In the sentence below, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D…

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "The Major demanded an unalloyed, and not a ____ loyalty from his soldiers."

We need a word that (1) is nearly opposite in meaning to "unalloyed" and (2) fits the gap naturally, describing loyalty.

Explain the concept

"Unalloyed" means pure, complete, unmixed, with nothing weakening it. An alloy is a metal mixed with another substance, so "unalloyed" means not diluted or mixed. Here it means wholehearted, undivided loyalty. The opposite is loyalty that is diluted, half-hearted, or unsteady.

Test the options

• A. strict: Strict loyalty is not the opposite of pure loyalty. It doesn't fit.
• B. wavering: Loyalty that wavers is unsteady and not fully committed. It is the opposite of unalloyed (pure and complete) loyalty, and "a wavering loyalty" reads naturally.
• C. clumsy: This describes awkward movement, not a quality of loyalty.
• D. alterable: This means "able to be changed." It is not a natural word for loyalty, and it isn't a true antonym of "unalloyed."

Answer

The Major wanted pure, wholehearted loyalty, not a wavering one. The correct option is B. wavering.

Exam tip

For "opposite in meaning + fills the gap" questions, check both conditions. Break unfamiliar words into parts: "un-" (not) + "alloyed" (mixed) means "not mixed," so you look for something impure or diluted. Then pick the option that also reads naturally in the sentence.