OFFICIAL EXPLANATION


The correct answers are C, E, and G.

Answer Blank (i): Choices A and B are opposites, so either both are incorrect, or one is correct. In this case both are incorrect. Choice A, "imperceptible," means "difficult to perceive or subtle" and choice B, "discernible," means "able to perceive." Neither fits the sense that modern pop culture is so insubstantial that it can be easily forgotten. Choice C, "inconsequential," fits this sense. Answer Blank (ii): Choice E, "allusion," is "an indirect reference to someone or something." An "illusion," choice D, is "a mistaken perception of reality" and doesn't make sense in the sentence. Choice F, a "paraphrase," is a restating in your own words of what someone else said and is incorrect because the phrase " 15 minutes" is quoted.

Answer Blank (iii): Because of the reference to time in the first sentence, choice G, "memorable," meaning "lasting, worth remembering," matches the sense. Neither choices H nor I include the sense of time. Choice H, "prestigious," means "being esteemed or honored," and choice I, "prominent," means "to stand out, be widely known."