383. The shrewd dictator publicized the prosperity of one small village in order to ______ the ______ of the economic hardships that plagued most of his country.
A. announce, encroachment
B. corroborate, resurgence
C. derail, instability
D. downplay, magnitude
E. expedite, proliferation
384. With his unlaundered shirt and his wrinkled suit, Ted appeared ______ .
A. belligerent
B. slovenly
C. casual
D. gracious
E. fervent