The sentence notes that critics believed the work was "derivative" and had "no originality."  The correct answer needs to reflect this borrowing and copying. "Pastiche," meaning a work of art cobbled together from many different sources, is the best answer choice.

So it is clear that this person is different from classmates, who are generally much better students. So "status quo" and "standard" do not make sense because they mean the norm. "Dupe" or "ignoramus," both used to describe someone foolish, might have worked, but there is no contextual evidence for this person being stupid. "Anomaly," which means deviation, is a much better choice.

"Placidity," "impassivity," "froideur," and "stoicism" would all indicate that the political candidates seem detached from the debates, but this does not fit with the comparison to wild beasts. "Vehemence", meaning ferocity, is the best choice.

"Dominant" means powerful, so it would be difficult for a dictator to blame people, who are dominant in society. "Insiders," "accepted," and "welcome" would all describe people, who are very integrated in mainstream society. "Pariahs," meaning outcasts, would be the easiest targets, and thus that word is the best choice.

The word while points towards a shift in the sentence: although the critics believe one thing, the President does something different. The best fit is potentate, which means "one who rules with great power" as it is most starkly contrasted with democratic reform—more than a pariah (someone rejected by a social group) or philistine (one who is uncultured and not intellectual).

The fact the subject in the sentence is a professor is the best clue to the correct answer.  Since it discusses the way one professor is different from "his more staid colleagues," the answer will have to do with teaching or academia. "Pedagogy," meaning a method or study of teaching, is the best choice.

Choosing any of the words "consequence," "liability," "reproach," or "disgrace," would mean that the officials in question have to pay the price for their engaging in immoral practices. "Impunity," meaning freedom from consequences, would mean that these officials are unchecked, which would in fact be contributing to the country's problems. Thus, "impunity" is the best choice.

"Treachery," "chicanery," "duplicity," and "infidelity" are all attributes of people who would easily betray one another. The sentence wishes to contrast such behavior with the behavior of dogs. Thus, "allegiance," meaning loyalty, is the best choice.

"Elation," meaning joy, would probably not be something someone impoverished was feeling upon considering her circumstances. Neither is "gratification," which means satisfication, nor is "triumph," which means victory. It would seem that Clara considers asking for help to be undignified, so "dignity" does not work. "Abasement", meaning shame, seems most like the thing she is trying to avoid by not asking for help, so this is the best choice.

Approbation—approval; commendation.