Explanation

The reference to human nature and long distances suggest that it is rather routine for drivers to exceed the speed limit in this state. “Cherished tradition” best fits this context for Blank (i), since there is nothing in the sentence to suggest that speeding here is “controversial” or “disquieting.” In Blank (ii) we need to consider what the legislature would do that would surprise no one with regard to increased penalties for speeding.

Given what we have learned so far, “rejected” is the best answer; it would be surprising if the legislature “endorsed” or even “considered” increased penalties for speeding.

Thus the correct answer is cherished tradition (Choice B) and rejected (Choice F).
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Even though there is no explicit sign in the sentence, the subtle meaning of the sentence delineate the choice cherished tradition (Choice B) and rejected (Choice F) as a correct answer.

The reference to "human nature" suggests something permanent. Therefore, cherished tradition seems to be the best fit, especially since the other two options - controversial habit and disquieting ritual do not seem to have any support, either in the sense of the whole sentence or through explicit clues.

Now, we are also told that the legislators surprised no one with their decision with respect to penalties for over-speeding. Since clearly it is a cherished tradition to exceed speed limits, they must not have increased penalties. Hence rejected is the right answer choice.

As a further clue, we have is "acceding to public demand". We can expect public demand to be in favour of conceding to human nature, so that would further imply that increased penalties for speeding would be rejected.
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Human nature and long distances have made exceeding the speed limit a (i)_________ in the state, so the legislators surprised no one when, acceding to public demand, they (ii)_________ increased penalties for speeding.




Let's breakdown this question into two pieces.

Human nature and long distances have made exceeding the speed limit a (i)_________ in the state.

If something has become a human nature, then it sort of becomes a norm in the society (especially democratic). For instance, seeing someone tripping over in front of you would bring a smile your face. That's why nobody can be punished for laughing at you over this.

so the legislators surprised no one when, acceding to public demand, they (ii)_________ increased penalties for speeding.

Similarly, human nature and long distances have made exceeding the speed limit a norm or tradition. If something has become a tradition, then no one could be surprised if the legislators have - to keep everyone's happy (acceding to people's demand) - rejected the increased penalties for speeding.


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I decidedly believe it is a wrong question designed by ETS in a nonsense exam like GRE. The irony for this TC is that: are all human natures cherished?!!! Are all human natures really good things?!!! I don't think so. Therefore, exceeding the speed limit is truly a controversial habit. Public in this sentence could be other people who oppose and remonstrate this controversial habit. So, legislators endorsed increased penalties, just like what Boris Johnson and many other legislators have done.
Accordingly, I say: Human nature and long distances have made exceeding the speed limit a controversial habit in the state, so the legislators surprised no one when, acceding to public demand, they endorsed increased penalties for speeding. Who can say that this sentence is illogical or unsound?