Question

Not just the absence of ________ , but also the presence of ________ and honesty is required to bind up the nation’s wound.

• A. retribution, camaraderie
• B. guilt, religion
• C. crime, religion
• D. love, austerity
• E. recrimination, insight

Hint:

In double blank questions, focus on {contrast and complement}: the first blank usually represents something negative to be removed, while the second represents something positive to be added.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understand the meaning of the sentence.
The sentence emphasizes that healing the nation’s wound requires not only the removal of negative qualities but also the presence of positive values.

Step 2: Analyze the first blank (Absence of ________).
- Retribution = revenge or punishment — its absence could help, but does not fit reconciliation.
- Guilt = absence of guilt alone doesn’t necessarily bind wounds.
- Crime = absence of crime is helpful but not sufficient.
- Love = absence of love doesn’t fit (we want presence of love, not absence).
- Recrimination = mutual blame or accusation — perfectly fits as something harmful whose absence is needed.
Thus, the best choice for the first blank is recrimination.

Step 3: Analyze the second blank (Presence of ________).
- Camaraderie = fellowship — fits somewhat, but paired with "honesty" feels weaker.
- Religion = does not fit with honesty in this context.
- Austerity = strictness, not relevant.
- Insight = understanding, wisdom — strongly fits with honesty as positive healing values.
Thus, the best choice for the second blank is insight.

Step 4: Final constructed sentence.
Not just the absence of recrimination, but also the presence of insight and honesty is required to bind up the nation’s wound.

Correct Answer: (E) recrimination, insight