Choosing Correct Words for Sentence Blanks

The question requires selecting the correct pair of words to fill in two blanks within a given sentence, maintaining the context provided by the manager's quote.

Analyzing the First Blank Context

The phrase "He often _____ the numbers. False claims are not going to help" suggests the first word should mean misrepresenting or inflating numbers.

• 'exaggerates' means to represent something as larger or more significant than it is. This fits the context of handling numbers poorly and making false claims.
• Other options like 'excels' (to be superior), 'aggravates' (to make worse), or 'diminishes' (to make smaller) do not fit this specific context.

Analyzing the Second Blank Context

The phrase "Honesty _____ trust" indicates the second word should describe the relationship where honesty leads to or creates trust.

• 'engenders' means to cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition). This fits the context of honesty creating trust.
• 'encourages' (to give support) is related but less precise. 'alleviates' (to relieve) and 'eliminates' (to remove) do not fit the meaning.

Evaluating the Options

Let's check the options against these contexts:

1. exaggerates; engenders: This pair aligns perfectly. 'exaggerates' fits the first blank, and 'engenders' fits the second.
2. excels; encourages: 'excels' does not fit the first blank.
3. aggravates; alleviates: 'aggravates' does not fit the first blank, and 'alleviates' has the opposite meaning for the second blank.
4. diminishes; eliminates: 'diminishes' contradicts the likely meaning for the first blank, and 'eliminates' does not fit the context of trust.

Final Answer Determination

Option 1 provides the words exaggerates and engenders, which accurately complete the manager's statement.

The completed sentence reads: "He often exaggerates the numbers. False claims are not going to help. Honesty engenders trust", said the manager.