Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In truth, the task was not __________, although the young man certainly acted as though it were the greatest burden he had ever undertaken.
onerous
outstanding
deplorable
remarkable
abhorrent
The coach was a polarizing figure, as some saw his speeches as powerful motivational tools, while others saw them as nasty ___________.
testimonies
harangues
pontifications
stemwinders
expositions