Official Explanation

B, E

The key to this question is the detour road sign “unfortunately.” Terrance’s low test scores are the exact opposite of what you would expect from such a student. You know he is an eager student who always tries his best and participates in class; any of these positive
associations could fit in the blank. This allows you to immediately eliminate choice (A) pedantic, “stodgy,” and (F) prudent, “restrained,” which are direct opposites of our predictions. Choice (C) apathetic can be rejected for the same reason. Contrasting Terrance’s ability with his idealistic actions eliminates choice (D) pragmatic, which means “realistic as opposed to idealistic.” The remaining two answer choices, (B) animated, “lively,” and (E) assiduous, “persistent,” both create sentences that describe the type of student who would continue to participate in class when he is not experiencing success.