Blank (i)

The sentence opens: "Even those who conceded that the tactics employed by the university president to quash the no-confidence motion were ethically (i) _______ maintained that a modicum of such (ii) _______ was a defensible price." The word "conceded" signals a reluctant admission: the tactics were morally questionable, suspect, or wrong. The blank must mean of doubtful moral quality; questionable.
- A. precipitate - Rash, hasty, done without deliberation. This describes speed, not moral quality. Incorrect.
- B. dubious - Morally suspect; questionable; giving rise to doubt. "Ethically dubious" perfectly captures the reluctant admission of moral taint. Correct.
- C. perfunctory - Superficial, done with minimal effort. This describes effort, not ethics. Incorrect.

Blank (ii)

The second clause states: "a modicum of such (ii) ______ was a defensible price." The word "such" links back to the tactics described in blank (i). If the tactics were ethically dubious, the noun naming them must mean deception, trickery, or underhanded behavior. The blank must mean trickery, deception, or crafty behavior.
- D. sycophancy - Flattery, obsequiousness, fawning behavior. This describes servile praise, not deception. Incorrect.
- E. chicanery - Trickery, deception, subterfuge. "A modicum of such chicanery" perfectly captures the idea of a small amount of deceitful maneuvering. Correct.
- F. truculence - Aggressiveness, belligerence. This describes hostility, not deception. Incorrect.