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 #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.

Possible Answers:

effacement

hospitality

aspersion

aloofness

respite

Correct answer:

hospitality

Explanation:

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 #1793 : Sat Critical Reading

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.

Possible Answers:

impatience

harmony

antipathy

coolness

animosity

Correct answer:

animosity

Explanation:

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 #1794 : Sat Critical Reading

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.

Possible Answers:

coincidences

trials

accidents

maladies

fortunes

Correct answer:

maladies

Explanation:

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 #1795 : Sat Critical Reading

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.

Possible Answers:

endorsement

moratorium

valuation

approbation

encouragement

Correct answer:

moratorium

Explanation:

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 #1325 : Psat Critical Reading

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.

Possible Answers:

fitness

grace

athleticism

maladroitness

elegance

Correct answer:

maladroitness

Explanation:

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 #291 : 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 ___________.

Possible Answers:

orthodoxy

blasphemy

respectability

acquiescence

rationality

Correct answer:

blasphemy

Explanation:

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 #301 : Parts Of Speech 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.

Possible Answers:

conundrum

solution

clarity

transparency

predictability

Correct answer:

conundrum

Explanation:

"Conundrum" means difficult problem or puzzle. Teresa married her husband because his ways are puzzling to her.

Example Question #302 : Parts Of Speech 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.

Possible Answers:

invective

juggernaut

volition

trickery

tyro

Correct answer:

juggernaut

Explanation:

A "juggernaut" is a large, overpowering, and destructive force

Example Question #311 : Parts Of Speech 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.

Possible Answers:

rancor

restraint

exasperation

benevolence

condescension

Correct answer:

restraint

Explanation:

"Restraint" means the act of holding back.

Example Question #312 : Parts Of Speech 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.

Possible Answers:

hospitality

nobility

amendments

ratification

suffrage

Correct answer:

suffrage

Explanation:

"Suffrage" means the right to vote.

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