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 #281 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite attempts to appear serious and respected, most medical professionals viewed the pharmaceutical salesman often came off as a __________.
impresario
entrepreneur
charlatan
magnate
chimera
charlatan
The “despite” at the beginning of the sentence is the best clue as to the correct answer. With that word beginning the sentence, look for a word meaning that conveys a meaning different than “serious and respected.” “Charlatan,” which means an impostor or fake, is the best answer.
Example Question #282 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He was considered a bit of a(n) __________ by his friends, and this was brought up every time he skipped a social event to stay home and read.
plethora
circumlocution
paragon
extrovert
recluse
recluse
That this individual stays home from social outings gives a strong hint that he may prefer being alone. This is what it means to be a "recluse."
Example Question #283 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
To sailors, a red sky has always been a __________ of harsh weather to come.
nuance
epicure
reprieve
pariah
harbinger
harbinger
The red sky is a warning or a sign, so we need a word that fits the definition of something that could be considered a warning. "Harbinger" is the only answer choice that fits.
Example Question #284 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
At the beginning of her lecture, the professor pulled out an old __________ and read several passages in an ancient language.
consensus
tome
conflagration
eulogy
volume
tome
A "tome" is a large book, something a professor would use to begin a lecture.
Example Question #375 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Mike fell down the stairs last night and awoke the whole neighborhood with the __________ that he created.
vertigo
coercion
harangue
clamor
dolt
clamor
Falling down the stairs and awaking the neighborhood implies that there was a lot of loud noise, and so "clamor" is the only answer choice that fits.
Example Question #285 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Deborah has always been a(n) __________; she has always composed her music independent of tradition and popular trends.
adherent
conformist
conservative
follower
maverick
maverick
A "maverick" is an independent, non-conformist person. A composer who does not follow past or present trends is surely a non-conformist, a maverick.
Example Question #286 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ waited his turn as the more experienced skydivers exited the plane.
transcendent
unabashed
extemporaneous
polyglot
neophyte
neophyte
A "neophyte" is someone who is inexperienced in a certain field. Logically, a skydiver who waited for the more experienced to jump would be regarded as a relative novice, a neophyte.
Example Question #287 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The young priest experienced great __________ at the sight of the suffering in his village.
diffidence
timidity
apathy
sobriquet
pathos
pathos
"Pathos" means an emotion of sympathy. Certainly, a young priest would feel great sympathy at the sight of suffering in his own village.
Example Question #288 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The con artist’s __________ tricked the unsuspecting widow out of her money.
legerdemain
forthrightness
honesty
integrity
scruples
legerdemain
"Legerdemain" is slight-of-hand or a deception. A con artist would rely upon deception to steal from a widow.
Example Question #289 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The husband launched into a(n) __________ against wasteful shopping, even though he had just bought an unnecessary pool table.
improvisation
commendation
laudation
polemic
extemporaneous
polemic
A "polemic" is an aggressive argument against a specific opinion. The husband's argument against wasteful spending, though possibly reasonable, is undermined by his hypocrisy.
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