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 #1331 : Psat Critical Reading

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The Susan B. Anthony coin was named after the famous suffragist whose passion for women’s __________ eventually led to the passage of the nineteenth amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote.

Possible Answers:

fury

redemption

submission

enfranchisement

advocacy

Correct answer:

enfranchisement

Explanation:

“Enfranchisement” means the granting of voting rights to a group of people. Since Susan B. Anthony was a "suffragist," someone who fought for women’s right to vote, "enfranchisement" is the only logical answer choice.

Example Question #1332 : Psat Critical Reading

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The author's sometimes-insolent character is her __________, earning her millions in royalties through the series in which he is featured.

Possible Answers:

machination

apparatus

thesis

pseudonym

brainchild

Correct answer:

brainchild

Explanation:

A "brainchlid" is defined as a creation or contrivance of a person or group's invention, just as a character is a creation of an author. A "pseodonym" is a pen name, or alternate name used by an author, not a creation of a character. "Thesis," "apparatus," and "machination" do not relate to the relationship between the author or character in this way.

Example Question #315 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The movie star's personal life was a matter of __________, as the media had not been able to find out any more details about his relationship.

Possible Answers:

avocation

postulation

revelation

inquiry

disclosure

Correct answer:

postulation

Explanation:

"Conjecture" is speculation or hypotheses based on unknown data. "Inquiry" suggests data-gathering, while both "revelation" and "disclosure" imply a hidden knowledge that is made manifest. "Avocation" relates to the pursuit of hobbies.

Example Question #316 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The decision to declare war should not be seen as __________, as it requires great bravery to maintain peace.

Possible Answers:

intrepidity

intelligence

ignobility

cowardice

pacification

Correct answer:

intrepidity

Explanation:

The sentence's context suggests that a synonym of "bravery" is needed for the blank. "Intrepidity" and "cowardice" are the only two which refer to courage and confrontation of fear, yet cowardice is the antonym of bravery. "Ignobility" could fit grammatically, but also provides an opposite of courage. Both "intelligence" and "pacification," although they could both relate to war, have no relation to bravery in this context.

Example Question #317 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The ­­­__________ of Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey eventually fell apart when Caesar made an audacious bid to rule on his own.

Possible Answers:

fidelity 

triumvirate 

mitigation 

consecration

rhetoric 

Correct answer:

triumvirate 

Explanation:

From the context of this question you know that the blank is describing the collection of three individuals (Caesar, Crassus and Pompey). You also can infer that it relates to ruling or authority because the second part of the sentence describes Caesar’s attempt to rule on his own. Consecration means the process of making something holy or sacred; mitigation means to make an offense excusable or to interfere in something for the purposes of resolving a dispute; fidelity refers to loyalty or sexual faithfulness; rhetoric describes a persuasive speech or argument. Of the five answer choices triumvirate is the best answer, it means a committee of three ruling men.

Example Question #301 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

His laid-back demeanor indicated a definite __________ toward his emloyees' problems.

Possible Answers:

hatred

excitement

ambivalence

antagonism

anger

Correct answer:

ambivalence

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "laid-back demeanor." The correct answer choice will reflect the "laid-back" approach. Only "ambivalence," which means state of being undecided and not caring, has the appropriate connotation in the sentence.

Example Question #302 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The principal separated out the student he felt was the __________ of all the recent trouble at the school.

Possible Answers:

bystander

instigator

follower

hermit

passerby

Correct answer:

instigator

Explanation:

The principal, in his authoritarian capacity, would be trying to calm down troubles at the school. The person the principal is locating is the "ringleader" or cause of the trouble, ruling out "passerby," "bystander," "follower," and "hermit." The correct answer choice, "instigator," means person who started something.

Example Question #303 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

After years of studying the ancient texts the __________ was able to finally decipher their meaning.

Possible Answers:

biologist

architect

linguist

elitist

chemist

Correct answer:

linguist

Explanation:

"Linguists" study languages (notice the similarity in the words). In this case, we are looking for a type of person who would work with old languages, so this fits perfectly.

Example Question #304 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The couple didn't like the food at the restaurant very much, but nonetheless frequented it merely due to its __________ to their apartment.

Possible Answers:

displacement

proximity

atmosphere

appearance

taste

Correct answer:

proximity

Explanation:

"Proximity" means simply nearness to something. Here, we are given contextual clues that tell us that their restaurant choice had something to do with their apartment. All the answers would be reasons to choose the place, but "proximity" is the only one that has to do with their apartment.

Example Question #305 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The garden slowly evolved into a state of chaos thanks to her __________.

Possible Answers:

aptitude

fervor

negligence

skill

diligence

Correct answer:

negligence

Explanation:

"Negligence" is a noun which means act of choosing not to (neglecting to) do something. Here, it is clear that not tending the garden is what has led it to become chaotic.

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