OE


The first sentence describes how the perception of certain events’ historical importance may change over time. The second sentence discusses how some events first seem very important, while the word ”but” indicates that these events may ultimately prove to be unimportant. You can predict that an unimportant event will have few consequences for future generations. (C) repercussions matches this prediction and is correct. (A) vagaries, which refers to “sudden or unexpected changes,” is not supported by the meaning of the sentence. (B) misapprehensions means “misunderstandings” and is also unsuitable for the context.  The word “others” at the beginning of the third sentence indicates that an opposite situation will be described in this sentence. Since the previous sentence discussed how some events seem important when they occur, you can predict that this sentence will describe how other events at first seem unimportant. (E) picayune, which means “trivial,” is a perfect match for this prediction and is correct.  (D) monumental, which means “of great importance,” is the opposite of the prediction. (F) outlandish, meaning “bizarre,” is incorrect because it is not supported by the context.