SAT Critical Reading : SAT Critical Reading

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #2091 : Sat Critical Reading

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

Most people were impressed with George’s grasp of __________ trivia, but Susan saw it as a mere parlor trick.

Possible Answers:

useful

significant

arcane

popular

common

Correct answer:

arcane

Explanation:

George’s knowledge of trivia is not something that everyone knows, ruling out both "common" and "popular."  Susan’s dismissal of George’s knowledge indicates that it is also not "significant" or "useful," so "arcane" is the correct answer.

Example Question #76 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Becky's locker was __________—all of her papers were filed by date and class, all of her notes were color-coded, and there wasn't a speck of dust or piece of trash to be seen.

Possible Answers:

perfidious

immaculate

deprived

vulnerable

humble

Correct answer:

immaculate

Explanation:

We're looking for an adjective that conveys how clean and organized Becky's locker is, so "immaculate," which means perfectly clean, neat, or tidy, is the best answer.

Example Question #71 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

The story was published __________, so Wallace knew that contacting the author would be a challenging task, as no one knew who he or she was.

Possible Answers:

copiously

evanescently

anonymously

credulously

anomalously

Correct answer:

anonymously

Explanation:

Since no one knows who wrote the story, we're looking for an adverb that describes something done in a way so as to have one's identity remain secret. While "anomalously" and "anonymously" sound extremely similar, they have very different meanings: "anomalously" means "done in a way that deviates from expectations or norms" and "anonymously" means "done in a way that does not identify someone by name." So, "anonymously" is the best answer choice. 

Example Question #72 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks.  One blank indicates that one word is missing.  Two blanks indicate that two words are missing.  Each sentence is followed by five choices.  Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The __________ pieces of clothing were ideal for summertime and could be layered during the wintertime to create new outfits.

Possible Answers:

unsuitable

sparse

versatile

abundant

favorable

Correct answer:

versatile

Explanation:

Since the clothing pieces had uses in summertime and wintertime, it means they are versatile or functional.

Example Question #591 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks.  One blank indicates that one word is missing.  Two blanks indicate that two words are missing.  Each sentence is followed by five choices.  Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The __________ competitiveness between the hockey teams during the championship showed their desire to win.

Possible Answers:

fabricated

wanting

missing

artificial

relentless

Correct answer:

relentless

Explanation:

In the championship, both teams had a desire to win and were therefore relentless or persistent in their competitive spirit.

Example Question #592 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

When Suzie baked, she attempted to use _____ combinations of ingredients in order to create delectable desserts.

Possible Answers:

judicious

requisite

justifiable

equitable

indefinite

Correct answer:

judicious

Explanation:

Since Suzie wants to create delicious desserts, she needs to use judicious combinations of ingredients or combinations she makes using good sense.

Example Question #881 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

His _____ lifestyle was not conducive to running, biking, or similar activities.

Possible Answers:

tireless

sedentary

dynamic

stagnant

occupied

Correct answer:

sedentary

Explanation:

If his lifestyle is not conducive to physical activities, it means that he leads a sedentary or inactive life.

Example Question #691 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The _____ ointment was used to prevent bacterial infection and was also used to heal the wound faster.

Possible Answers:

soothing

transparent

dilute

aseptic

viscous

Correct answer:

aseptic

Explanation:

The key to this sentence is noting that the ointment prevents infection and therefore it must be sterile or aseptic.

Example Question #41 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

In order to effectively emulate the drawing, the tracing paper needed to be _____.

Possible Answers:

opaque

permeable

sturdy

diaphanous

luminous

Correct answer:

diaphanous

Explanation:

In order for someone to trace a drawing, the tracing paper needs to be transparent or diaphanous.

Example Question #42 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

Heather's __________ gaze as she waited for the subway indicated that her mind was a blank slate.

Possible Answers:

injudicious

intuitive

piercing

mindful

vacuous

Correct answer:

vacuous

Explanation:

Since her mind was a blank slate, it means that Heather's gaze was presumably without thought or vacuous in nature.

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