The second blank is probably the easier of the two. The scholar apparently is able to progress toward the completion of his work. We really do not know much else about what he will do—whether he will publish it, announce it, or whatever else might be the case. Hence, the word "consummation" is the best option among those given. The "consummation" is the gathering up of various things into a whole. Often, this can be used to describe the completion of some task. (You can see how the word is related to the idea of "summing up.") The word "veritable" means true. In a strange twist of linguistic fate, it actually means metaphorically true. It is a word that intensifies a metaphor like this. The implication is that scholar was metaphorically able to "coast in" on the information that seems to have come to his attention at some point.

For the first blank, we are only looking for a simple synonym for the word "exhaustion." No further details should be inferred unless necessary. "Lassitude" is just such a state, one that is wholly without energy. The second blank might seem strange, but the word "impotent" is indeed the best option. "Impotence," strictly speaking, merely means without power. The "-potent" portion of the word is related to the Latin for able to do. Thus, we have English words like "potential," "potent," "potentate," and even the related word "possible." Thus, the state of lassitude left Gregory wholly impotent.

For this sentence, stick as close to the literal meaning of your clues as is possible. We are only told that the mayor had made an announcement. Thus, a generic word for "announcement" will be the best option among those provided. "Promulgation" fits this well. To promulgate something is to send it forth, and generally, this relates to a promulgated message. As for the second blank, it seems that the city was surprised by the promulgation. The word "nonplussed" works well here, though you should note that this word generally indicates a very extreme amount of surprise, to the point of meaning that someone is unable to function because of the great amount of surprise.

We really cannot say whether or not the student argued much while he was deciding to attend the college. The only thing that is hinted at in this sentence is that he thought long and deeply over the decision. The word "cogitation" indicates such deep thought. It is related to words like "cognition," "recognize," and the famous expression of Descartes, "Cogito ergo sum [I think, therefore I am]." As for the second blank, we do not know if the student will form influential relationships. The fact that he is going to a small college does hold out the hope that he will form close and intimate relationships with the others at the college.

For this question, you are able to pick a synonym that is actually quite a good match! It is said that lengthy letters are being replaced. The word "epistolary" means related to the writing of letters. It comes from the Latin epistula, meaning letter. The second blank is rather simple in comparison. For that, you are merely looking for a synonym for "communication." The word "correspondence" functions well in this capacity.

The second sentence is likely easier to ascertain than is the first one. Apparently the woman was very highly respected, thus receiving many votes. The word "esteemed" is a good synonym for "respected." This word is related to "estimation." Both words have to do with worth. Once you have filled in the second blank, it is rather obvious that the sentence is saying that the woman was not officially a candidate for the position—but still managed to be elected!

The word that goes in the second blank must be a result of the word in the first. If “fascinating” is put in the first blank, then it is improbable that she would ask her mom for an “operation.” “Grotesque” is strange or ugly in an unnatural way. “Abscission” is the act of cutting off or removing. Together, these form the best answer.

“Equanimity” might sound like it fits, but it actually refers to emotional steadiness under pressure. “Turbid” means cloudy or unclear. “Abusive . . . reparations” is the only correct answer.

The second sentence describes the word that should go in the second blank; therefore, “foolproof” and “flawless” are out of the question. “Encomium” is to formally honor someone or something. “Sinecure” is a job with minimal work. “Academic” can mean theoretical. That leaves us with “conjectures . . . academic” as the correct answer.

Really, the key word for this sentence is "intransigence," which will help to get the answer for the first blank. This word means refusal to change one's mind. A person who is intransigent is stubborn in his or her ideas. Likely, such a person thinks that obstinacy is a virtue. To be obstinate is to refuse to change one's mind in this manner. In so doing, such a person does not see such obstinacy as being a negative character trait. In other words, he or she does not see it as being a detrimental character trait. This word means harmful, but as it is the only option that expresses this general idea of negativity, it is the best among the options for the second blank.