12- Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The store manager was ------- when sales dropped for the third year in a row; that was why she ------- our department for its lack of effort.

A. indolent . . intimidated
B. indignant . . upbraided
C. insolent . . exonerated
D. indulgent . . castigated
E. intolerant . . condoned



Correct Answer: B

* Here's Why:

The first missing term must characterize the manager’s response to a drop in sales that shes sees as a result of her department’s “lack of effort.” It is logical to conclude that the store manager “upbraided,” or scolded, her employees out of indignance, or righteous anger.
* Difficulty: Medium
* Question Type: Sentence Completions
(Critical Reading)