What is the answer? I chose C and F, but it seems like some people chose C and E
(c) amicable - friendly
(f) affable - friendly
(e) obsequious - excessive eagerness to please or obey

Your answers are correct sir.

The OAs will be revealed as the inscription at the bottom of the question

1) Explanation

Let's break down the sentence to understand the context and the meaning required for the blank:
- "Joel's $\qquad$ demeanor toward the boss should not be interpreted as sycophancy;..."
- "Sycophancy" is the key word here. It means excessive flattery or subservient behavior, often to gain advantage. So, the blank describes a demeanor that might be mistaken for sycophancy. This implies a very friendly, perhaps overly deferential or eager-to-please manner.
- The phrase "should not be interpreted as sycophancy" tells us that while the demeanor might appear sycophantic, it isn't truly so.
- "...he is just as warm and friendly with everybody else in the office."
- This second part provides the reason why his demeanor is not sycophancy. It explains that his friendly behavior is genuine and extended to everyone, not just the boss.
- Therefore, the blank needs a word that describes a warm, friendly, or pleasant demeanor, which, when directed at a superior, could be misconstrued as sycophantic.

Let's evaluate the given options:
- A. indifferent: Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned. This is the opposite of warm and friendly.
- B. professional: Relating to or connected with a profession; competent. While being professional is good, it doesn't necessarily imply the kind of warmth that might be mistaken for sycophancy.
- C. amicable: Characterized by friendliness and absence of discord. This perfectly describes a warm and friendly demeanor.
- D. boorish: Rough and bad-mannered; rude. This is the opposite of a demeanor that could be mistaken for sycophancy.
- E. obsequious: Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree. This is a very strong synonym for sycophantic. While the sentence says his demeanor should not be interpreted as sycophancy, "obsequious" describes the behavior that would be sycophantic. This means it's a trap. The blank needs a word that describes a genuinely friendly demeanor that might be mistaken for sycophancy, not a truly sycophantic one.
- F. affable: Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to. This also perfectly describes a warm and friendly demeanor.

Conclusion:

The sentence contrasts a potentially misconstrued demeanor with Joel's actual friendly nature towards everyone. Therefore, the blank should describe his genuinely friendly disposition. Both "amicable" and "affable" fit this description.

The final answer is $\(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{F}\)$.