6. Because reading on the Web entails quickly scanning and sorting through a deluge of

information, many wonder if our level of engagement with the text has been ____________ or if the ability to read closely and carefully is one that can be ____________ if we simply spend more time immersed in a book.

Blank (i)

irreparably compromisedtentatively disrupted

Blank (ii)

fully reactivatedfurther degradedsummarily disregarded permanently restored

Text Explanation

Answers: (A), (D)

It may be tempting to choose (B) tentatively disrupted. First off, it fits the context. Secondly, (A) irreparably compromised is very extreme. However, none of the answer choices for the second blank make sense if coupled with (B). The most alluring, (D) fully reactivated, doesn't quite work, because if

something is tentatively disrupted it implies that it is only temporarily affected and will change back (or be fully reactivated) soon.

(A) irreparably compromised, on the other hand, implies that "the level of engagement" may always be compromised. The 'or' in the sentence indicates that we need an opposite to (A). (D) fully reactivated supplies this contrast.

7. Managers who categorically squelch insights from low-tiered employees run the obvious hazard of (i) ____________ creativity; conversely, these very same managers are more likely to (ii)____________ any ideas that flow down from the top brass.

Blank (i)

fomentingsmotheringsparking

Blank (ii)

unquestioningly embracearbitrarily denounceconditionally approve

Text Explanation

Answers: (B), (D)

"Categorically squelch insights" indicates the first blank is going to be a word like stifle. (A) and (C) create the opposite meaning.

'Conversely' indicates a shift. Therefore the second part of the sentence is opposite. For the second blank we are looking for the opposite of "categorically squelch insights". Only (D) works.