question from Official Guide Page 68

[yx33]

I don't understand why the correct choice for i is B. It doesn't make sense to me that such a tradition would be considered "cherished." Is there some sort of sarcasm involved?

What is wrong with choice A? Seems to me, although speeding seems necessary in this state given the circumstance, it should still be a controversial practice as it is against the law (hence, the existing penalties).

Human nature and long distances have made exceeding the speed limit a (i)_________ in the state, so the legislators surprised no one when, acceding to public demand, they (ii)_________ increased penalties for speeding.

Blank (i) Blank (ii)
A controversial habit D endorsed
B cherished tradition E considered
C disquieting ritual F rejected

[tommywallach]

Hey Yx,

I think you're losing sight of the beginning of the sentence:

"Human nature and long distances" have had some effect on speeding.

Human nature: The desire to get places as fast as possible/a disregard for safety (like people not wearing helmets on bicycles)
Long distances: The need to go fast to cover them quickly

These two things would make people more likely to speed. They wouldn't have any effect on making something controversial or not. See what I mean?

And "cherished tradition" is being used slightly sarcastically here, in the way that you might say: "Getting wasted before a football game is a cherished tradition at this school."

Hope that helps!

-t