There is a sentence shift in the first part of the sentence. We know that the first blank must have a definition very different from “applauded.” Due to “atrocious acts,” we can further deduce that the verb is along the lines of regarding with extreme aversion. Since these “atrocious acts” could in no way unify the two countries, “abhorred . . . estrange “ is the correct answer.

The first sentence gives us some context, but it is not absolutely necessary to determine the correct answers. If we plug in the answer choices, we find that only one of the choices make logical sense. When the drink-driving limit is low, most drivers abstain from drinking just to be on the safe side. “Abstain . . . reduced” is the correct answer.

A number of these options might be tempting if they are taken in the abstract away from the actual textual clues offered for the sentences in question. Notice, however, the straight-forward clues. The sentence is basically stating that it is difficult to "figure out" how we should "divide up" the resources to be distributed. This means that it is difficult to "ascertain" the way to "allocate" our resources. None of the other options address this direct meaning of the sentence. While it is may be necessary to scavenge, steward, regulate, or organize resources in a disaster, none of these really deal with how we "divide up" or "give out" resources.

The first blank hints at Nicholas's hope that he can "soften" or reduce his boss's concerns. Whenever we "mollify" something, we soften it or reduce its intensity. This word comes from Latin roots meaning soft. Substances that are called emollients help to soften things. Perhaps you have bought facial creams that do this.  Often, such a cream will be labeled as being an emollient. The second blank is hinted at by the phrase "obsequious words." Whenever we are "obsequious," we are very servile. Often, such an attitude hides a kind of flattery. This is what is being hinted at here. Hence, we need something better than "convince" or "persuade." The word "cajole" is best, for it indicates a kind of persuading that includes the idea of flattery.

Although words like "suggest," "propose," and even "discuss" might seem proper, these are not the best options among those provided here. The fact that Ella is saying negative things is better described by the word "insinuate."  When we insinuate something, we suggest that something negative might be true. This is what she is doing about her fellow workers. Now, as regards the second blank, she might be trying to overstate her status in the company. Since she is aiming to get a promotion, we could say that she is just trying to improve her position. When we "bolster" something, we strengthen it. This is the best option among those provided at least, for it is closest to "improve."

The implication is that the scholar questions the normal interpretation of the text. It seems that most people misunderstand the text's true meaning. Therefore, the word "debated" is fine, for it can indicate how someone considers both sides of a question (even without outwardly debating in public). Whenever something is misconstrued, it is not understood adequately.

This sentence indicates that it is talking about the Jewish people being hidden. Therefore, the first blank should be a synonym for "hidden." We really should not infer anything else about their attitude or situation based on the clues. The word "sequestered" means hidden away somewhere. Hence, it fits well! The people in question must be courageous because they are risking their lives. The word "imperiled" means to put into danger. These courageous people are called courageous precisely because they have so put their lives into danger in this manner.

Stay as close to the clues in this sentence as is possible. The candidate is apparently surprised at the treatment because he is used to being treated differently than this. The surprise is what is key here. Thus, the simple "shocked" is the best answer for the first blank. For the second blank, you are looking for something that explicitly describes a rude kind of action. Whenever someone is pilloried, he or she is attacked or derided publicly. The word "pillory" can also be used as a noun to describe the kind of wooden apparatus that people would be locked in so that they could be derided in public for some offense.

For this question, it is probably best to begin with the first blank, using a process of elimination. To "fulminate" is to protest against something. It doesn't make sense to say that the king should do this. To "relegate" something or someone is to put it (or him/her) at a lower level of dignity. This is really not what is being demanded of the king. It doesn't make sense that he would lower his sovereignty. Likewise, "delegation" of the sovereignty would be giving it to someone else. The sentence does not indicate this either. Instead, it seems that the people want the king to step down. Indeed, this is what is meant by "abdicate." Hence, it is the best option for the first blank. When the king did not step down, it would make sense that the people would try to take him out of office forcefully. Hence, the word "depose" works well.

By following the language of the sentence, you can see that this sentence is employing a metaphor. The swinging cane is knocking off the "heads" of the flowers. The flower portion is said to have "crowned" the flowers. Thus, the word "decapitated" is the best option, as it means to take off the head. The "-capitated" portion is from the Latin for head. It is actually the source of our word "chapter", which indicates an abbreviated "heading" of a given set of text. The stems were just left to "live on." Hence "endure" is a good option for the second blank.