It is necessary to pay careful attention to both words in this sentence, as there are several tempting options. Based merely on the first blank, it would seem that “erratic,” “variable,” and “mercurial” are all options; however, the second sentence makes a contrast specifically to “fabulously wealthy.” 

The word “pauper” fits best in this regard. It is related to words like “poverty,” coming from a related Latin base. The word “erratic” is related to other words like “error” or “errant,” words derived from a Latin base meaning to go astray or mistake. “Erratic” comes more from the go astray meaning (in the sense of wandering). 

"Provocation" means something that incites, while "irascible" means easily angered. A little brother who is quick to anger would certainly require little incitement to start screaming for his mother.

"Propensity" means inclination, while "grandiose" means characterized by greatness of scope or intent. A man who frequently makes statements like having invented letters of the alphabet would certainly have an inclination for statements of remarkable scope.

The two blank words should demonstrate opposing feelings concerning the upcoming test.  They should convey that Aaron at first felt unsure that he would do well at first and then believed in his abilities more after he prepared. The only choice that shows this is "misgivings . . . confident."

The first word should most closely be related to the word “forgiveness” later in the sentence, while the second should be closely related to the word “heinous.” "Absolution . . . reprehensible" is the only answer that fits here.

"Cacophony" means a tremendous, disharmonious noise, while "disgruntled" means upset or not content. Understandably, people who had come to hear music would be upset that a recital was interrupted by a disharmonious noise.

A "novice" is a beginner or someone without training or experience, while "ingenuous" means candid and innocent. Naturally, the master would only be touched by praise that was innocent and candid.

The options can be narrowed down significantly simply by looking at which one of the options for the first blank can be followed by the preposition "for." That brings us down to "proclivity," meaning tendency and "penchant," meaning liking. "Paramount" works better in the second blank, however, because it means of utmost importance. "Trivial" means the opposite, and we would hope that the police find it important to find a violent criminal.

From the structure of this sentence you know that the first blank is referring to some agreement between Native Americans and European settlers and that the second blank describes how fair that agreement was. Of the five possible answer choices the best answer is arrangement and devoid. Arrangement refers to an agreement and devoid describes something as lacking. As possible answer choices lacking, bereft and remiss would also be correct as these are all synonyms for devoid. However, lamentation means to express sadness and grief; indoctrination means to cause someone to believe something different to what they naturally would; nostalgia refers to a sentimental recollection of past events. None of these answer choices is quite right as a synonym for agreement.

The key thing to note is that Christopher only recently had a change in his interests. This gives us the best indication for the second word to be chosen, as “nascent” literally means “newly born.” It is related to other words like “nativity,” “natal,” and “renaissance" (meaning "re-birth").