I don't understand the SAT QOTD (CR)

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>There has been little ------- criticism written about de la Mare; indeed, that which has been written is at the two extremes, either appallingly ------- or bitterly antagonistic.</p>

<p>(A) hostile . . ambiguous
(B) recent . . illogical
(C) fervent . . complimentary
(D) objective . . sycophantic
(E) temperate . . censorious</p>

<p>The only one that fits the first blank is "temperate"
The only one that fits the second blank is "complimentary"</p>

<p>Why is it D</p>

2

<p>Neither fawning (i.e., “sycophantic”) critiques nor antagonistic criticism is objective.</p>

3

<p>Oh… I guess I took it from a different perspective… is this a faulty question? I figured the first blank was something that was “moderate,” or not at 2 extremes, and the second one was the opposite of “opposition,” or antagonistic…</p>

4

<p>But I do see how D is right, now.</p>

5

<p>damn, sycophantic is a hard word…</p>

6

<p>I believe that it was in Direct Hits.</p>

7

<p>It was indeed. I have also seen it on a couple of BB practice tests.</p>

<p>The way I looked at it was that sycophantic and complimentary are the only ones that fit blank 2. In blank 1, since fervent means enthusiastic, that can’t be the answer. They are looking for something neutral. Objective fits.</p>

8

<p>The word “sycophant” is also used in Calvin & Hobbes, I’m pretty sure. :)</p>