SAT Critical Reading : SAT Critical Reading

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #1225 : One Blank Sentences

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

The costume was fairly extravagant, __________ with sequins and feathers on the jacket.

Possible Answers:

rustic

replete

subtle

moderated

understated

Correct answer:

replete

Explanation:

The costume is called "extravagant," which indicates that the jacket is over-the-top and has a good amount of sequins and feathers. "Understated," "subtle," and "moderated" all have a sense of showing restraint, while "rustic" means pleasantly old-fashioned and simple. Only "replete," meaning full and covered, provides the appropriate meaning to the sentence.

Example Question #1226 : One Blank Sentences

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

He was suspicious of his sons' claims and desired something __________ to prove the car really had begun falling apart on its own.

Possible Answers:

contestable

ephemeral

subtle

transient

tangible

Correct answer:

tangible

Explanation:

The father does not believe his sons' story about the car, presumably because he desired something less anecdotal. "Transient" and "ephemeral" both have a sense of passing quickly, while "subtle" and "contestable" mean something is less than solid evidence. Only "tangible," meaning able to be held and touched, provides the correct meaning to the sentence.

Example Question #1227 : One Blank Sentences

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

Having been raised in the suburbs, Benjamin had no experience of the __________ poverty that so many suffer.

Possible Answers:

rapacious

covetous

enviable

avid

abject

Correct answer:

abject

Explanation:

"Abject" means wretched and pitiful. The poverty from which people suffer is wretched.

Example Question #1228 : One Blank Sentences

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

The clinic kept an __________ environment, even though maintaining the cleanliness was actually rather expensive.

Possible Answers:

antiseptic

obscene

derivative

inhospitable

filthy

Correct answer:

antiseptic

Explanation:

"Antiseptic" means clean and sterile. The clinic maintained cleanliness even though it cost more.

Example Question #1229 : One Blank Sentences

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

The new policeman became ill at the sight of the __________ blood; the victim’s thickened blood put him off pudding for a very long time.

Possible Answers:

flowing

mendacious

coagulated

prevaricating

streaming

Correct answer:

coagulated

Explanation:

"Coagulated" means thickened or clotted. The victim's thickened blood, resembling pudding, was very off-putting for the new policeman.

Example Question #1230 : One Blank Sentences

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

I adore humid climates, but I abhor __________ ones.

Possible Answers:

enhanced

mendacious

discredited

tenuous

arid

Correct answer:

arid

Explanation:

"Arid" means very dry.

Example Question #1061 : Sentence Completion Questions

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

Before you drink the water from that dirty river, you need to filter it and treat it with certain chemicals; only then will it be __________.

Possible Answers:

enervated

jaded

unaccustomed

potable

chary

Correct answer:

potable

Explanation:

"Potable" means suitable for drinking.

Example Question #1062 : Sentence Completion Questions

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

“Don’t you think that assigning five hours of homework a night is a bit too __________?” the concerned parent asked the teacher.

Possible Answers:

onerous

explicit

surreptitious

gregarious

somatic

Correct answer:

onerous

Explanation:

"Onerous" means burdensome.

Example Question #1046 : One Blank Sentences

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

“It wasn’t very nice or __________ to tell that other little girl that you thought she was boring,” Ann said to her daughter.

Possible Answers:

jejune

tactful

ubiquitious

resilient 

derisive

Correct answer:

tactful

Explanation:

"Tactful" means skillful at not offending others.

Example Question #1047 : One Blank Sentences

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

Ever since Jean Paul and I broke up, everyone tells me the same __________ phrase: there are always more fish in the sea.

Possible Answers:

abbreviated

opulent

hackneyed

aesthetic

scrutinizing

Correct answer:

hackneyed

Explanation:

"Hackneyed" means clichéd, or worn out by overuse.

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