Directions: select the answer that best completes the sentence.
Whereas the Senator has proven herself a great ________, the Governor is ________ and refuses to consider any opinions other than his own.
(a) compromiser...intransigent
(b) autocrat...inflexible
(c) arbitrator...compliant
(d) mediator...conciliatory
(e) negotiator...indulgent
Discussion: As with many sentence completion sentences, this one requires you to find the relationship between the two halves of the sentence. The word "whereas" tells us that we're looking for contrast -- the Senator is one way, whereas the Governor is another. Only choice (a), "compromiser" and "intransigent," sets up a contrast that makes sense.
Vocabulary:
- arbitrator - a negotiator; one who settles differences
- autocrat - one with undisputed authority
- compliant - willing to comply; submissive; obeying
- compromiser - one who will reach an agreement through mutual concessions; one who is willing to compromise
- conciliatory - characterized by a desire to appease and overcome animosity through pleasant behavior
- indulgent - tolerant; permissive
- inflexible - stubborn; rigid; unyielding
- intransigent - refusing to compromise; inflexible
- mediator - one who works to settle differences between two parties
- negotiator - one who bargains with others
