PSAT Critical Reading : Conjunctions and Sentence Logic in One-Blank Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #1471 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
In opposition to the labyrinthine prose of Hegel, the passage from Sokolowski was refreshing for its __________.
density
honesty
passivity
opacity
lucidity
lucidity
When something is “lucid” it is clear and bright—like light. Indeed, the word comes from the Latin word for light, which is found in other words like "translucent" and "pellucid." To say that something is “labyrinthine” is to say that it is like a maze. The implication is that Hegel’s writing style is as difficult to read as a maze is to navigate. In contrast to this, Sokolowski’s style must have been clear—that is, it was "lucid."
Example Question #1472 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although many ancient cultures envisioned their deities as though they had bodies, some groups concluded that such beings must instead be __________.
invisible
incorporeal
hidden
extraterrestrial
celestial
incorporeal
The contrast here is with the word “bodies” in the first phrase, so do not go any further than that meaning if possible. While “invisible” and “hidden” are tempting options, “incorporeal” most directly answers to the need in this regard. It means not having a body. In this word, the prefix “in-” is a negative prefix meaning “not,” and the “-corporeal” portion is derived from the Latin for body. It is related to other words such as “corpulent,” “corpse,” and “incorporation.”
Example Question #1473 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Although he did not give a(n) __________ sum of money, Scott’s gift was appreciated by the museum, which was in need of any amount of cash, no matter how small it might be.
egregious
obligatory
affluent
substantial
contaminated
substantial
The main clue in this sentence is “no matter how small it might be.” The implication is that Scott’s gift was not very large, but it was nevertheless appreciated by the museum. When something is “substantial,” it is either of great importance or at least existing in a great amount. “Substance” can mean “matter” (as in “two chemical substances”) and it denotes a certain fixity as well. Thus, a “substantial” thing is important, like the solidity of matter (after a manner of speaking at least).
Example Question #1474 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Timothy had a noticeably __________ response to what his friend had thought would be considered exciting news.
agitated
tepid
ebullient
exasperated
distraught
tepid
The contrast here is between excitement and what must be a rather detached and disinterested response from Timothy. When liquid is barely warm, it is said to be “tepid.” By extension, this becomes applied to persons to say that they are “lukewarm” or that they show little interest or passion for a given thing or things.
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