The author's predilection for academic

GRE Verbal Problem Solving
1

The author’s predilection for academic jargon - his natural inclination for scholarly____________ - unfortunately obscures his otherwise __________ hypothesis.

In this question I understood that first blank is previously referenced strategy. But that’s my ear, I’m not able to connect it using some “previously referenced word” to validate that it really is previously reference strategy.

I can use the word “his” from “his natural inclination for scholarly” but according to the session on “previously referenced strategy” the blank should be just after “his”.

2

Not necessarily. You can use “his natural inclination for” together if you like. I think using “his” makes sense here

3

So, If I try to generalise here bit more. How can I know to what extent I can ignore something after “previously referenced word” ?

For example how can I know that I can ignore “natural inclination for” after “his” and consider this a “previously referenced strategy” ?

4

Because it doesn’t change anything.

“his ______”

“his natural inclination for ______”

They both talk about something he has/does, there’s no contrast.