PSAT Critical Reading : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #2053 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
After deciding that the flock of sparrows did not __________ a threat, the squirrel climbed onto the bird feeder and began to eat the birdseed.
diminish
mimic
constitute
hinder
pledge
constitute
Because the squirrel decided that the sparrows were not a threat, we're looking for a verb that means something like represent. Because "constitute" means amount to, make up, form, or compose it is the best answer.
Example Question #646 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Celine decided to __________ distraction by unplugging her internet router, turning off her phone's volume, and not going near the television until she finished her project.
saturate
solicit
eschew
abdicate
imply
eschew
Since Celine got her project done by avoiding distractions, we can infer that we're looking for a verb that means something like "avoid." While "abdicate" may sound like a potentially correct answer because it means "give up," it is specifically used for monarchs and means "to renounce the throne," so it wouldn't work in our sentence's context. "Eschew," however, means "deliberately avoid using; abstain from," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #647 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt gave many explanatory speeches to the American public, hoping to __________ fears over the lengthening economic crisis.
harmonize
exacerbate
propagate
allay
undulate
allay
This question requires a small amount of critical thinking on your part. You likely will conclude that the President would be seeking to remove or help ameliorate the fears of the American people during a depression. This would lead you to the correct answer “allay,” which means to calm or relieve. "Exacerbate" is opposite in meaning and means make something greater or worse; "harmonize" means complement; "propagate" means to spread; and "undulate" means to roll and ripple.
Example Question #648 : Sentence Completions
Throughout his school career, Joseph __________ all the traits of a good pupil: punctuality, tact, and work ethic.
displayed
illustrated
epitomized
discussed
relayed
epitomized
The implication of these two sentences is that Joseph “gathers together” all the appropriate states of a good student. Something is called “the epitome” when it is the perfect example of a given class of things. When someone or something “shows forth” the perfect example, it is said to “epitomize” such perfection.
Example Question #1 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The factory worker labored quickly and __________ to assemble automobile parts on the conveyer belt.
rashly
intermittently
diligently
surreptitiously
inanely
diligently
“Diligently” means in an way that is efficient and hardworking, so "dililgently" makes the most sense in the sentence and is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Not surprisingly, that author's newest book is about farm life in rural Kansas; he is well known for writing tales with agricultural and __________ themes.
inauspicious
rarefied
bucolic
sanguine
uninhibited
bucolic
“Bucolic” means related to the countryside.
Example Question #3 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
During the Prohibition, some people would go to __________ bars called “speakeasies” to consume alcohol, which was an illegal substance at that time.
illicit
impotent
insidious
incongruent
overt
illicit
“Illicit” means forbidden or unlawful.
Example Question #4 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The __________ remarks made during the press conference truly damaged the aspiring singer’s reputation.
illegitimate
polemic
insipid
benevolent
disparaging
disparaging
“Disparaging” means critical or reproachful, and is most often used to describe things that are said.
Example Question #5 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Geese are very __________ creatures; they remain monogamous indefinitely and never leave their mates.
perfidious
hackneyed
steadfast
sacrilegious
gilded
steadfast
“Steadfast” is synonymous with loyal.
Example Question #6 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Annie and the other students in the Animal Rights Club are considered to be extremely friendly and __________ toward new and prospective members of the club.
wary
differential
provident
brash
amiable
amiable
“Amiable” means demonstrating a warm and friendly manner.
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