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 #381 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Corey thought that releasing his dog into the holiday party would __________ its quiet atmosphere, but his plan worked a bit too well and the dog ended up upsetting the pies, which splattered across the floor.
portray
dull
enliven
calm down
involve
enliven
We can infer that Corey wanted to bring energy and excitement to the party, but his dog ended up spilling the pies onto the floor. So, we need to pick out a verb that means something like "bring energy or excitement to." Neither "dull" nor "calm down" can be the correct answer, then, because each of those words is an antonym of "bring energy or excitement to." "Enliven," however, is a verb that means "make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing," and because "enliven" best describes Corey's motivation for releasing his dog into the holiday party, "enliven" is the correct answer.
Example Question #47 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The medicine should __________ the physical pain, but it might take a while for his mental health to recover from the trauma of the accident.
abscond
apprise
alleviate
aggregate
aver
alleviate
The choice that makes the most sense is alleviate: to relieve or make suffering less severe.
Example Question #48 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
We tried to __________ the baby in several ways, but she kept crying no matter what we did.
appease
deride
diffuse
burnish
elicit
appease
The choice that makes the most sense is appease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.
Example Question #41 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
Would you prefer me to __________ the story or tell a shorter, to the point version?
entail
encompass
embellish
enumerate
exculpate
embellish
The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features
Example Question #51 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Pick the best word to complete the sentence.
"Listen to your heart," the lyrics __________, but Sasha hardly heard over the sound of the thunderous applause behind her.
are playing
intone
screech
blared
squeal
blared
The sentence is written in the past tense, so in order for the verb to fit into the existing context, it needs to be past, as well as imply a degree of loud volume; therefore, blared is the best answer.
Example Question #52 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.
acquiesced
abhorred
absolved
abjured
acclaimed
abhorred
The answer that makes the most sense is "abhorred," to detest or hate.
Example Question #53 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
It is illegal to __________ foods without informing the consumers of what has been added.
aggrandize
allocate
adapt
aggregate
adulterate
adulterate
The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.
Example Question #54 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
Jim was called upon to __________ the dispute between his coworkers.
appraise
arbitrate
appall
appease
append
arbitrate
The answer that makes the most sense is "arbitrate," to act as a judge.
Example Question #71 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
He brought in an expert in order to __________ the diamond he found.
atone
ascertain
ascribe
array
assay
assay
The answer that makes the most sense is "assay," to analyze or evaluate.
Example Question #72 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
He __________ his success in physics to the encouragement he received from his parents and teachers.
avers
augments
attributes
authenticates
avows
attributes
The answer that makes the most sense is "attributes," to ascribe or explain.
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