Double-Blank Questions

For each blank, select one entry from the corresponding column of choices. Fill the blanks in the way that best completes the text. --- The candidate’s imprudent statements and brash demeanor were too much for the (i)\_\_\_\_\_ community to handle; instead, they voted for his more (ii)\_\_\_\_\_ opponent, believing he was the more sensible choice.

Correct! The second blank is easier to answer first because of the __hinge word__, _instead_, signifying that the other opponent is the opposite of imprudent and brash. Notice that for this question, both blanks represent the same direction in meaning. Therefore, recycling the second clue, _the more sensible choice_, for the second blank helps you determine the word in the first blank. You could also have recycled the first __sentence key__, _imprudent_, by providing the opposite meaning in the first blank, as determined by the __hinge word__—i.e., "the community is prudent." _Stringent_, meaning "strict," is the only choice of the three that is close to this meaning.

Incorrect. The __hinge word__, _instead_, informs you the second blank has an opposite meaning from how the candidate is described. If the community supports someone described as the opposite of imprudent, the community would be described similarly. Consequently, the community members could not handle the imprudent (careless) manners of the candidate, so they would not be _impetuous_, meaning "quick and impulsive," themselves.

Incorrect. Make sure to find the main idea of the sentence and take it no further. _Diffident_ would seemingly be a good choice, being a more reserved characteristic. However, the sentence doesn’t suggest the townspeople are reserved. They simply have a problem with someone whom they deem to be lacking good judgment.

Incorrect. [[snippet]] An _impetuous_ community might choose a _brazen_, meaning "bold and shameless," candidate that was more like its townspeople, but a brazen candidate is not likely a sensible one. Remember, you need to base the answer on the context and meaning of the sentence and its clue.

Indeed! The __hinge word__, _instead_, signifies the other opponent is the opposite of imprudent and brash. Recycling the __key__, _sensible_, into the blank, what's needed is a term with the same meaning or a term meaning the opposite of imprudent and brash. _Judicious_, meaning "showing good judgment," fits the meaning of _sensible_ and is the opposite of “lacking prudence,” making it the best choice.

Incorrect. [[snippet]] A _diffident_ community would choose a _reticent_, meaning "restrained," candidate, but his or her reserved nature does not make him or her sensible. Remember, you need to base the answer on the context and meaning of the sentence and its __key__.

stringent

impetuous

diffident

reticent

brazen

judicious