The critic, known for her unusually severe judgments, offered a surprisingly ______ review of the young artist's debut exhibition. Which pair of words, when inserted into the blank, best completes the sentence to produce two sentences alike in meaning?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
The word 'surprisingly' indicates a contrast to the critic's usual 'severe judgments.' Therefore, the review must be positive. 'Laudatory' and 'complimentary' both mean expressing praise or admiration.