The correct answer is option (E):
Excuse … a shocking
The correct answer is "Excuse … a shocking". Here's why, breaking down the sentence and the options:
The sentence structure implies a contrast. The headmaster has a tolerance for a certain type of lie, but not for another, more serious type.
* **Understanding the Blank Words:**
* The first blank describes the type of lies the headmaster *can* accept.
* The second blank describes the type of lie the headmaster *cannot* accept.
* **Analyzing the Options:**
* "Not forgive … a blatant": This makes sense. The headmaster might forgive small lies but not obvious, flagrant ones.
* "Defend … a negligible": Defending a "negligible" lie might make sense, but it doesn't convey the sense of *not* accepting something.
* "Shield … simple": This doesn't create the necessary contrast. The headmaster would either be protecting both types of lies or neither.
* "Justify … trifling": Justifying small lies is plausible, but the second part, "trifling," doesn't convey a level of seriousness requiring *not* forgiving.
* "Excuse … a shocking": This fits perfectly. The headmaster might excuse minor lies but not lies that are shocking or very serious.
* **Why the Correct Answer is best:**
* "Excuse" fits the context of tolerating a minor infraction.
* "Shocking" creates a strong contrast and represents a serious lie that would not be forgiven. This aligns with the overall meaning of the sentence.