OE


The sentence is tricky; you may need to fill the two blanks at the same time. Perhaps the senator is not willing to “strike a concessionary tone” or perhaps she is not reluctant to strike such a tone; which meaning is correct? “Concessionary” is the act of conceding a point, so the senator must have a particular position that differs from her opponents. If, in spite of “her ________ position,” she is not reluctant to concede a point, then her position must be quite strong, or “hardline.” If, on the other hand, she is not willing to concede anything, then her position must be middle-of-the-road or undetermined. No choice fits this meaning, so “hardline” is the correct answer for the first blank. The sentence does not provide clues to tell whether her position is “conservative” or liberal. “Fiduciary” (relating to trust, especially with financial matters) does not fit here. For the second blank, the senator was ultimately not unwilling, or not “loath” to concede a point. “Not permitted” would refer to someone else restricting her; the sentence doesn’t indicate this. “Not qualified” implies an outside value judgment; again, the sentence doesn’t indicate this.

Let me know if you need further explanations. I 'll be happy to step in again

The sentence indicates that although the senator has a strong or firm position on tax reform, she is willing to adopt a more agreeable or compromising tone when debating with opponents.

Blank (i):
Conservative (A):
Meaning: Favoring traditional views and values; cautious about change.
This fits well, but it doesn’t convey a strong, unyielding position.

Fiduciary (B):
Meaning: Relating to trust, especially regarding financial matters.
This doesn’t fit the context of having a strong position on tax reform.

Hardline (C):
Meaning: Firm and uncompromising.
This fits best because it indicates a very strong, inflexible stance on tax reform.

Blank (ii):

Loath (D):
Meaning: Reluctant or unwilling.
This fits well because it indicates that despite having a firm position, the senator is not unwilling to be conciliatory.

Permitted (E):
Meaning: Allowed or given permission.
This doesn’t fit the context of her willingness or reluctance.

Qualified (F):
Meaning: Officially recognized as being trained to perform a particular job; also can mean limited or conditional.
This doesn’t fit as well as "loath" in the context of willingness to strike a certain tone.

Most Appropriate Choices:
For Blank (i): Hardline (C)
For Blank (ii): Loath (D)

Questions involving homonyms are easily confused and can result in wrong elimination of choice. Here, loath can be confused with loathe.

loath means reluctant &
loathe means hate/abhor

Therefore, loath is the right answer choice.