PSAT Critical Reading : PSAT Critical Reading
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #1031 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
There was a(n) __________ uneasiness when the two rivals entered the room at the same time.
occasional
palpable
circumstantial
comfortable
casual
palpable
The fact that the two people in the sentence are rivals, and that uneasiness is always a bad thing, mean the correct answer must indicate something quite strong. The only such word is "palpable," as all the other words have a lightness to them which is inappropriate in the sentence.
Example Question #1032 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The country club's members considered the club's ability to choose its own members an __________ right, and refused any attempts to have them change its bylaws.
unimportant
inconsequential
inviolable
appropriate
inconsistent
inviolable
The country club wanted nothing to happen to their bylaws, and wanted to defend them at all costs. "Inconsistent," "unimportant," "appropriate," and "inconsequential" all have too light a meaning.
Example Question #1033 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Historians often struggle with how much __________ evidence to use, as fewer data points can be outweighed by the power of the story being told.
outdated
anecdotal
circumstantial
quantitative
byzantine
anecdotal
The key word for this sentence is in the last phrase, “story.” Of all the answer choices, only “anecdotal” means from a story.
Example Question #1221 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The fact he was __________ was a pleasant surprise to her when she asked him to assemble furniture.
clumsy
dexterous
bumbling
inept
oafish
dexterous
The task he needed to accomplish, assembling furniture, indicates he was skillful. “Clumsy,” “oafish,” "bumbling," and “inept” all mean, to some degree, the exact opposite. “Dexterous,” indicating skill with one’s hands, is correct.
Example Question #1051 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her speech was often loaded with __________ words such as "like" or "whatever," which were unnecessary for her point to be made.
precise
extraneous
automatic
mechanical
automatic
extraneous
The structure of the sentence indicates the correct answer is a synonym of “unnecessary.” “Precise” and “subtle” are antonyms, while “automatic” and "mechanical" is not a direct synonym.
Example Question #1971 : Psat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The preacher’s sermons were frequently nothing more than __________ babbling, leaving the parishioners confused.
factual
exacting
clarifying
incoherent
engaging
incoherent
The correct choice leads to confusion in the parishioners. “Exacting,” “clarifying,” and “factual” all indicate a lack of confusion, while "engaging" means interesting and exciting. Only “incoherent” means anything related to confusion.
Example Question #1972 : Psat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The old mansion was added to many times over the years with additions that created hallways and rooms in strange places, giving the place a __________ quality.
harmonious
quaint
edifying
labyrinthine
rustic
labyrinthine
The mansion's many additions and strange hallways make the mansion confusing and imposing. "Labyrinthine," which means maze-like, is the best fit of all the answer choices. All the other choices have connotations of simplicity or ease.
Example Question #1225 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The costume was fairly extravagant, __________ with sequins and feathers on the jacket.
rustic
replete
subtle
moderated
understated
replete
The costume is called "extravagant," which indicates that the jacket is over-the-top and has a good amount of sequins and feathers. "Understated," "subtle," and "moderated" all have a sense of showing restraint, while "rustic" means pleasantly old-fashioned and simple. Only "replete," meaning full and covered, provides the appropriate meaning to the sentence.
Example Question #1226 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He was suspicious of his sons' claims and desired something __________ to prove the car really had begun falling apart on its own.
contestable
ephemeral
subtle
transient
tangible
tangible
The father does not believe his sons' story about the car, presumably because he desired something less anecdotal. "Transient" and "ephemeral" both have a sense of passing quickly, while "subtle" and "contestable" mean something is less than solid evidence. Only "tangible," meaning able to be held and touched, provides the correct meaning to the sentence.
Example Question #1227 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Having been raised in the suburbs, Benjamin had no experience of the __________ poverty that so many suffer.
rapacious
covetous
enviable
avid
abject
abject
"Abject" means wretched and pitiful. The poverty from which people suffer is wretched.
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