SAT Critical Reading : SAT Critical Reading
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #671 : One Blank Sentences
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.
significant
common
popular
arcane
useful
arcane
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 #672 : 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.
immaculate
vulnerable
humble
deprived
perfidious
immaculate
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 #673 : 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.
copiously
anomalously
credulously
anonymously
evanescently
anonymously
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 #713 : Sentence Completion Questions
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.
versatile
sparse
unsuitable
favorable
abundant
versatile
Since the clothing pieces had uses in summertime and wintertime, it means they are versatile or functional.
Example Question #34 : 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 __________ competitiveness between the hockey teams during the championship showed their desire to win.
relentless
fabricated
wanting
artificial
missing
relentless
In the championship, both teams had a desire to win and were therefore relentless or persistent in their competitive spirit.
Example Question #35 : 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.
When Suzie baked, she attempted to use _____ combinations of ingredients in order to create delectable desserts.
indefinite
justifiable
judicious
equitable
requisite
judicious
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 : Sentence Completion
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.
dynamic
stagnant
tireless
occupied
sedentary
sedentary
If his lifestyle is not conducive to physical activities, it means that he leads a sedentary or inactive life.
Example Question #881 : Sentence Completion
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.
dilute
transparent
soothing
viscous
aseptic
aseptic
The key to this sentence is noting that the ointment prevents infection and therefore it must be sterile or aseptic.
Example Question #882 : Sentence Completion
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 _____.
diaphanous
sturdy
permeable
opaque
luminous
diaphanous
In order for someone to trace a drawing, the tracing paper needs to be transparent or diaphanous.
Example Question #1632 : Psat Critical Reading
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.
piercing
intuitive
vacuous
injudicious
mindful
vacuous
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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