2012-03-27 09:00:40

Professor Kurtz was so strict that even the smallest ______ committed in his classroom would not go unpunished.

(A) apostasy
(B) zeal
(C) venality
(D) peccadillo
(E) concurrence

The correct answer is D

Explanation: Look for keywords in the sentence to help you predict the meaning of the missing word. Here, the keywords are in the phrase, “so strict that,” a phrase that implies that Kurtz expected his students to act properly and follow the rules. The other keywords are in the phrase “would not go unpunished” and the adjective “smallest” which modifies the missing word. Together, these all imply that Kurtz would not let even the slightest of infractions be committed without punishment. Thus, the missing word must likewise mean “infractions.” Because a “peccadillo” is “a petty sin or small offense,” choice D is correct.

The other answer choices do not work either:

Apostasy: the abandonment or renunciation of a political or religious belief

Zeal: fervor or passion

Venality: a susceptibility to bribery

Concurrence: an agreement or accordance in opinion