OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

The correct answers are B,F, and H.

Answer Blank (i): Choice A, "accomplished," meaning "skilled," is true, but choice B, "consummate," meaning "masterful, highly skilled," captures the sense of the sentence better. It's a matter of degree: Hemingway isn't just a good storyteller, he's also great at his craft. Choice C is incorrect because "perfect" means "without defect, complete" and doesn't quite make sense.

Answer Blank (ii): To answer the second and third blanks, you need to consider the choices together because the phrase "and an equally" indicates that you need to look for two words that balance each other (are equal). Choices D, "impressive," and E, "interesting," are somewhat similar, and based on the style of the passage, which is slightly ornate, not intense enough, so eliminate them. Choice F, "stunning," meaning "commanding attention, or shocking, astonishing," fits the context.

Answer Blank (iii): In choosing your third answer, look for a word that is similar to "stunning." Choice H, "riveting," means "holding attention," so it's the correct answer. Choice G, "glittering," means "showy, dazzling," and may be true of the portrait, but doesn't balance "stunning." As a doublecheck, it doesn't balance "impressive" or "interesting": it's of a more intense degree than either word. Choice I, "conspicuous," means "obvious, without attempting to hide anything" and doesn't fit the context.