrast, whereas “enthusiasm” maintains the contrasting prediction, thus replaces the blank. 'Radicalism' is the quality or state of being radical, esp. in politics which would be off the track, hence ruled out.
Hence, (2) is the answer.

The clause beginning with “former” provides clue for the first blank and beginning with “latter” for the second blank. The blanks would be replaced by words that characterize the mean of the two qualities respectively. “Cowardliness” and “foolhardiness” (bold or daring in a foolish way) are the attributes of courage (terrifying things also provides the clue); and the mean of “licentiousness” (morally unrestrained, esp. in sexually activity) and “insensibility” (indifference) would be “temperance” (moderation). Hence, (3) is the answer.

The first part of the sentence gives the clue for the first blank, which implies that laser technology has proved to be difficult. Therefore, we are left with 2 options: (1) and (2). 'Steering' means to direct the course of, whereas 'random' is haphazard movement, thus steering controls gives sense to the sentence. Hence, (2) is the answer.

When we read literary works of great authors, many times we come across our own deep-rooted thoughts, which either we don't recognize or we tend to reject them. But reading them as other's thoughts; we tend to realize them, though with a certain strange feeling. Therefore “alienated” in (4) would characterize the blank; hence (4) is the answer.

The operative word in this sentence is 'difference' (though connected by 'and' but would be replaced by contrary words). 'Charlatan' and 'quack', 'pinchbeck' and 'tempting', 'neoteric' and 'naïve', 'sterling' and 'unfeigned' do not highlight the difference, hence, (1) is the answer.

This sentence mentions two points that describe the course of actions of a person who is determined to harm others (deceiver) i.e. a mentally ill person. One is - they present themselves good to those who have less power to judge them (less than discerning) and other is they tactfully present goodness in a negative sense (artfully _____ virtue). Therefore, “extolling” (praising, lauding) in (3) and “burgeoning” (to grow or develop rapidly) are ruled out; being positive connotations. Neither can they “assuage” (to lessen, to calm) virtue nor can they “decresent” (decrease, lessen) virtue; hence options (1) and (5) are ruled out. But they can “burlesque” (to imitate derisively or comically; parody) virtue; which fits their course of action and therefore our prediction. Hence, (2) is the answer.

The second part of the sentence - “and don't………….. moment” is contrary to the first part as indicated by the “don't”. “Emit a breath” implies that men do good deeds from within; it also requires your inner force. As this force is hidden, they don't seem to realize it. Therefore, the opposite of hidden, not apparent characterize the blank. “Overt” is not hidden; open; apparent; hence (4) is the answer.

If the guilty, which has harmed us, is not punished in a just manner, we tend to take revenge on our own. Hence, “Vengeance” (revenge) in (3) fits our prediction and is the answer.

The clause - “the economic damage … human losses” - provides the clue for both the blanks. The catastrophe has badly affected the economy of South East Asia, in addition to the terrible human losses. Therefore, (for the first blank) while the countries are adding up the damage caused by tsunami, (second blank), one strain of the intense economic damage than that of human lives is developing in that region. Of all the options for first blank, (1), (2) and (3) seem to fit our prediction. “Refrain” (strain, theme) in (3) is the only option that fits our prediction for second blank. Hence, (3) is the answer.

Dreadful is something terrible, appalling, fearful. In nature, dreadful limits would be set to the extent wrong has been done; so a negative connotation would characterize the blank. Of all the options, (2) and (4) connotates negative meanings. “Dissimulation” is to hide (one's feelings, motives, etc) by pretense; which will lead a person into wrong doing. Therefore, it fits our prediction and is the answer.
“Solecism” is a violation of good manner; breach of etiquette; which would not set dreadful limits in nature, hence ruled out. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Since Charlotte was a girl of high and haughty spirit, she would obviously resent being dominated or overpowered by someone. This brings down our answer options to (1), (2) and (5). But 'in spite' of the claims that the man was making, he was still a stranger. This implies that the claims made by the man were 'unfeigned' or 'genuine', but in spite of that he was regarded as a stranger. 'Specious' means phony or deceptive and does not fit well in the above context and 'fabricated' is to make up (a story, reason, lie, etc.); invent and hence doesn't fit our prediction. 
 Hence, (2) is the answer.

'Epistemology' is the study or theory of the nature, source and limits of knowledge. Therefore, the blank must be replaced by a word that is in opposition to the phrase - 'new and wiser self-understanding' - in the end of the statement.
Let's scrutinize each option:
'Vandalism' in (1) - malicious or ignorant destruction of public or private property; as this is irrelevant, hence option (1) is ruled out.  
'Expedience in (2) - desirable, advisable; which is contrary to our prediction, hence is ruled out.  
'Indentation' in (4) - imprint, impression; which is contrary to our prediction, hence is ruled out.
'Scouring' in (5) - cleaning; which is irrelevant, hence is ruled out.
'Eradication' in (3) - to get rid of; destroy; which fits our prediction, hence the answer.