(A) vociferously , (F) invulnerability , (I) an ersatz

Beginning with blank (iii), if the people being discussed are compensating, then using ersatz (artificial) to describe their surety (sureness) would work. For blank (ii), the phrase
“tantalizingly accessible” is used to describe the preceding phrase, so using invulnerability (immunity to attack) of conviction would logically be tantalizing to those considering their “allegiances and credos (beliefs).” A clue for blank (i) is given by the phrase “those who speak loudly”: vociferously (loudly) is also the only word that fits given the choices.

(B) a beneficial,(F) venturesome, (H) available

Again, only one combination of blanks will produce a logical sentence. If the popularity of the books will have a beneficial (good) effect, then children would be more venturesome adventurous) with their reading, and parents would buy books not available
before electronic books.

(B) enshrouding, (F) explicates,(G) clear

Only one combination of blanks produces a logical sentence here. If the new album, rather than enshrouding (covering up) the clues explicates (explains) its prior intimations (implications), then one’s discernment (perception) would become more clear.

(A) pejorative, (D) dispensed with

The review favors belittling (putting down; disparaging) criticism, so it could be described as pejorative (disparaging). Such a review would necessarily have dispensed with (gotten rid of) cordiality (cheerfulness; warmth).

(B) prescience

The “however” in the sentence creates a shift from the fact that science fiction has not been known for its foresight (ability to look forward). Therefore, the authors mentioned must have
prescience (ability to predict the future), especially since they have “correctly predicted”
inventions.

(B) claptrap

If Simmons’s students think he is sincere and profound, and his colleagues are in contrast to those students, it would make sense that they think his work is claptrap (trash).

(B) grating, (E) wooden, (G) imbued

Clues are provided by the description of the ingenue’s delivery as impassive (emotionless) and the critic’s view of her as a mannequin with just enough life to pass as a human. Of the choices for blank (i), grating (irritating) fits, especially because the critic found
himself “dreading” her next line. For blank (ii), wooden (expressionless) fits the ingenue’s impassive manner, and imbued (infused) makes sense because the mannequin would have had to
gain some life to pass as a human.

(A) preeminent , (E) acquiescence

A clue for blank (i) is given in the rest of its sentence, since the described bird “could command the lion’s share of the food due to his status.” Preeminent (having the highest rank or position) would thus describe this bird. Since the other male bird accepts the food passively, this acceptance can be termed acquiescence (giving in without protest).

(C) delineates, (F) an incremental

Given the options, only delineates (describes) is an appropriate word to talk about how a book might discuss a plan. A clue for blank (ii) is provided by the third sentence, which says
that Boon’s detractors (critics) disparage (put down) his ideas and argue for an expeditious (quick) plan, which would mean Boon’s plan advocates incremental (step-by-step) change.

(B) indignation , (D) prize

Since the owners are accustomed to the advantages, taking them away might logically produce indignation (anger) from them. If blank (ii) is prize (pry), then the comparison makes sense, since neither the dog nor the owner want to give up what they have.

(A) endemic

If the botanist was familiar with the flora (plants) endemic (native) to his region, it makes sense that he would be only vulnerable to poisoning from a foreign fungus.

(D) capricious

If the plots of the author’s mysteries are “far from” predictable and “driven by whim and fancy,” they could be described as capricious (unpredictable).