Question

The further [A] / farther [B] he pushed himself, the more disillusioned he grew. For the crowds it was more of a historical [A] / historic [B] event; for their leader, it was just another day. The old man has a healthy distrust [A] / mistrust [B] for all new technology. This film is based on a real [A] / true [B] story. One suspects that the compliment [A] / complement [B] was backhanded.

• A. BABAB
• B. ABABA
• C. BAABA
• D. BBAAB

Hint:

Even near-synonyms have preferred contexts — rely on idiomatic use for correct choice.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

1. Further (A) for figurative distance.
2. Historic (B) for significant event.
3. Distrust (A) — more general than “mistrust.”
4. True story (B) is idiomatic.
5. Compliment (A) — a remark of praise (even if backhanded).
Sequence: A, B, A, B, A ⇒ ABABA.