Just as ancient Greek culture in some ways provided the Romans with a model, the remnants of Roman culture _________ the development of medieval European mores.
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Solution
Informed.
The clue “just as” tells you that the second part of the sentence will need to mirror the first part. Thus, the blank must match the meaning of provided with a model. Informed can be used in this way. Don’t be tricked by duplicate (to provide a model isn’t to make an exact copy) or foresaw (the remnants of Roman culture didn’t tell the future).
Most readers of Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil probably remember it as a collection of poetic aphorisms, each standing alone; these readers missed or have forgotten the linear (i) _________ arcing through the work. Interestingly enough, it could be argued that a parallel cognitive gulf pervades the book itself. While Nietzsche rails against the (ii) “_________” of earlier philosophers and contrasts it to the ideal of the “free spirit,” unencumbered by religions and prejudices, he then espouses the possibility of (iii) _________ —such an ordering of spiritual strength seemingly undercuts the notion of an independent spirit.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) | Blank (iii) |
| chaos | dogmatism | conjuring seraphs |
| progression | hedonism | a new philosophy |
| stasis | morality | constructing a hierarchy |
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Solution
Progression, dogmatism, constructing a hierarchy.
The first blank must contrast “standing alone” and complement the clue “linear.” The second blank contrasts “free spirit.” Since Nietzsche “rails against” the word in the second blank, you would also expect that word to be negative. Dogmatism matches perfectly. For the third blank, the dash and the use of “such” indicate that your choice must match the idea of “ordering.” A hierarchy is “a well-defined ordering of different levels or ranks.”
Ironically, the commentator who so roundly condemned personal (i) _________ was (ii) _________ to the point of bankruptcy—he himself was a reflection of an aspect of the ills that, in other areas, he railed against.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) |
| lacunae | profligate |
| probity | antediluvian |
| dissipation | ascetic |
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Solution
Dissipation, profligate.
“Ironically” is a good clue here — the commentator condemned a quality that he himself actually possessed! Both words should be negative, similar in meaning, and matching the idea of “bankruptcy.” Dissipation and profligate are both related to wastefulness or irresponsible living.
The most startling aspect of Preston Brooks, the 19th century southern congressman, was his temperament, (i) _________ to the point of violence. While a man of principles, he did not merely piously pray for political converts—more likely, opposition would cause him to become (ii) _________ and fly in to a rage. Famously, he once (iii) _________ a foe into unconsciousness on the floor of the Senate.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) | Blank (iii) |
| quixotic | figuratively unstrung | bored |
| volatile | literally insane | caned |
| quiescent | practically incomprehensible | lulled |
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Solution
Volatile, figuratively unstrung, caned.
While the stimulus is long and a little convoluted, all three blanks agree with the clue and structure given by to the point of violence. Note that literally insane is too strong, due to the inclusion of literally. The word caned here really does mean “beat with a cane.”
Jimmy Stewart, the actor, spoke with an (i) _________ that (ii) _________ audiences; through hesitancy and understatement, he was at least as captivating as his flamboyant peers.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) |
| awkward lisp | enthralled |
| overwhelming passion | repelled |
| appealing shyness | amused |
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Solution
Appealing shyness, enthralled.
As is often the case, the second blank is easier; given the structure, it must match the clue “captivating” in meaning and spin. The first blank must parallel “hesitancy and understatement” and also have a positive spin.
General McClellan focused so intently on the petty, logistical details of the upcoming campaign that Lincoln felt that said attention to _________, however necessary, had superseded more lofty goals.
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Solution
Minutiae.
The correct answer must reflect the clue, “petty,” and oppose the idea of “lofty goals.” Lincoln felt that McClellan paid so much attention to details that he ignored the big picture.
Dogmatic professors often alienate their classes because they fail to realize that their _________ enervates rather than inspires students.
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Solution
Pedantry.
The correct answer should parallel “dogmatic” and match the negative spin of enervates rather than inspires. Only pedantry (being arrogant in relation to learning) and parsimony (stinginess) are negative, and only pedantry fits the idea of an uninspiring professor.
For centuries, commercial portrait painters have employed a bifurcated aesthetic: like other artists, they strive to represent the truth that gives their works life, but commerce dictates that they simultaneously employ subtle _________ that make the likeness more attractive than the sitter.
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Solution
Artifices.
The pivot means the answer must be in contrast to the clue, “truth.” Trap answers palettes and aesthetics are related to painting, but don’t match the meaning of the blank.
The virtual (i) ________ of John F. Kennedy focuses on his presidential achievements, legend, and assassination; similarly, as a candidate, verbal and written (ii) _________ were laid at the altar of his wartime exploits.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) |
| deification | calumnies |
| excoriation | garlands |
| adoration | obloquies |
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Solution
Deification, garlands.
The straightforward structure and positive spin indicate positive choices for both blanks. Additionally, the clues “virtual” and “altar” suggest that the answers will be metaphorical rather than literal, thus eliminating adoration. Both the incorrect answers for the second blank are negative.
After struggling to maintain her composure for hours upon hearing of her late husband’s infidelities, the recently bereaved widow finally burst into _________.
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Solution
Hysterics.
The blank must contrast “maintain her composure.” Note that while, in casual speech, many people use hysterical to mean “funny,” that is a metaphorical usage — hysterical actually relates to being very upset. The clue “bereaved” eliminates the incorrect pair of laughter and mirth. (The wrong answer flames might have caused you to burst into laughter or mirth, though.)