PSAT Critical Reading : One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #991 : One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The burglar must not have been too __________ leaving the scene of the crime; three different neighbors saw him exit the corner house with stolen goods in his arms.

Possible Answers:

audacious

surreptitious

overt

irreverent

cogent

Correct answer:

surreptitious

Explanation:

"Surreptitious" means secretive. Since the burglar was seen by various people, he could not have been too surreptitious. 

Example Question #1931 : Psat Critical Reading

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Jaded and __________, the aspiring young journalist decided to abandon his dream career due to the scarcity of writing jobs.

Possible Answers:

corpulent

inarticulate

relentless

despondent

agile

Correct answer:

despondent

Explanation:

"Despondent" means lacking hope. Since the journalist opted to abandon his dream job, he must have been despondent.

Example Question #1932 : Psat Critical Reading

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Annette was enthused about pawning what she thought was a solid gold ring, but after some examination, her sister informed her that it was merely a __________ piece of jewelry.

Possible Answers:

gilded

ubiquitous

admonished

mysterious

harangue

Correct answer:

gilded

Explanation:

A gilded piece of jewelry is superficially covered with gold but not gold throughout. 

Example Question #981 : One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The recent discovery of oil on the property has led analysts to believe that the construction of refineries in the area will soon prove to be a very __________ investment.

Possible Answers:

vapid

deleterious

lukewarm

lucrative

demented

Correct answer:

lucrative

Explanation:

Only "lucrative" means prosperous or financially promising.

Example Question #982 : One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Termites are known to invade and destroy homes in such a(n) __________ nature that one does not notice their presence until it is too late.

Possible Answers:

benign

incomprehensible

invincible

industrious

insidious

Correct answer:

insidious

Explanation:

"Insidious" means dangerous in a subtle way. Since the termites cause great damage to homes without the homeowners noticing, they can be described as "insidious."

Example Question #901 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The __________ fishermen pressed on for port despite the treacherous conditions of the sea that night.

Possible Answers:

intrepid

insouciant

irksome

innocuous

itinerant

Correct answer:

intrepid

Explanation:

These fisherman were pressing on despite difficult circumstances. This description matches well with the meaning of "intrepid," an adjective that means fearless or bold.

Example Question #902 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The doctor reassured the worried mother that the vaccine he was giving her child was completely __________ and that her baby was not in any danger.

Possible Answers:

inscrutable

innocuous

insipid

intrepid

insouciant

Correct answer:

innocuous

Explanation:

"Innocuous" means harmless, and if the doctor told the mother that her the baby wouldn't be in any danger, the meaning of "innocuous" fits the context of the sentence.

Example Question #903 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Living in Boston was __________ for the young couple, as all of their friends and family were still in California and they felt like they didn't know anyone.

Possible Answers:

delineating

dismantling

deploring

encumbering

arduous

Correct answer:

arduous

Explanation:

"Arduous" means difficult and tiring. Living in a big city full of strangers can certainly be difficult and tiring, so "arduous" is the answer choice that best fits the context of the sentence.

Example Question #1933 : Psat Critical Reading

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Receiving his court summons, Carl cursed our __________ society for being overly concerned with lawsuits.

Possible Answers:

magnanimous

supine

garrulous

onerous

litigious

Correct answer:

litigious

Explanation:

"Litigious" means interested in lawsuits or tending to go to court to solve problems. Summoned by the courts, Carl cursed society for being excessively prone to go to the law to settle disputes.

Example Question #1934 : Psat Critical Reading

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Bobby Orr is truly a __________ ice hockey defenseman; no defenseman has ever dominated the sport like him.

Possible Answers:

peerless

common

modest

mediocre

importunate

Correct answer:

peerless

Explanation:

"Peerless" means eminent beyond or above comparison. Because Bobby Orr dominated his sport like no other defenseman, it can be said that he is eminent beyond comparison.

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