Blank (i)

The sentence opens with an infinitive phrase describing what she did: she refrained from confronting the board "when every instinct must have cried out for immediate exposure." To resist such a powerful impulse "required a temperament that was anything but (i) ______ ." The phrase "anything but" means "certainly not." Since the impulse was toward immediate exposure, resisting it required a temperament that was the opposite of impulsive. The blank must mean impulsive, hasty, or rash.
- A. gallant - Chivalrous, brave, noble. While "gallant" is a positive trait, it does not contrast with the restraint described. A gallant person might well rush to expose wrongdoing. Incorrect.
- B. rash - Acting without careful consideration; impetuous, hasty. "A temperament that was anything but rash" perfectly captures the restraint needed to resist the impulse for immediate action. Correct.
- C. contemplative - Thoughtful, reflective, meditative. This is the opposite of what the blank requires. "Anything but contemplative" would mean not thoughtful - which would describe an impulsive person who rushes to act. But the sentence requires a temperament that is not impulsive. Incorrect.

Blank (ii)

The second clause explains the source of her restraint: "those who knew her best understood that her actions were governed entirely by a deeply ingrained (ii) _______ ." The blank must name the positive quality that explains her ability to resist the impulse for immediate action - the opposite of rashness. It must mean caution, carefulness, or prudent judgment.
- D. churlishness - Rudeness, boorishness, ill-breeding. A negative trait that does not explain disciplined restraint. Incorrect.
- E. prudence - Caution, circumspection, wise self-restraint; the exercise of good judgment. "Governed entirely by a deeply ingrained prudence" perfectly explains why she refrained from acting on impulse. Correct.
- F. impulsiveness - The tendency to act on impulse without forethought. This is the opposite of what the blank requires. If her actions were governed by impulsiveness, she would have confronted the board immediately. Incorrect.