Each sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentences are five words labeled A and E. Choose the words or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

Example:

Medieval kingdoms did not become constitutional republics overnight, on the contrary, the change was_______

(A) unpopular

(B) unexpected

(C) sufficient

(D) gradual

While cynics may---- the goal of international disarmament as utopian, others believe that laughing contemptuously at idealism leads nowhere.

(A) exalt ( B) confirm (C) renew (D) deride ( E) defend