Question

Read this excerpt from a commentary on the Venerable Bede, which appears in an introductory chapter of a translation of Bede's An Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

A characteristic akin to [Bede's fairness to opponents] is his love of truth.
it shows itself in his scrupulous care [as a historian] in investigating evidence and in acknowledging the sources from which he draws. Nowhere is his intellectual honesty more apparent than in dealing with what he believes to be the miraculous element in his history.
In whatever way we may regard these anecdotes, there can be no doubt that Bede took the utmost pains to assure himself of their ___(1)_____. He is careful to acquire, if possible, first-hand evidence; where this cannot be obtained, he scrupulously mentions the lack of it. He admits only the testimony of____(2)_____of high character and generally quotes them by name.

(1)
a. utility
b. importance
c. significance
d. authenticity

(2)
a. facts
b. witnesses
c. books
d. storytellers

Answer 1

1. The answer is D: authenticity.

 Bede's reputation of loving the truth and careful evidence investigator leaves no doubt that he would use his efforts to research and would  never be satisfied until he finds the anecdotes' authenticity. (The quality of being real or true.)

2. The answer is B: witnesses. people that see an event happening. For example: She was witness to the tragic event.

Answer 2

Answer:

(1)Option d. Bede took the utmost pains to assure himself of their authenticity. He is careful to acquire, if possible, first-hand evidence; where this cannot be obtained, he scrupulously mentions the lack of it. He admits only the testimony of (2) option B. witnesses of high character and generally quotes them by name.

The excerpt from "A Commentary on the Venerable Bede" is completed by these two words. Something authentic is defined as not false or imitation, but real and actual. A witness or witnesses is something or someone that serves as evidence of proof.