PSAT Critical Reading : Sentence Completions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #981 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The children were amazed at how the __________ trapeze artist was able to walk the tight rope and fly through the air.
moronic
nimble
clumsy
perspicacious
sensitive
nimble
The sentence calls for a word that describes the type of movements of a trapeze artist, specifically the ability to walk a tight rope or fly through the air. The word that most closely fits this description would be “nimble.”
Example Question #2381 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Ever since he could utter his first word, Phillip has been a(n) __________ person; he is never short of words.
reticent
facetious
extroverted
loquacious
outgoing
loquacious
The key phrase is “never short of words.” The semicolon here links two independent clauses of similar meaning. “Loquacious” means talkative and is therefore the correct answer. "Outgoing" and "extroverted" both mean gregarious or to be fond of social interaction. Though close to the right answer, these are not as good a fit as "loquacious." Also, "outgoing" and "extroverted" have the same meaning and thus both can be eliminated. There cannot be two right answers to a test question.
Example Question #2382 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite all his efforts, Bobby was not able to achieve his personal goals, leaving him __________.
punctilious
crestfallen
wary
delighted
ecstatic
crestfallen
The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “discouraged”. The introductory clause “despite all his efforts” is a key phrase. The word “crestfallen” means dejected or discouraged.
Example Question #2383 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Having traveled to many nations, the journalist had a(n) __________ writing style.
facetious
jubilant
auspicious
innocuous
eclectic
eclectic
The key phrase is “having traveled to many nations.” The word “eclectic” means embracing various or different sources.
Example Question #2385 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The ________ manner in which she gave to charity annoyed her more generous friends.
ebullient
unlimited
generous
inexorable
parsimonious
parsimonious
A simple word replacement helps figure out the answer to this question. As the “more generous friends” are annoyed by the subject’s manner, then go through word by word for all the answer choices. "Parsimonious," which means stingy and tight with money, is the only choice that works.
Example Question #2384 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The rain clouds overhead were __________, as all of the crops in Kansas were dry and dying.
menacing
ephemeral
sedulous
considerate
auspicious
auspicious
The correct answer here is "auspicious" because the rain clouds were a symbol of something good to come, as they would nourish and save the crops. The rain clouds may have been short-lived ("ephemeral"), but that would not benefit the crops; the rain clouds certainly were not thorough and studious ("sedulous"), and they may have appeared "menacing," but again, their menacing appearance would have no impact on the dry nature of the crops.
Example Question #1171 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
It was difficult to identify the __________ thief in the line-up; she did not have any distinguishing characteristics.
mesmerizing
singular
incomparable
nondescript
unique
nondescript
"Nondescript" means lacking distinguishing characteristics. A thief without traits that set her apart would be difficult to identify in a line-up.
Example Question #333 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He considered himself quite the ladies' man, but most of the women he met found his personality __________.
sensuous
adroit
pleasant
agreeable
noxious
noxious
The structure of the sentence is a good clue that most women's perception of the man are at odds with his own sense of himself as a ladies' man. The correct answer choice is one that indicates some level of offensiveness in his personality. "Noxious," meaning offensive or even poisonous, is the only choice that has any sense of negativity.
Example Question #893 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The students looked at one another in a state of confusion, as the teacher's homework instructions were rather vague and __________.
relinquished
obscure
ornary
obtuse
acquiescent
obscure
Obscure is the only word that is a synonym of "vague."
Example Question #881 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As the director lowered his arms, all one hundred of the Christmas carolers __________ began to sing a lively version of a popular carol in unison.
frigidly
simultaneously
intermittenly
tumultuously
callously
simultaneously
Only simultaneously means "in unison" or occurring at the same time.
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