BigBook Test 6 - Section 2

[user1454]

Hello,
I need help with two questions from Section 2 of the BigBook Test 6.

In the first question, how does Greg connect the second blank to “biography”? I reasoned that “transitory,” “dramatic,” “conventional,” and “institution” don’t fit, but I’m unsure about “relentless” since I was unfamiliar with its meaning. That’s how I solved this question, just by eliminating the unmatched options in terms of meaning.

In the second question, do “Although” and “In reality” create aligned contrasts, or are they pointing to different ones? Also, why is “feign” correct? I think “pretending” establishes the contrast itself, without needing any further explanation, so simpler words like “display” might suffice with further explanation. (As here we have further explanation : “,in reality his interest …”)

[Joan]

In the first question,
Your strategy of eliminating is perfectly valid. Increasing your vocabulary would also help.

In the second question,
For the first blank, I agree that ‘displayed’ is a slightly better answer than ‘feigned’ for the same reasons. But there is not enough evidence to pick ‘preemptive’ - the pair of ‘displayed’ for the second blank. While Johnson has little to no interest in the project, the sentence doesn’t say he tried to forestall (preempt) the projects. Feigned and perfunctory is a more appropriate pair for this reason.

[user1454]

Hi,

Thank you for your reply!

Do “Although” and “In reality” convey the same contrast? If we were to remove one and make a slight adjustment to the sentence, would the meaning remain unchanged and the answer still be the same?