PSAT Critical Reading : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : 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:

evanescently

anonymously

anomalously

credulously

copiously

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 #1631 : Psat Critical Reading

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:

favorable

unsuitable

abundant

sparse

versatile

Correct answer:

versatile

Explanation:

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

Example Question #1632 : Psat Critical Reading

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:

relentless

fabricated

missing

wanting

artificial

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 #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.

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

Possible Answers:

requisite

justifiable

judicious

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 #681 : 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:

stagnant

dynamic

occupied

tireless

sedentary

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 #682 : 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:

aseptic

soothing

transparent

dilute

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 #683 : 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 #1637 : 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.

Possible Answers:

piercing

vacuous

intuitive

mindful

injudicious

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.

Example Question #1638 : 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.

The __________ living arrangement of the two roommates was beneficial to both; they had communal meals together and shared many of their possessions.

Possible Answers:

coinciding

symbiotic

adhesive

disobliging

disjointed

Correct answer:

symbiotic

Explanation:

The living arrangement between the two roommates is favorable and thus, they have a symbiotic living arrangement.

Example Question #1639 : Psat Critical Reading

Many people did not realize the __________ nature of the naval victory, for at the time most citizens were merely glad to have a single success, paying little heed to the future ramifications of such an outcome.

Possible Answers:

recognized

joyous

gravity

momentous

importance

Correct answer:

momentous

Explanation:

Although several options, like “importance” and perhaps even “gravity” are tempting here, the best option is “momentous.” A “momentous” event is one that is important, especially in having implications for the future. Because of the last subordinate clause, this is the best option.

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