Sentence Completion Test 2

As the statement shows no effects or plans; thus 'poignancy' or 'piquancy', both indicating the intensity, would be appropriate to replace the first blank. The explanation in the latter part of the sentence following 'because' also complies this. As the explanation highlights the positive side, hence “plentiful' would replace second blank. 'Sprinkling' means handful, few. Therefore, (1) is the answer.

The first blank must be in tandem with 'serious' and 'expensive'. Hence, 'arcane' and “esoteric” are synonyms; meaning understood by only a few, fits our prediction for first blank. “prorogued” means postponed, hence would not give sense to the sentence, as scientists have discovered something. Hence, (4) is the answer.

The latter part of the sentence - “because _______ new scene” provides a clue for the blank. The poet unlocks our chains, i.e. he reveals a new scene, a new thought to us by his imagination. Therefore, he is an inventor of new thoughts, new emotions, and new expressions. Hence, (2) is the answer. “Librettist” is the writer of the words, or text of an opera or other long choral work.
“Jongleur” is a wandering minstrel in medieval France and England, who entertained by reciting or singing. 

A trip to planet M or Music World (second part of the sentence) would quench the thirst of those music lovers who are in search of original DVDs, CDs, etc. which implies that they are uncomfortable or not pleased with pirated stuff. “Queasy” (difficult to please, fastidious) fits our prediction. Hence, (4) is the answer.

'And', after superficial, in last part of the sentence gives clue for the second blank; which implies that the blank must be replaced by a word indicating similarity to 'superficial'. Of all these options, ‘pedantic’ in (5) fits our prediction as it is an ostentatious display of knowledge, or an instance of this. Moreover, 'vaunted' (to boast, brag) characterises the first blank, thereby giving a cogent meaning to the sentence. Hence, (5) is the answer.   

The second part of the sentence (consequently………. flawed) is simply a paraphrase of the first part of the sentence. 'Demographic' in (1) deals with the distribution, density, vital statistics etc. of human populations and hence, replaces the first blank. Moreover, its pair word 'intrinsically' gives cogent meaning to the sentence. Hence, (1) is the answer.

This sentence emphasizes on man’s urge to understand the Universe around him and to understand his role in nature. Thus, 'urge' and 'inquietude' (restlessness, anxiety) both fit our predictions for the first blank. But to 'err' is to be wrong or mistaken whereas 'fathom' is to interpret or understand, which therefore fits our prediction for the second blank. Hence, (1) is the answer.

And in the sentence indicates that the missing adjective is similar in meaning to opprobrious (abusive, insulting), which is very negative. Now, vituperative 'the only negative word' meaning abusive is in tandem with opprobrious. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Both the blanks act as a support to the proposition in the initial part of the statement. A man should consider the opposition as something superficial or transient, only then will he be able to maintain his composure. Therefore, 'titular' (of, or having the nature of, a title) and 'ephemeral' (short lived; transitory) in (1) characterises the blank. Hence, (1) is the answer. 

The criminals will not be put to trial when they are involved in a massacre or carnage. During these times, no law and order prevails, hence jurists will not convict. 'Sanguinary' (accompanied by much bloodshed or carnage) in (1) fits our prediction. Hence, (1) is the answer.  

We must look for something that goes with sacred scriptures and implies a formal system of belief, but something whose absence doesn't rule out a legacy of traditional religious practices and basic values. Options (1), (2) and (5) because if Shinto lacked ‘acolyte’(followers), ‘norms’(customs), or ‘credence’(faith) it wouldn't be a legacy of traditional religious practices and basic values. ‘Relics’ in (4) are sacred objects but relics don't make a formal system of beliefs, therefore ruled out. Hence, (3) is the answer as ‘dogma’ is a formal religious belief.

“Foolish consistency” has the direct impact on the blank. Therefore, the blank would be replaced by the negative word. “Hobgoblin” is a frightening apparition, bogy, therefore, fits our prediction. Hence, (2) is the answer. 

‘These rights’ in the second clause is a reference to the ‘citizenship rights of blacks’ in the first clause, thereby giving clue for the first blank. As the second clause is in continuation with the first clause and provides support to the first clause, so ‘apportioned’ (to divide and distribute in shares according to plan) in (4) and ‘sundered’ (separate) in (5) can be ruled out.
Now, let’s examine the pair words of (1), (2) and (3) for the correct answer.
‘Entrench’ in (1) means to encroach or infringe, which makes no sense and is hence, is ruled out.
‘Exonerate’ in (3) means to relieve of (a burden, obligation); unload.
The concept of ‘citizenship rights of blacks’ would not exonerate Americans of their human rights; instead they would ‘bolster’ them up.
Hence, (2) is the answer.

Since the House has the votes to pass the bill or motion, the President would be wise to compromise and make the best of the situation. Hence, (5) is the answer.

The first part of the sentence deals with something that computers do; the second part deals with the final aspect of a two-part process. Of all these options, (1) and (4) seems to fit our prediction. “Collate” means to compare or examine, which implies that information is examined and then a picture is created whereas ‘extrapolation’ is done from existing information and an investigation would not be a consequence. Hence, (1) is the answer.

The absolute qualities in art cannot frighten us, obfuscate (confuse) us or abash (embarrass) us, but can only edify (meaning instruct; educate) or elude (meaning evade; escape) us. So, (2) and (3) can be ruled out from the point of view of the suitability of the first missing word alone, leaving only (1) and (4) for examination. The phrase ‘in an exemplar of time and circumstance’ does not make the same eminent sense as ‘in a context of time and circumstance’. So, (4) is a much better choice than (1) and hence, the answer.

According to this sentence - want and ignorance are the expressions of the enormous demands of the soul. “Innuendo” is an indirect remark, gesture or reference, usually implying something derogatory; which fits our prediction. Hence, (4) is the answer.

The sentence is giving a negative implication. The blank must be replaced by the word that would indicate the intense fury of the sea; this would describe the running away of those villagers who had escaped the tsunami. “Wrath” is intense anger; rage; fury. Hence, it fits our prediction.
“Acrimony” is bitterness or harshness of temper, manner or speech; hence ruled out.
“Umbrage” is displeasure, offense; it does not indicate the intensity, hence ruled out.
Hence, (5) is the correct answer.

‘Natural’ in (4) fits the first blank as this is the essence of the sentence. The clause after 'which' provides an explanation to what precedes it. Keeping this in mind, ‘individuality’ gives a cogent meaning to the second blank. Hence, (4) is the answer.

‘Innocents Abroad’ is a book by Mark Twain and this book would have been greeted with zeal or enthusiasm that made him a celebrity overnight. Of all the options, ‘enthusiasm’ in (2) and ‘ardor’ in (5) seems to fit the blank. Let us look for the second blank. ‘Though’ in the latter part of the sentence sets up the contrast, which signifies a negative connotation to the second blank. ‘Clemency’ in (5) means compassion, charity, which is contrary to our prediction and is hence, is ruled out. ‘Misunderstanding’ in option (2) fits our prediction and gives a cogent meaning to the sentence. Hence, (2) is the answer.

The television broadcasts of an Arabic channel are infused with violence and hate, and the predicament facing the French government is how to stop them. Therefore ‘diatribes’ in (2) fits our prediction as it means bitter, abusive criticism or denunciation.
Hence, (2) is the answer.

Callous means unfeeling, uncaring, but if this person has concern for the tsunami victims, his reputation must be an unfounded one. Therefore, the blank must characterize contradicted or proved false. This is one of the meanings of 'belied', hence it forms the answer. 'Rescinded' in (2) is the second best answer. It means revoked or withdrawn, but we never say a reputation is rescinded. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Looking at the options for the first blank, ‘truce’ (agreement, peace), ‘impasse’(where no agreement is possible), ‘assent’ and ‘concurrrence’ do not go with division and hence, are ruled out. ‘No longer’ in the latter part of the sentence suggests that division should be stopped. Hence, 'cessation’ in (4). Checking for the second blank, ‘what is’ in option (4) well replaces the blank. Hence, (4) is the answer.