Question

The accusations we bring against others should be ---- ourselves; they should not ---- complacency and easy judgments on our part concerning our own moral conduct.

• A. definitions of.. produce
• B. instructions to.. equate
• C. denigrations of.. exclude
• D. warnings to.. justify
• E. parodies of.. satirize

Hint:

When a sentence has two clauses separated by a semicolon, the second clause often restates, explains, or elaborates on the first. Use this relationship to ensure the words you choose for the blanks are consistent across both parts of the sentence.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This sentence completion question presents a philosophical or moral statement. The two parts of the sentence, separated by a semicolon, are related and explain each other. The blanks must be filled with words that create a meaningful and logical piece of advice.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Analyze the first clause: "The accusations we bring against others should be ---- ourselves". This suggests that when we criticize others, that criticism should have a reflective purpose for ourselves.
2. Analyze the second clause: "...they should not ---- complacency and easy judgments on our part...". This states what the accusations should not do. They should not encourage us to be self-satisfied or lazy in our own moral conduct.
3. Find a pair of words that fits this structure of self-reflection versus self-satisfaction.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Let's examine option (D): "warnings to.. justify". The sentence would read: "The accusations we bring against others should be warnings to ourselves; they should not justify complacency...". This makes perfect sense. Seeing a flaw in someone else should serve as a warning to avoid that flaw ourselves. It should not be used as an excuse to feel superior and become complacent about our own behavior.
- Option (A) is illogical. Accusations are not "definitions of" ourselves.
- Option (B) is weak. "Instructions to" is plausible, but "warnings to" is a much better fit for the moral context. Furthermore, "equate complacency" does not make sense.
- Option (C) is incorrect. "Denigrations of" (criticisms of) ourselves is redundant and "exclude complacency" is the opposite of the intended meaning.
- Option (E) is not a good fit. "Parodies of" ourselves is too specific, and "satirize complacency" doesn't fit the logical flow.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The words "warnings to" and "justify" correctly convey the intended moral lesson: use criticism of others as a tool for self-improvement, not as a reason for self-satisfaction.