Fill in the Blanks

An 'eccentric' is someone who behaves in an unconventional or strange way, which aligns with being 'fond of weird pets'.

The word 'disputed' fits the context of a state challenging or contesting the findings of a commission. 'Rejected' is a possible synonym, but 'disputed' is the standard term used in formal or legal contexts regarding commission findings.

The sentence describes a positive outcome from hard work. 'Excellence' in athletics leads to 'dividends' (benefits or rewards), making this the most logical pair.

The phrase 'In case of' is a standard idiom meaning 'in the event of'. 'Whatever' correctly completes the second clause regarding the uncertainty of actions.

The cycle of poor health is described as starting before birth. 'Originates' is the most precise verb to describe the beginning point of a process or cycle.

To 'insure' oneself against illness refers to obtaining insurance or financial protection. 'Ensure' means to make certain, and 'vaccinate' is too specific to medical prevention rather than financial protection.

When describing interest in a subject like human behavior, 'deep' is the standard adjective used to indicate intensity or thoroughness.

For walking in hills, the most important quality for shoes is comfort to prevent blisters or fatigue. While 'sturdy' (misspelled as 'strudy') is relevant, 'comfortable' is the most common collocation.

The preposition 'into' is used to describe movement or an incursion directed toward a territory. 'Against' is sometimes used, but 'incursions into' is the standard historical phrasing.

The phrase 'in the last ten years' indicates a period starting in the past and continuing to the present, which requires the present perfect tense ('have become').

'Overweening' is an adjective meaning arrogant or presumptuous, which fits perfectly with the description of someone who thinks they know everything better than others.

The verb 'introduce' is followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating the person to whom someone is being presented.

The phrase 'as many people as possible' is the correct idiomatic expression for quantifying a large number of people.

'Antithesis' means the direct opposite, which fits the context of communalists representing the opposite of noble cultural values.