OE


The first blank is an easy place to start, and refers to the writer. The clue for the first blank is no previous experience, so use “new” as a word for the first blank. Choices (A) and (C)— seasoned, successful— can be eliminated, because they do not match “new.” The correct answer for the first blank is (B), neophyte. Now look at the third blank, which refers to how she was… able to get a contract. The clue for the third blank is hard work, so recycle “hard work” as a phrase for the third blank. Choice (G), which means laziness, and (I), which means shrewdness, can be eliminated because they do not match “hard work.” The correct answer for the third blank is (H), tenacity. Now look at the second blank, which refers to the writer’s novel. The clue for the second blank is no previous publishing experience, so use “first” as a word for the second blank. Choices (E) and (F)— fictional, subsequent— can be eliminated, because they do not match “first.” The correct answer for the second blank is (D), debut. The correct answer is (B), (D), and (H).