Ks1859 wrote:
The (i)________ of online marketplaces has facilitated the “flipping,” or quickly reselling at a profit, of original artwork. Though this practice is (ii)________ by artists and critics who seem to think art should be kept from the hands of the (iii)________, is it surprising that goods in the private sector find their way to the highest bidder?
The above in bold are few clues to solve the question. For the first blank, the online marketplaces are facilitated, that means there is a growth in online marketplaces only proliferate fits the bill. Alternatively, seeing the options we know stagnation(lack of growth or activity) or sanctimony do not fit the context.
For the second blank, the author uses, though indicating, that the tone of the sentence is opposite from the previous one. Further, the sentence implies that the practice is disliked by the artists and critics. Therefore, the blank should be negative and similar to dislike. Revile is the correct option.
For the third blank the artists and critics think that art should be kept away from the hands of someone who is not supposed to get the work. Someone who is corruptible, hence mercenary.
Do let me know if the reasoning for the above question is wrong!
Hope this helps!
Sir, especially for the third blank I don't seem to understand much. Could be please hint to me on how to identify the clue here?