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With the critics waiting in the flanks, their pens flourished like rap
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21 Aug 2025, 02:48
21 Aug 2025, 02:48
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Question Stats:
60% (01:06) correct
40% (01:38) wrong based on 10 sessions
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With the critics waiting in the flanks, their pens flourished like rapiers, Henderson (i) _______ what would inevitably be a media circus regarding the release of yet another of his popular-though always pilloried in the press--series of books featuring a dashing heroine capable of unlimited physical prowess and endless derring-do.
| Blank (i) |
|---|
| A. lampooned |
| B. balked at |
| C. steeled himself for | D. invited | E. contemplated |
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Re: With the critics waiting in the flanks, their pens flourished like rap
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23 Aug 2025, 10:53
23 Aug 2025, 10:53
Expert Reply
Let's analyze the sentence and the context:
- Critics are waiting and ready to criticize ("their pens flourished like rapiers").
- Henderson is preparing for a "media circus" about the release of his book series.
- The media circus is "inevitable," suggesting Henderson expects it.
For Blank (i):
- (A) lampooned = mocked or ridiculed (unlikely, as Henderson is not described as mocking himself here)
- (B) balked at = hesitated or refused (not consistent with the idea of preparing for an inevitable event)
- (C) steeled himself for = prepared himself mentally for something difficult or challenging (fits perfectly)
- (D) invited = encouraged or welcomed (unlikely as the media circus is expected but not invited)
- (E) contemplated = thought about (possible but less strong than "steeled himself")
Given the inevitability and the readiness described, the best fit is:
- (C) steeled himself for.
- Critics are waiting and ready to criticize ("their pens flourished like rapiers").
- Henderson is preparing for a "media circus" about the release of his book series.
- The media circus is "inevitable," suggesting Henderson expects it.
For Blank (i):
- (A) lampooned = mocked or ridiculed (unlikely, as Henderson is not described as mocking himself here)
- (B) balked at = hesitated or refused (not consistent with the idea of preparing for an inevitable event)
- (C) steeled himself for = prepared himself mentally for something difficult or challenging (fits perfectly)
- (D) invited = encouraged or welcomed (unlikely as the media circus is expected but not invited)
- (E) contemplated = thought about (possible but less strong than "steeled himself")
Given the inevitability and the readiness described, the best fit is:
- (C) steeled himself for.
gmatclubot
Re: With the critics waiting in the flanks, their pens flourished like rap [#permalink]
23 Aug 2025, 10:53
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