OE

Efficient, progress, iniquitous. There is a difference between modern farming practices and traditional agriculture. “She nonetheless argues that this difference represents no real” progress, the only choice for the second blank that makes sense. Disincentive means “deterrent” and countermand as a noun means “order that revokes a previous order.” Progress in turn provides an additional clue for the first blank: she is arguing that the difference is not really progress, even though modern farming is more (something) than traditional farming, so the blank must be something positive like “advanced.” While more advanced practices could be expensive, more expensive practices would not be thought of as progress, so expensive doesn't fit in this context. Polluting is negative, so efficient must be the answer in blank (i). The last blank is referring to something bad about the social hierarchy and how it treats farmers. Stratified describes the hierarchy, but doesn't say anything negative about it (aside from the fact that it is a hierarchy!). Since halcyon (calm, peaceful, or tranquil) is positive, iniquitous or unjust is the only fit.