SAT Critical Reading : SAT Critical Reading
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #287 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His experience with youth sports revealed his __________, as he often fell down while running and frequently dropped the ball.
elegance
grace
maladroitness
athleticism
fitness
maladroitness
The actions resulting from his athletic experiences indicate he was clumsy. Only “maladroitness” means clumsy, while all the other choices are antonyms for "clumsy."
Example Question #291 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His peculiar religious sentiments made many people accuse him of ___________.
rationality
acquiescence
respectability
orthodoxy
blasphemy
blasphemy
The two words that are most important in this sentence are "peculiar" and "religious." "Acquiescence," "rationality," and "respectability" do not have the appropriate connotation of "peculiar," nor are they appropriately religious in meaning. "Orthodox" actually defines standard, approved religious sentiment. Only "blasphemy" has the appropriate meaning of ideas that offend traditional religious beliefs.
Example Question #476 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ of her husband’s ways is a puzzle that Teresa actually enjoys trying to solve; this is why she married him.
conundrum
clarity
solution
predictability
transparency
conundrum
"Conundrum" means difficult problem or puzzle. Teresa married her husband because his ways are puzzling to her.
Example Question #472 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The tropical storm proved to be a(n) __________ when it hit the east coast of Florida and caused flooding and massive damage.
tyro
invective
trickery
volition
juggernaut
juggernaut
A "juggernaut" is a large, overpowering, and destructive force.
Example Question #473 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Even though the dog treat rested on top of her nose, Spot managed to show __________ and did not move until her owner told her that she could eat it.
benevolence
rancor
exasperation
condescension
restraint
restraint
"Restraint" means the act of holding back.
Example Question #291 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In the new country, every adult was granted __________ and thus could vote in the first election.
amendments
suffrage
ratification
hospitality
nobility
suffrage
"Suffrage" means the right to vote.
Example Question #301 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The Susan B. Anthony coin was named after the famous suffragist whose passion for women’s __________ eventually led to the passage of the nineteenth amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote.
submission
enfranchisement
advocacy
fury
redemption
enfranchisement
“Enfranchisement” means the granting of voting rights to a group of people. Since Susan B. Anthony was a "suffragist," someone who fought for women’s right to vote, "enfranchisement" is the only logical answer choice.
Example Question #302 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author's sometimes-insolent character is her __________, earning her millions in royalties through the series in which he is featured.
thesis
pseudonym
machination
apparatus
brainchild
brainchild
A "brainchlid" is defined as a creation or contrivance of a person or group's invention, just as a character is a creation of an author. A "pseodonym" is a pen name, or alternate name used by an author, not a creation of a character. "Thesis," "apparatus," and "machination" do not relate to the relationship between the author or character in this way.
Example Question #303 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The movie star's personal life was a matter of __________, as the media had not been able to find out any more details about his relationship.
avocation
postulation
revelation
disclosure
inquiry
postulation
"Conjecture" is speculation or hypotheses based on unknown data. "Inquiry" suggests data-gathering, while both "revelation" and "disclosure" imply a hidden knowledge that is made manifest. "Avocation" relates to the pursuit of hobbies.
Example Question #304 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The decision to declare war should not be seen as __________, as it requires great bravery to maintain peace.
intrepidity
pacification
ignobility
cowardice
intelligence
intrepidity
The sentence's context suggests that a synonym of "bravery" is needed for the blank. "Intrepidity" and "cowardice" are the only two which refer to courage and confrontation of fear, yet cowardice is the antonym of bravery. "Ignobility" could fit grammatically, but also provides an opposite of courage. Both "intelligence" and "pacification," although they could both relate to war, have no relation to bravery in this context.
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