OFFICIAL EXPLANATION



B, E, I

The straight-ahead road sign "consequently" tells us that the second clause of the first sentence follows logically from the first. The context of the second clause provides clues as to the nature of the noun in Blank (i), so this is the best place to start. The phrases "popular movement" and "negotiated a fitful but unavoidable treaty with the despised government" suggest people fighting the government, so a good prediction would be "capture." Choice (B) seize, which means "to take hold of," fits our prediction and is correct. Choice (A) probe, or "investigate," is incorrect because the context clues indicate that the insurgents wanted to take power away, not explore it. Choice (C) sanction, or "authorize," is the opposite of what we need.
For Blank (ii), the phrase "lost its momentum" suggests that the efforts to take the citadel were unsuccessful, so choice (E) thwarted, or "stopped," is correct. Choice (D) conclusive, or "decisive," would imply success in taking the citadel and so is incorrect. While the attack may have been vigorous, or "done with great force and energy," the second part of the sentence indicates that in the end it must have failed, so choice $(F)$ is insufficient.
As for blank (iii), the word "nevertheless" is a detour road sign that suggests eventually worthwhile advancements were made. Choice (I) reforms, meaning "changes made to correct wrongs," fits this prediction and is correct. Choice (G) innovations, or "new ideas or methods," is incorrect because we're looking for improvements, not just changes. While it's true that (H) individuals, or "persons," may be "introduced," this choice does not describe a specific reward for the insurgents' tribulations, so (H) is incorrect.

The correct answers are (B), (E), and (I).