Each sentence has two blanks. Choose the pair that fits best. His essay on development ethics offers a ________ critique of global capitalism, combining empirical depth with philosophical ________.

“Trenchant critique” and “philosophical nuance” — sophisticated trenchant — sharp, forceful, clear-cut in expression or analysis nuance — a subtle difference in meaning, tone, or feeling mild — gentle, not strong or intense confusion — lack of clarity; state of being mixed-up or uncertain balanced — fair, well-reasoned, considering all sides contradiction — a statement or situation that opposes or negates another verbose — using too many words; wordy vagueness — lack of clarity; being unclear or imprecise shallow — lacking depth, insight, or seriousness conviction — a strong belief or firmly held opinion