All PSAT Critical Reading Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #417 : Sentence Completion Questions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The coach welcomed the new team member with __________ which reflected his interest in developing a cohesive team spirit.
effacement
hospitality
aspersion
aloofness
respite
hospitality
Our clues in this sentence are about the coach who “welcomed” the new team member and “his interest” in developing a “cohesive team spirit” so it sounds like the coach was looking forward to adding this person to the group. We need a word that is positive.
Let’s check for clues in the answers: The word “aloof” sounds like roof, aloft, alone or along which do not seem exactly positive or welcoming. The word “respite” might remind you of words like respond, respiration, responsible which are positive words but not very related to friendly team spirit building.
“Hospitality” usually means to show people that you are welcoming them with sincere interest and words like hospice, host, and hospital relate to taking care of others so this may be our best answer but let’s keep checking.
The word “aspersion” might sound familiar because it may remind us of aspire which means to strive toward becoming better or desiring fame. But “aspersion” also sounds and looks like asperity which means roughness in manner and this does not fit so let’s not chose aspersion.
So “effacement” is our last answer and it may remind us of effect, effort, effective or efficiency. None of these seem related to welcoming either so let’s chose “hospitality” as our answer which does mean to welcome warmly.
Example Question #291 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ between the two professors began over minor differences, but carried on quite strongly for years.
coolness
animosity
antipathy
impatience
harmony
animosity
While all the answer choices indicate some measure of ill feeling, only “animosity” indicates the correct seriousness. “Antipathy” and “coolness” indicate a carelessness, while “impatience” does not have an appropriate level of seriousness. "Harmony" means the exact opposite of ill feeling.
Example Question #292 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Throughout her sophomore year, she suffered a string of __________, having to miss almost half her classes due to illness.
accidents
maladies
coincidences
fortunes
trials
maladies
Because she missed classes from illness, the correct answer needs to indicate that in its context and tone. While “accidents,” "trials," and “coincidences” fit somewhat, none have the appropriate indication of illness. “Fortunes” should be dismissed immediately, as it is a positive word.
Example Question #293 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The principal put a strict __________ on all schoolwide activities until the rival student groups made peace.
endorsement
valuation
approbation
encouragement
moratorium
moratorium
The activities were clearly stopped by the principal to make the groups behave. Encouragement, valuation, and endorsement do not fit the sentence, while approbation is not quite strong enough. Only "moratorium" means placing a full stop on activities.
Example Question #294 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His experience with youth sports revealed his __________, as he often fell down while running and frequently dropped the ball.
elegance
fitness
athleticism
grace
maladroitness
maladroitness
The actions resulting from his athletic experiences indicate he was clumsy. Only “maladroitness” means clumsy, while all the other choices are antonyms for "clumsy."
Example Question #295 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His peculiar religious sentiments made many people accuse him of ___________.
acquiescence
orthodoxy
respectability
rationality
blasphemy
blasphemy
The two words that are most important in this sentence are "peculiar" and "religious." "Acquiescence," "rationality," and "respectability" do not have the appropriate connotation of "peculiar," nor are they appropriately religious in meaning. "Orthodox" actually defines standard, approved religious sentiment. Only "blasphemy" has the appropriate meaning of ideas that offend traditional religious beliefs.
Example Question #296 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ of her husband’s ways is a puzzle that Teresa actually enjoys trying to solve; this is why she married him.
conundrum
solution
transparency
predictability
clarity
conundrum
"Conundrum" means difficult problem or puzzle. Teresa married her husband because his ways are puzzling to her.
Example Question #297 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The tropical storm proved to be a(n) __________ when it hit the east coast of Florida and caused flooding and massive damage.
juggernaut
tyro
invective
volition
trickery
juggernaut
A "juggernaut" is a large, overpowering, and destructive force.
Example Question #298 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Even though the dog treat rested on top of her nose, Spot managed to show __________ and did not move until her owner told her that she could eat it.
benevolence
exasperation
restraint
rancor
condescension
restraint
"Restraint" means the act of holding back.
Example Question #299 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In the new country, every adult was granted __________ and thus could vote in the first election.
nobility
ratification
amendments
hospitality
suffrage
suffrage
"Suffrage" means the right to vote.