The first blank is probably the more obvious of the two, for Henry's action is described as being quite careful. When we take great care about the details of something, we act in a meticulous manner, as Henry is doing in the story presented in this sentence. The second blank is likely a bit stranger, for we do not use the word "disposition" in this way very often. In a very general sense, a "disposition" can merely refer to the overall order found in a whole made up of various parts. Henry's actions are helping to create such a harmonious disposition in the whole group.

The word "although" offers a clue that the words that go in the blanks are opposing words; "calumny" (a misrepresentation meaning to harm one's reputation) and "indubitable" (too evident to be doubted) are the best fit.

The first blank in this sentence is likely the easiest to fill in. It is a synonym parallel to "praise" in the final clause of the sentence. The author in question must have received much adulation for the works in question, meaning that she received much praise. These works are written for the general populace, making philosophical topics accessible to them. Such works are called "popular," not necessarily because they have won a popularity contest but because they are written for the people—for the "general populace."

Here were are looking for two related words—synonyms, but different parts of speech. Context clues tell us that the king was a coward, or someone who is "craven" (lacking courage) and expresses "pusillanimity" (cowardliness).

For the first blank, do not assume anything beyond the clues provided in the sentence. The river is only described as "winding through the mountains." We really do not know if it was wild or dangerous. Thus, the word "sinuous" is the best option. This word means bending or full of curves. Think of a sine wave from trigonometry—a continuously bending curve!

As for the second blank, it seems that Albert has a feeling of great respect for his ancestors. The closing interjection enforces this sense of appreciation. Otherwise, it would be tempting to read this second blank as expressing marvel. There is marvel involved in his reaction; however, the sense of appreciation should also be expressed in your choice of an answer. Hence, "reverence" is the best option among those provided.

A “sinecure” is a cushy job (often political) that requires very little work. This type of job would be hard to find in a farming community. “Agrarian” means that something is related to rural land and farming. A “subsidy” refers to financial assistance from the government to an undertaking that supports the general public. “Agrarian . . . subsidies” is the correct answer.

The word “but” indicates a sentence shift, meaning that the words in the blanks will carry contrasting connotations. Something “disreputable” lacks respect because it looks bad. As far as Greek gods are concerned, “ambrosia” is simply food. For us mortals, it is something that tastes or smells divine. “Disreputable . . . ambrosia” is the correct answer.

Clearly, the use of the adverb "most" indicates that the sentence pertains to a very significant type of loss. The term "loss" can mean merely something that is lost or no longer held in possession, though it could also mean, more strictly, a financial loss. Either sense works in this sentence, though the latter is perhaps more appropriate, given the talk of work and success. In any case, several answers could function as a potential answer for the first blank; however, only "devastating" has a strength that really matches the adverb "most." Something "devastating" is something causing great destruction or shock. Although the second blank could indicate that luck (or something else) is also necessary, it is best to stay with the closest meaning implied by related words in the sentence. The sentence implies that hard work will help to recover from such devastating losses. This would presumably mean that devotion or dedication would likewise help in such a process of recovery.

"Ombudsman" works as the answer, as it matches the description in the following clause of someone who collects grievances of the public. "Deleterious" works as the other answer because it talks about the harmfulness of the claims. Completion questions of this type simply require that you understand the full context of the sentence, and recognize the word for the noun that is the subject of the sentence, and the adjective matching the way they are being described from the context of the given portions of the sentence.

"Anticipated" works because the following phrase describes the long wait for the album. "Excitement" also makes sense because the singer's fans were waiting for the album.