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This sentence is about writers of the "contemplative persuasion," meaning writers who are pensive and spend a lot of time in thought, and who have a tough time writing about a certain state of mind. The biggest clue to that state of mind is the phrase "passing thoughts and inconstant moods," which means the answer will mean changeable, impermanent, or inconsistent. The best answers are "ephemeral" and "fleeting." "Vestigial," or a remnant of something, does not fit. "Essential" might work, but there's no indication that the changeable aspects of the mind are necessary. "Evasive" (trying to avoid something) does not have the right meaning. "Inchoate," meaning not fully formed, is tempting but does not form a pair with any other answer.