PSAT Critical Reading : Nouns in One-Blank Sentences
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #271 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
King Solomon was esteemed for his knowledge and __________, as his knowledge was counter-balanced by a practical wisdom.
sapience
irresoluteness
ardor
shallowness
indecisiveness
sapience
"Sapience" means great wisdom and discernment. King Solomon's knowledge was tempered by his practical wisdom (that is, his "sapience").
Example Question #272 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She was a __________ with the cello, but her exceptional talent came at a heavy price; she had no social life.
clairvoyant
hack
iconoclast
novice
virtuoso
virtuoso
"Virtuoso" means a person with masterly technique, skill, or style. The cellist had masterly technique, skill, or style, but her accomplishment detracted from her relationships with others.
Example Question #273 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although he was noted as an emerging star in his rookie season, the baseball player enjoyed his greatest __________ after his fifth year in the league.
delusion
renown
apathy
quagmire
translucence
renown
The main clue is the word “although,” which suggests a contrast. Here, despite having a strong reputation in his first, rookie season, the baseball player enjoyed his greatest recognition later in his career. Only "renown" fits the definition of having even greater recognition.
Example Question #274 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The expert sculptor was astonished to see such breathtaking work done by a mere __________.
sophist
ascetic
philistine
amateur
chronicler
amateur
The fact that an expert would be astonished by the work of an individual suggests that it was unexpected. An amateur (the correct choice) completing such breathtaking work would cause this astonishment.
Example Question #275 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
There is a need for more disciplined and stoical soldiers in our army; there are too many __________ among the troops.
auguries
bureaucrats
myrmidons
hedonists
altruists
hedonists
The semicolon indicates there is a supporting connection between what is declared before and after the semicolon. If there is a lack of disciplined and stoical (accepting pain and hardship without complaining) soldiers, then there are probably too many of the opposite types of soldiers currently in the army. Only "hedonists" (pleasure seekers) fits this definition.
Example Question #276 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
While losing his job and his title, the politician believed the public __________ was the worst part of his infamous scandal.
esteem
approbation
approval
censure
celebration
censure
The “infamous scandal” and the loss of job and title indicate negativity in the politician’s experience. The only word among the answer choices which has a negative connotation is “censure,” which means expression of disapproval.
Example Question #277 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The politician was always railing against taxes, and was accused of offering a lower tax rate as a simple __________.
falsehood
mechanism
panacea
apparatus
fabrication
panacea
The invocation of simplicity means that the politician’s lower tax rates are never seriously considered or offered with any complexity. “Panacea,” which means cure-all or magical fix, is the only answer with the appropriate sense of lightness to the solution.
Example Question #278 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His sales strategy was considered a __________, and all new hires in the company were taught the method in regular orientation.
paradigm
problem
possibility
facsimile
waste
paradigm
The key element to the sentence is the second clause, which indicates that the sales strategy is something the company wants to share with everyone. There is not an exactly perfect word, but each needs to be read in context. “Paradigm,” meaning model or example, is the best answer available.
Example Question #279 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her __________ for driving sports cars harmed both her bank account and her personal safety.
proclivity
hatred
abhorrence
ambivalence
incongruity
proclivity
To find the answer, look at the way the sentence is structured. Her driving habit was something she did despite the fact she was potentially harming herself, indicating the habit was something she could not help. “Proclivity,” meaning a strong tendency towards something, is the only answer choice that indicates such a meaning.
Example Question #280 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Once cordial, in recent years their relationship had developed a strong __________.
affection
antagonism
ambivalence
friendship
fondness
antagonism
The opening phrase, “Once cordial,” indicates that the appropriate answer choice must be an antonym to “cordial,” which means warmth and good feeling. Of all the answer choices, only “antagonism” conveys the appropriate meaning of rivalry or even hatred.
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