Although Simon Cowell, despite accusations of nepotism, was finally _________, the years of ________ from his fans tore apart his reputation as the “America’s got talent” judge, ruined his physical well-being and _________ his mind.
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) | Blank (iii) |
| A incriminated | D dedication | G sharpened |
| B vindicated | E self-doubt | H deranged |
| C acclaimed | F suspicion | I mellowed |
OA: B. vindicated; F. suspicion; H. deranged
Explanation:
Blank i:
| Subject | Simon Cowell |
| Information | Accusation of nepotism |
| Structure Word | Despite |
| Negator | – |
| Plug In Word | Not guilty |
| Answer | Vindicated |
Blank ii:
| Subject | Simon Cowell |
| Information | From his fans |
| Structure Word | – |
| Negator | – |
| Plug In Word | Doubt |
| Answer | Suspicion |
Blank iii:
| Subject | Simon Cowell |
| Information | tore apart his reputation as … judge, ruined his physical well-being |
| Structure Word | And |
| Negator | – |
| Plug In Word | Ruined |
| Answer | Deranged |