greMS15
Hi

Can I make a small request?

can you also write a few lines justifying your choice so that the audience also could go through your critical reasoning?

Thanks

sure . will do

I think, the answer will be arithmetic and reckoning..

Posted from my mobile device

I'm in favour of arithmetic and reckoning as well; please provide full explanation.

Analysis
1. Identify the Contrast: The sentence sets up a powerful contrast using the word "but":
- Appearance (Willingly lent, favourable terms) → Positive/Fair
- Reality (Curious method of _______ , made them mount to an incredible percentage) → Negative/Deceptive/Unfairly High Cost

2. Determine the Required Meaning: The blank needs a word that describes a secret, deceptive, or tricky method of calculating, accounting, or charging interest that makes the payments soar unexpectedly high. The process involves manipulation of the numbers to charge excessive rates.

3. Evaluate the Options:
- Observation: The act of noticing or perceiving. (Doesn't fit the context of calculating interest.)
- Disinterest: Lack of interest or concern. (Opposite of the highly focused, manipulative action described.)
- Hesitancy: Reluctance or unwillingness. (Doesn't relate to the calculation method.)
- Arithmetic: The process of calculation. (Too neutral; doesn't capture the curious, deceptive nature of the method.)
- Usury: The illegal action or practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest. This directly describes the result (incredible percentage) and the practice being described. Excellent fit.
- Reckoning: The action or process of calculating or estimating something. Like "Arithmetic," it is a calculation, but it is often used in the context of settlement or accounting ("final reckoning"). In this context, it can imply a specific method of calculation, which fits the structure of "method of _______ ." Good fit.

Both Usury and Reckoning fit the context of a tricky financial/calculating method that results in unjustly high interest rates, leading to sentences that are very close in meaning.

The correct pair is Usury and Reckoning.