Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

There has been little ------- criticism written about de la Mare; indeed, that which has been written is at the two extremes, either appallingly ------- or bitterly antagonistic (indicating opposition or resistance).

A. hostile . . ambiguous
B. recent . . illogical
C. fervent . . complimentary
D. objective . . sycophantic (attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery)
E. temperate . . censorious

Answer is D

Here's Why:

While both “complimentary” and “sycophantic” are opposed to “antagonistic,” only “objective” fits logically in the first blank.


Difficulty: Hard
Question Type: Sentence Completions

(Critical Reading)