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