PSAT Critical Reading : PSAT Critical Reading
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #3 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The movie was set in the eighteenth century, but it has a terrible __________ when an actor's cell phone is clearly visible in one scene.
tolerance
vindictiveness
antagonism
anachronism
complacency
anachronism
"Anachronism" means the representation of something as existing or happening in the wrong time period, and a cell phone in the eighteenth century is clearly misplaced. To break the word down into its roots, "ana" means wrong and "chronos" means time, so this word literally means "wrong time."
Example Question #111 : One Blank Sentences
The high school teacher talked to her students about the importance of __________ in reaching their dreams.
tenacity
vindication
haughtiness
reticence
ascendancy
tenacity
In order to succeed in their endeavors, students must be determined. Thus, a student must have tenacity or perseverance.
Example Question #112 : One Blank Sentences
The essay was one of many fascinating works in a(n) __________ edited by her favorite author.
soufflé
obituary
anthology
broadside
antagonism
anthology
An anthology is a published collection of shorter pieces of writing, such as essays. While obituaries and broadsides are also published written works, they do not contain a collection of essays.
Example Question #31 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Harry couldn't keep up with their quick __________; they joked and teased each other constantly.
propriety
childishness
redundance
bravado
banter
banter
Banter is correct because it means to speak playfully or wittily. Joking and teasing (especially when it is quick and witty) can be described as banter.
Example Question #31 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
John reluctantly sat down to complete his math homework; Emma, on the other hand, jumped into her chair and attacked the problem sets with __________.
malediction
apathy
alacrity
altruism
benevolence
alacrity
The second half of the sentence contrasts with the first, as we can tell by “on the other hand.” This means that the word in the blank should mean the opposite of reluctance and grudge. The correct answer is “alacrity,” which means cheerful willingness.
Example Question #111 : Sentence Completions
Each sentence completion question is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks. One blank indicates that one word is missing. Two blanks indicate that two words are missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
At the _____ of her career, the figure skater Tara Lipinski won the Olympic gold medal in individual figure skating.
conclusion
beginning
decline
apex
plateau
apex
The apex is the best fit in this sentence since Tara Lipinski won the highest medal possible at the height or apex of her career.
Example Question #31 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks. One blank indicates that one word is missing. Two blanks indicate that two words are missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The __________ between brother and sister was almost too much for their parents to bear on the cross country road trip.
contention
pacificity
neutrality
accord
indifference
contention
The situation suggests that both son and daughter were willfull and had disagreements during the road trip; thus, they had contention between them.
Example Question #112 : Sentence Completions
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Rather than take the information in the book at face value, it was important to note that the author used heavy sarcasm and _____.
satire
analogies
veracity
allusions
synecdoche
satire
The key to this sentence is noting that the author does not simply write straightforward facts, but he instead uses sarcasm and ridicule or satire.
Example Question #204 : One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Instead of being candid in his speech, he has __________ in word meanings which require the listener to read between the lines.
refutations
nuances
deceptions
traces
treachery
nuances
If the person isn't candid, it indicates he has subtlety in his speech and nuances or implications in word meanings.
Example Question #113 : Sentence Completions
When Laura’s boss discovered that her supposed sickness had been a mere __________, he immediately fired her for her dishonesty.
heartburn
discomfort
headache
dyspepsia
fabrication
fabrication
The key word here is “dishonesty,” for this is the most specific that we can get about Laura’s sickness. There is nothing in the sentence to indicate anything about the specific nature of her ailment. Given that she was fired for dishonesty, the illness must have been a complete story that she made up. Hence, it is best called a “fabrication.” Something “fabricated” is strictly speaking something “manufactured.” When this is applied to human actions, a “fabrication” takes on the additional implication of intention to deceive.
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