Explanation

Read the sentence carefully:

"A presumption that there is something (i)_______ about adults who read romance novels-and certainly about scholars who analyze them-hangs over the field..."

The phrase "there is something ___ about" suggests a negative judgment or suspicion. People assume romance readers are somehow inappropriate or questionable.

Blank (i)

A. savvy about = knowledgeable about (positive)

B. untoward about = improper, undesirable, or suspicious Correct

C. zealous about = overly enthusiastic (doesn't fit the idea of social judgment)

So, Blank (i) = B. untoward about

Now look at the second part:

"many academic studies feel compelled to preface their arguments with elaborate (ii)_______ defending the seriousness of their subject..."

The studies need to defend or justify their topic before making arguments.

Blank (ii)

D. disclaimers = statements that remove doubt or defend against criticism

E. encomiums = praises or compliments

F. prolegomena = introductory remarks (possible in some contexts, but not specifically defensive)

Blank (ii) = D. disclaimers

Final Answer: B,D