Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In truth, the task was not __________, although the young man certainly acted as though it were the greatest burden he had ever undertaken.
deplorable
abhorrent
onerous
outstanding
remarkable
The coach was a polarizing figure, as some saw his speeches as powerful motivational tools, while others saw them as nasty ___________.
expositions
stemwinders
testimonies
pontifications
harangues