PSAT Critical Reading : Verbs in One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #376 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

We tried to __________ the baby in several ways, but she kept crying no matter what we did.

Possible Answers:

appease

diffuse

deride

burnish

elicit

Correct answer:

appease

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is appease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.

Example Question #377 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

Would you prefer me to __________ the story or tell a shorter, to the point version?

Possible Answers:

encompass

exculpate

entail

enumerate

embellish

Correct answer:

embellish

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features

Example Question #378 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Pick the best word to complete the sentence.

"Listen to your heart," the lyrics __________, but Sasha hardly heard over the sound of the thunderous applause behind her.

Possible Answers:

intone

screech

are playing

blared 

squeal

Correct answer:

blared 

Explanation:

The sentence is written in the past tense, so in order for the verb to fit into the existing context, it needs to be past, as well as imply a degree of loud volume; therefore, blared is the best answer.

Example Question #379 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.

Possible Answers:

acclaimed

abjured

abhorred

acquiesced

absolved

Correct answer:

abhorred

Explanation:

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

Example Question #380 : Parts Of Speech 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:

adulterate

allocate

aggrandize

aggregate

adapt

Correct answer:

adulterate

Explanation:

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

Example Question #381 : Parts Of Speech 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

append

arbitrate

appraise

appall

Correct answer:

arbitrate

Explanation:

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

Example Question #382 : Parts Of Speech 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:

ascertain

ascribe

assay

array

atone

Correct answer:

assay

Explanation:

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

Example Question #383 : Parts Of Speech 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:

augments

attributes

avows

avers

authenticates

Correct answer:

attributes

Explanation:

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

Example Question #384 : Parts Of Speech 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:

cleave

circumscribe

coalesce

coagulate

chortle

Correct answer:

coalesce

Explanation:

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

Example Question #385 : Parts Of Speech 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:

concede

confound

condole

comport

conjure

Correct answer:

concede

Explanation:

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

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