PSAT Critical Reading : PSAT Critical Reading

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #54 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.

Possible Answers:

abjured

abhorred

acquiesced

absolved

acclaimed

Correct answer:

abhorred

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "abhorred," to detest or hate.

Example Question #55 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

It is illegal to __________ foods without informing the consumers of what has been added.

Possible Answers:

aggregate

adulterate

allocate

aggrandize

adapt

Correct answer:

adulterate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.

Example Question #56 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Jim was called upon to __________ the dispute between his coworkers.

Possible Answers:

appease

arbitrate

appraise

append

appall

Correct answer:

arbitrate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "arbitrate," to act as a judge.

Example Question #57 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He brought in an expert in order to __________ the diamond he found.

Possible Answers:

assay

atone

ascertain

ascribe

array

Correct answer:

assay

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "assay," to analyze or evaluate.

Example Question #58 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He __________ his success in physics to the encouragement he received from his parents and teachers.

Possible Answers:

attributes

augments

avows

authenticates

avers

Correct answer:

attributes

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "attributes," to ascribe or explain.

Example Question #59 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

If a few of the minor political parties __________, the result may be a formidable opponent.

Possible Answers:

chortle

coagulate

coalesce

cleave

circumscribe

Correct answer:

coalesce

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "coalesce," to combine or fuse.

Example Question #60 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Despite all the evidence against him, Mark refused to __________ that he was wrong.

Possible Answers:

condole

conjure

confound

concede

comport

Correct answer:

concede

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "concede," to admit or yield.

Example Question #441 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He was beaten so badly that he knew there was no way he could __________ the result of the race.

Possible Answers:

consort

convoke

controvert

contest

convene

Correct answer:

contest

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "contest," to dispute.

Example Question #62 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Bob's mother furiously __________ him when she saw that he already torn holes in his new jeans.

Possible Answers:

excoriated

expedited

exonerated

expatiated

exhorted

Correct answer:

excoriated

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "excoriate," to scold with biting harshness.

Example Question #63 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Don't __________ yourself with understanding every detail; it is more important to see the big picture.

Possible Answers:

emulate

ensue

encumber

emend

enjoin

Correct answer:

encumber

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "encumber," to burden.

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