PSAT Critical Reading : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #276 : Parts Of Speech 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 __________.

Possible Answers:

charlatan

chimera

impresario

magnate

entrepreneur

Correct answer:

charlatan

Explanation:

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 #277 : Parts Of Speech 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.

Possible Answers:

circumlocution

recluse

paragon

plethora

extrovert

Correct answer:

recluse

Explanation:

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 #278 : Parts Of Speech 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.

Possible Answers:

reprieve

epicure

harbinger

nuance

pariah

Correct answer:

harbinger

Explanation:

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 #279 : Parts Of Speech 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.

Possible Answers:

tome

volume

consensus

eulogy

conflagration

Correct answer:

tome

Explanation:

A "tome" is a large book, something a professor would use to begin a lecture.

Example Question #280 : Parts Of Speech In 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.

Possible Answers:

vertigo

dolt

coercion

harangue

clamor

Correct answer:

clamor

Explanation:

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 #1321 : Psat Critical Reading

Deborah has always been a(n) __________; she has always composed her music independent of tradition and popular trends.

Possible Answers:

maverick

conformist

conservative

adherent

follower

Correct answer:

maverick

Explanation:

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 #1322 : Psat Critical Reading

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.

Possible Answers:

neophyte

transcendent

polyglot

extemporaneous

unabashed

Correct answer:

neophyte

Explanation:

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 #1323 : Psat Critical Reading

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.

Possible Answers:

timidity

apathy

diffidence

sobriquet

pathos

Correct answer:

pathos

Explanation:

"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 #1324 : Psat Critical Reading

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.

Possible Answers:

legerdemain

forthrightness

honesty

integrity

scruples

Correct answer:

legerdemain

Explanation:

"Legerdemain" is slight-of-hand or a deception. A con artist would rely upon deception to steal from a widow.

Example Question #1792 : Sat Critical Reading

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.

Possible Answers:

laudation

improvisation

polemic

commendation

extemporaneous

Correct answer:

polemic

Explanation:

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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