OE


If the speaker was charmed by the Mediterranean, the missing word must be positive. For this reason, you can immediately rule out turbid (clouded because of stirred-up sediment). Quiescent means quiet or motionfiss. Although this is not a negative description, we are more likely to admire the stillness of a pond or lake than we are that of a sea or ocean. Pellucid is a better answer; it means translucent or limpid. The keys to filling in the second blank are the words grandeur, stately, and imposing. We need a word that conveys a similar sense of majesty. Irrevocable does not, and in any case it makes little sense to describe a relic as unable to be repealed or annulled. Portentous (ominous or momentous) is better, but often hints at an underlying threat or danger that does not make sense in this context. August (venerable or inspiring reverence) is the best answer.

Let me know if you need further explanations

Carcass Why not C? What is clue for A?

90% of the time we do have a clue or else. However, not al the time. This is not guarantee.

Now, this is a case. You need to use your logic, the context, and your feeling also. Try to put yourself into the situation

Though we were charmed by the (i) _______ waters of the Mediterranean,

We were fascinated by the sea. Now, of the three options I would start with C

1) Quiescent, reading the words it reminds me of quiet, calm. I am not sure if I would be fascinated by a sea that is calm. Well, maybe a lake in the midst of mountains, or a forest where I do not hear any kind of noise......and so on

So C is out

2) Turbid. It reminds me of turbines: you know the huge fan we use to produce electricity in a power plan, for example. Therefore, turbid suggests me something of motion. The sea would be rough with big waves.

So B is out.

3) Pellucid is the right word. Notic also the element in the word : lucid. Something of reflective, something hyper clean: the furniture was so clean that it was like lucid.

The sea can be lucid or reflective.

A is the right option

I hope now is clear