Fill in the Blanks

(2) would not have been misunderstood. Past Perfect Tense is being used in the sentence

(4) with --- to. The correct preposition phrases are “agreed with” meaning in support of; on the side of and “objected to” meaning as against.

(1) against --- still. The correct preposition phrase is “lean against” meaning towards the rail and “still” conveys the sense that it is yet not dry.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

'Purpose' gives a clue for the first blank, which gives a positive feel to the first blank. 'Cold' and 'rawness' infer negative connotations. Hence, options (1) and (2) are ruled out. 'Irascible' (meaning easily angered; quick-tempered) implies emotions. Therefore, it is not cogent with 'synthesis'.

Options (3) and (4) are ruled out because 'literals' and ‘officials' do not coordinate with deceivers in the sentence as they are opposite in meaning. On the same lines, ‘candidness’ in option (5) is also ruled out. If we know the usage of ‘transcending’ (to go beyond the limits of, overstep, exceed) and ‘trailing’ (following, behind), we will get to know at once that 'interest in experience' can be ‘transcending’ and not ‘trailing’. Hence, option (1) is the correct answer.

'Unqualified' breakthrough is out and out a breakthrough. Thus, 'unqualified' replaces the first blank. 'Brilliant associates' is a clue for the second blank. ‘Ingenuity’ gives sense to 'brilliant associates'. Hence, option (1) is the correct answer.

'Though' after 'because' in second part of the sentence sets up the contrast in that part itself. This implies - though stars are always present, yet they are unapproachable because of their great distance from Earth. 'Inaccessible' in option (4) is synonymous to 'unapproachable'. Hence, it fits our prediction. Options (1), (3) and (5) mean approaching, which is contrary to our prediction. Hence, ruled out. ‘Elusive’ means evasive, mysterious; which is irrelevant. Hence, ruled out. 'Influence' can cause 'impression'. So, it fits best the second blank. Hence, option (4) is the correct answer.    

The second blank must be replaced by the blank that is in tandem with vice (an evil or wicked action; habit or characteristic). All the options for the second blank depict negative meanings, but the most appropriate would be 'contumacy' (stubborn refusal to submit to authority, especially that of a law court; disobedience), which is coherent with phrases 'evil facts', 'criminal', 'vice' and 'judgments' in the sentence. Moreover, 'defrauded' replacing the first blank gives a cogent meaning to the sentence. Hence, option (4) is the correct answer.