In the following questions, two statements are given with a blank in each. From the given options, choose the most appropriate word that fits correctly in both sentences so as to make them grammatically and contextually coherent. If none of the words fits correctly in both sentences, choose option E as your answer.
I. The lead scientist inquired whether the latest clinical trial results would ____________ the long-held medical hypothesis.  
II. How brilliantly those newly discovered satellite images ____________ the theory of ancient water flow on Mars!

Explanation: ·         Sentence I (Health/Medicine - Indirect Speech): Asks if new trial data will provide supporting evidence for a medical theory. ·         Sentence II (Science/Astronomy - Exclamatory): Exclaims how satellite photos support or confirm a theory about Mars. ·         Meaning of Corroborate: To support or confirm a statement, theory, or finding with fresh evidence or data. Why Other Options are Incorrect: ·         B) validate: Means to make something officially valid or legally binding. Evidence corroborates a hypothesis by adding supporting data; hypotheses are tested and corroborated rather than simply made valid. ·         C) vindicate: Means to clear someone of blame or suspicion. It is used for people or actions accused of wrongdoing, not scientific data supporting a hypothesis. ·         D) refute: Means to prove a statement, theory, or hypothesis to be wrong or false. While a scientist in Sentence I could ask if results refute a hypothesis, Sentence II has an enthusiastic, positive tone ("How brilliantly...!") that requires a word meaning "support," making refute contextually incorrect for Sentence II.