The most striking thing about the politician is how often his politics have been (i)__________ rather than ideological, as he adapts his political positions at any particular moment to the political realities that constrain him. He does not, however, piously (ii)__________ political principles only to betray them in practice. Rather, he attempts in subtle ways to balance his political self-interest with a (iii) __________, viewing himself as an instrument of some unchanging higher purpose.Lets do this one sentence at a time.
The most striking thing about the politician is how often his politics have been (i)__________
rather than ideological, as he
adapts his political positions at any particular moment
to the political realities that constrain him.
The words "rather than" indicate a comparison which pits the word for the blank against the word "ideological", indirectly suggesting an opposition between the two. The only word that fulfills that criteria is
strategic. The word
self-righteous, which means having or characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct or morally superior, is not opposed in sense to "ideological" and is therefore irrelevant. And
quixotic meaning extremely idealistic and impractical is the exact opposite of the word we are looking for.
The word
strategic means relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
The phrases "
adapts his political positions" and "political realities that
constrain him" further point to
strategic as the best choice. The words "adapts" and "constrain" point in this direction eminently.
The next sentence
He does not, however, piously (ii)__________ political principles
only to betray them in practice
The phrase "only to betray them in practice" implies he piously propounded political principles, or expounded political principles. The only word that fits that meaning is
brandish, which means to exhibit in an ostentatious or aggressive manner, in this context. We can easily eliminate
follow because he cannot follow the political principles and betray them at the same time. To
flout is to disregard a rule, law or convention, and if he was already flouting the political principles, it does not make sense to say he betrayed them once again.
The last sentence
Rather, he attempts in subtle ways to
balance his political self-interest with a (iii) __________, viewing himself as an
instrument of some unchanging higher purpose.
The word "balance" suggests that we need the opposite of political self-interest. We can eliminate
thoroughgoing pragmatism as it smacks of well, pragmatism and the opposite of political self-interest would be something idealistic. The choice
profound cynicism does not suggest the opposite of self-interest. So we reject it as well. We are left with
deeply felt moral code which is an ideal an hence not mere self-interest. Therefore, it is the correct choice.
You can also arrive at it in a different way. The first sentence suggests that he is a practical person rather than an ideologically motivated person. The second sentence, however, tells us that his practicality does not mean he will spout ideals but betray those in practice. In other words, he respects ideals even though he is practical. Therefore, in the third sentence, we should look for a balance between practicality (political self-interest) and some ideal (deeply felt moral code).
Also the phrase "viewing himself as an
instrument of some unchanging higher purpose." indicates
deeply felt moral code as the best choice.
Hope that clarifies.
_________________
12 Feb 2016, 08:29
17% (01:10) correct
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