For this question, it is best to stay very close to the meanings expressed in the sentence. Apparently the rumors deal with sexual matters. Whenever something is described as being "salacious," it indicates a focus on such things, often implying that the people who are discussing them are actually quite interested in them as well. For the second blank, the option "obscene" works as a relatively acceptable synonym for "salacious." Although better options might be chosen, among those given, this is the most applicable and, hence, your only option.

It might be tempting to pick “demotic” to describe shocking clothing since it is similar to the word “demon,” but “demotic” actually means ordinary or popular. “Aberrant” means abnormal. “Scandalous” means shameful or shocking. Together, these form the correct answer.

“Notorious” means famous, but not in a good way. “Igneous” means volcanic. “Proverbial” refers to a saying that is well known. If someone is “abstemious,” they exercise restraint in eating and drinking. “Proverbial . . . abstemious” is the correct answer.

The sentence implies that Todd acted in a "laid back" manner about the bomb—acting like there was no danger whatsoever. Whenever someone is "nonchalant", he or she appears relaxed and without any concerns. The device itself was dangerous, actually ready to explode, even though Todd acted like it was not potentially explosive. Thus, it is fair to say that the device is volatile.

“Bucolic” describes ideal country living and thus doesn’t pair well with “sickly.” “Contrite” means feeling remorse. “Fallow” means left unplowed and unseeded, and “florid” means healthy red or flowery. This leaves us with “diseased . . . acarpous” as the correct answer.

“As it is” indicates a shift, and therefore the two blanks are going to describe someone quite different than the “affluent and privileged.” “Accessible” means capable of being comprehended. “Indigent” means extremely poor, unlike “indignant,” which means that you’re angry. “Accessible . . . indigent” is the correct answer.

“Bawdy” means indecent or obscene. “Emollient” means having a soothing effect. “Allay” means putting fears to rest. Something “formidable” is frightening, and something “adamantine” is unyielding or unbreakable. “Formidable . . . adamantine” is our answer.

“But at least it was something” implies that the settlement was anything but “covetous” or “ambitious,” and the adjunct faculty’s pay would not likely be “substantial” or “ample.” “Tentative” means uncertain, and “meager” means inadequate. Together, these form the correct answer.

There is a sentence shift after the comma, foreshadowed by the word “despite.” In other words, it is uncommon for the critic to give praise. Thus, “buoyant” and “sanguine” can be eliminated. An “acidulous” review is sharp or sour, and “unremitting” means ceaseless. Together, these form the correct answer.

Whatever word goes in the second blank must involve outlasting. You do not “outlast” a wind that is “amicable” or “tranquil” or “mellow” or “placid.” If something is “tempestuous,” then it is violent like a tempest. “Adverse” means opposing. “Tempestuous . . . adverse” is the right answer.