OE


The second blank is an easy place to start, and refers to what the collector did to the bar. The clue for the second blank is he found that coral had grown, so use “looked at” as a word for the second blank. Choices (D) and (E)— briefed, assayed— can be eliminated, because they do not match “looked at.” The correct answer for the second blank is (F), scrutinized. Now look at the third blank, which refers to the effect of this discovery on the woman’s claim. The clue for the third blank is indicating that the bar had been underwater for years. This is consistent with the woman’s claim, so use “helped” as a word for the third blank. Choice (G), which means canceled out, and (I), which means betrayed, can be eliminated because they do not match “helped.” The correct answer for the third blank is (H), substantiated. Now look at the first blank, which refers to what the collector was about the woman’s claims. The clue for the first blank is that the woman’s claims were substantiated and the transition phrase at first indicates that the collector was skeptical of her claims, so use “skeptical” as a word for the first blank. Choices (B) and (C)— convinced, enamored— can be eliminated, because they do not match “skeptical.” The correct answer for the first blank is (A), dubious. The correct answer is (A), (F), and (H).