Carcass wrote:
Key points:
1. Blank (i): Another negative trait of the magnate, similar to "arrogant" and "bitterly critical."
2. Blank (ii): Something the magnate was legendary for, which the speaker was often a victim of. Given the magnate's negative traits, this is likely something harsh or critical.
3. Blank (iii): Positive things the speaker could say about the magnate, despite his negative traits.
Analyzing Blank (i)
We need a negative adjective similar to "arrogant" and "bitterly critical."
Options:
- (A) efficacious: Effective or capable (positive; doesn't fit).
- (B) bellicose: Warlike or aggressive (fits; aligns with arrogance and criticism).
- (C) chastened: Humbled or subdued (positive/neutral; contradicts the tone).
Best choice: (B) bellicose.
Analyzing Blank (ii)
The magnate was legendary for something the speaker was often a victim of. Given his negative traits, this is likely harsh behavior.
Options:
- (D) diatribes: Bitter verbal attacks (fits perfectly with "bitterly critical").
- (E) encomiums: Praises (doesn't fit the negative context).
- (F) eulogies: Speeches praising someone, usually after death (doesn't fit here).
Best choice: (D) diatribes.
Analyzing Blank (iii)
The speaker could say something positive about the magnate despite his flaws.
Options:
- (G) magnanimous: Generous or forgiving (positive; fits).
- (H) imperious: Domineering or arrogant (negative; contradicts "positive").
- (I) vindictive: Seeking revenge (negative; doesn't fit).
Best choice: (G) magnanimous.
you're right I haven't noticed "nevertheless".