Read the sentence, looking for clues
For this question, it might be best to begin with the second blank; it modifies
the students' evaluations, which the rest of the sentence describes. The professor
was an exceptionally good educator, so the evaluations must show that.
Predict the answer
For the second blank, predict "complimentary" or any other term consistent with
praise. The first blank will mean something like "according to" the evaluations.
Select the answer choices that most closely match
your predictions
(D) approbatory, meaning "full of praise," is an excellent match and is
the correct answer for the second blank. (E) tepid means "lukewarm" or "mediocre," which definitely does not fit
the high praise described in the sentence. (F) blandishing means "influencing by flattery," and there's no
indication that the students were trying to influence the teacher with these
evaluations.
(B) Judging by fits perfectly in the first blank. (A) Spurning means "rejecting," and (C) In lieu of means "instead of"; neither is a
match for the prediction.
Check your answer
Judging by the students' approbatory evaluations, the professor's work
as an educator was without fault; he was hailed as a competent yet inspiring
instructor, a scrupulous evaluator, and a likable person.
TAKEAWAY: There's no need to tackle the blanks in order; start with the one that's
easier.
