PSAT Critical Reading : One-Blank Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #361 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The model’s once atypical beauty eventually became the __________ by which all subsequent models were judged.
unoriginal
substandard
paradigm
moderate
quandary
paradigm
"Paradigm" means that which serves as a pattern or model. The model's once uncommon beauty eventually became the standard by which the beauty of other models was determined.
Example Question #362 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Because of her incomparable __________, the wicked stepmother easily tricked her new husband in the fairy tale.
frankness
naivety
guile
sincerity
artlessness
guile
"Guile" means deceitful and cunning behavior. A wicked stepmother tricking her husband, like those found in old fairy tales, would certainly brim with guile.
Example Question #363 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His direct and somewhat offensive speech ably demonstrated a complete lack of __________.
obviousness
bluntness
nuance
boorishness
forcefulness
nuance
The man's direct, offensive speech is placed in contrast with the correct answer choice. Look for the word that is the best antonym for "direct" or "offensive." "Nuance," indicating subtlety or a fine meaning, is the closest antonym among the answer choices.
Example Question #364 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The professor suspected ____________ when the student's rewritten essay was much better than his previous efforts.
abhorrence
tolerance
brilliance
authenticity
plagiarism
plagiarism
The most important aspect of this sentence is the professor's suspicion of the student's essay. The correct answer needed to convert some sense of wrongdoing. "Plagiarism," the taking of credit for someone else's writing or work, is the only answer choice with such a sense.
Example Question #365 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The developer's new software garnered a great deal of __________ for the previously unknown young programmer.
jealousy
infamy
renown
hatred
ignominy
renown
This question is an example of finding the best fit among the answer choices, not just a word that makes sense in the sentence, which all the answer choices do. The inclusion of "previously unknown" in the sentence indicate that the correct answer has some meaning of fame for achievements, which is the definition of "renown."
Example Question #366 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
King Solomon was esteemed for his knowledge and __________, as his knowledge was counter-balanced by a practical wisdom.
sapience
ardor
irresoluteness
shallowness
indecisiveness
sapience
"Sapience" means great wisdom and discernment. King Solomon's knowledge was tempered by his practical wisdom (that is, his "sapience").
Example Question #367 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She was a __________ with the cello, but her exceptional talent came at a heavy price; she had no social life.
hack
virtuoso
iconoclast
clairvoyant
novice
virtuoso
"Virtuoso" means a person with masterly technique, skill, or style. The cellist had masterly technique, skill, or style, but her accomplishment detracted from her relationships with others.
Example Question #368 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although he was noted as an emerging star in his rookie season, the baseball player enjoyed his greatest __________ after his fifth year in the league.
quagmire
renown
delusion
apathy
translucence
renown
The main clue is the word “although,” which suggests a contrast. Here, despite having a strong reputation in his first, rookie season, the baseball player enjoyed his greatest recognition later in his career. Only "renown" fits the definition of having even greater recognition.
Example Question #369 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The expert sculptor was astonished to see such breathtaking work done by a mere __________.
amateur
ascetic
chronicler
philistine
sophist
amateur
The fact that an expert would be astonished by the work of an individual suggests that it was unexpected. An amateur (the correct choice) completing such breathtaking work would cause this astonishment.
Example Question #370 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
There is a need for more disciplined and stoical soldiers in our army; there are too many __________ among the troops.
hedonists
bureaucrats
altruists
myrmidons
auguries
hedonists
The semicolon indicates there is a supporting connection between what is declared before and after the semicolon. If there is a lack of disciplined and stoical (accepting pain and hardship without complaining) soldiers, then there are probably too many of the opposite types of soldiers currently in the army. Only "hedonists" (pleasure seekers) fits this definition.
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