Critics argue that the regulatory agency, never having established a clear definition of unacceptable risk, has become (i)_____ outside pressures on that matter: several experts have recently (ii)_____ it for allowing a power plant to postpone an inspection for over six weeks despite serious safety concerns.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) |
|---|---|
| A. susceptible to | D. complimented |
| B. unaware of | E. panned |
| C. irritated at | F. overlooked |
This two-blank question requires understanding the critical tone of the passage.
Blank (i): The agency never defined “untenable risk,” leaving it without a firm standard. This absence of a standard made it open and vulnerable to outside influence. Susceptible to means vulnerable or open to — exactly right. “Unaware of” doesn’t explain the influence, and “irritated at” changes the meaning entirely.
Blank (ii): Experts reacted negatively to the agency’s poor decision. They would pan it — meaning to criticize harshly. “Complimented” is the opposite, and “overlooked” means to ignore, not to criticize.
Correct Answers: Blank (i) = A (susceptible to), Blank (ii) = E (panned).
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