(B) augment, (E) outside the bounds, (I) anomalies

A clue for blank (i) is given by the phrase “dual goal” as well as by common sense; naturally, any athlete would want to augment (increase) endurance while building strength. For blank (ii), if only a “handful” of triathletes have managed to build both strength and endurance, then this goal is usually outside the bounds of the possible. Since the number of triathletes who have accomplished the dual goal is small, it would be fitting to describe these athletes as anomalies (exceptions).

(C) wry remark, (F) schism , (I) delineated

A clue for blank (i) is provided by “despite workers’ tendency to joke about this,” which supports wry (drily humorous) remark. The passage described a “conflict,” and refers to blank (ii) as a “chasm,” supporting schism (separation). If the study is a blueprint for resolving differences, then it delineates (describes) how to do this.

(B) an amalgam, (E) diverse

If the elements come from all over the world, it could be said that they are diverse (ii), and since this diversity describes the artist’s technique, his technique could be said to be an amalgam (combination of diverse elements).

(C) placate, (F) condescending

The missive (written message) was designed to “prevent violence,” so its intention must have been to placate (soothe) the leaders. If it instead “inflamed their wrath,” condescending would fit its tone.

(B) intimations

If the poet is a master of “subtlety,” and if he makes others seem heavyhanded (clumsy), then he would use intimations (implications)

(A) solvency

Since the discussion was about the bank’s “ability to pay back its debts,” it must have been talking about its solvency (ability to meet financial obligations).

(A) a convincing, (D) conventional, (I) instinctively

Using convincing for blank (i) is supported by the author’s description of the paper as “compelling.” Since Michaelson’s new idea is highlighted, it would make sense that this new idea is taking the place of a more conventional (blank ii) one, which is described as “wrong.” The clue for blank (iii) is at the end of the last sentence: “visceral (instinctive) trumps rational.” This axiom (wise saying) is said to support his new idea, so instinctively would make sense to describe how the untrained person sees value.

(B) reluctance about, (E) exhortations

Since the discussion of confinement focuses on its psychological costs, it can be expected that an unfortunate result will be discussed. A clue for the first blank is provided by the fact that
the captives often “prefer to remain inside their cells,” i.e., they must display a reluctance to rejoin the world. The second blank must create a contrast between the actions of the emancipators (those who deliver freedom) and the captives’ preference because of the shift the word despite creates. Exhortations (urgings) creates such a shift.

(A) rigor , (F) shun

The author’s critical tone and his use of the phrase “leaves much to be desired” makes it clear she is criticizing the curricula (courses) of the programs. Therefore, it would make sense for her to take issue with the rigor (exactness; difficulty) of the curricula. For blank (ii), if the students are doing something with the culture in favor of revelry (partying), they are choosing revelry over culture; i.e., they shun (avoid) the culture

(B) ulterior, (D) sap

The author’s critical stance and his description of the motives as ones that the public “cannot or do not notice” makes ulterior (beyond what is admitted) a good fit for blank (i). The author’s critical tone also provides a clue for blank (ii), of the choices given, only sap (weaken) would have a negative effect on the corporations.

(E) tremulous
It would be surprising that a tremulous (timid) student would be the first to volunteer for public speaking.

(C) acerbic
If the employees initially felt “stung by (the supervisor’s) sharply-edged jibes,” his humor must have been cutting. Acerbic (biting) would aptly describe that kind of humor.