PSAT Critical Reading : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #971 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The rain clouds overhead were __________, as all of the crops in Kansas were dry and dying.
considerate
sedulous
ephemeral
auspicious
menacing
auspicious
The correct answer here is "auspicious" because the rain clouds were a symbol of something good to come, as they would nourish and save the crops. The rain clouds may have been short-lived ("ephemeral"), but that would not benefit the crops; the rain clouds certainly were not thorough and studious ("sedulous"), and they may have appeared "menacing," but again, their menacing appearance would have no impact on the dry nature of the crops.
Example Question #984 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
It was difficult to identify the __________ thief in the line-up; she did not have any distinguishing characteristics.
mesmerizing
singular
incomparable
nondescript
unique
nondescript
"Nondescript" means lacking distinguishing characteristics. A thief without traits that set her apart would be difficult to identify in a line-up.
Example Question #985 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He considered himself quite the ladies' man, but most of the women he met found his personality __________.
agreeable
pleasant
sensuous
noxious
adroit
noxious
The structure of the sentence is a good clue that most women's perception of the man are at odds with his own sense of himself as a ladies' man. The correct answer choice is one that indicates some level of offensiveness in his personality. "Noxious," meaning offensive or even poisonous, is the only choice that has any sense of negativity.
Example Question #894 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The students looked at one another in a state of confusion, as the teacher's homework instructions were rather vague and __________.
acquiescent
obtuse
relinquished
ornary
obscure
obscure
Obscure is the only word that is a synonym of "vague."
Example Question #895 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As the director lowered his arms, all one hundred of the Christmas carolers __________ began to sing a lively version of a popular carol in unison.
callously
simultaneously
tumultuously
intermittenly
frigidly
simultaneously
Only simultaneously means "in unison" or occurring at the same time.
Example Question #896 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The burglar must not have been too __________ leaving the scene of the crime; three different neighbors saw him exit the corner house with stolen goods in his arms.
surreptitious
cogent
irreverent
audacious
overt
surreptitious
"Surreptitious" means secretive. Since the burglar was seen by various people, he could not have been too surreptitious.
Example Question #897 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Jaded and __________, the aspiring young journalist decided to abandon his dream career due to the scarcity of writing jobs.
agile
corpulent
despondent
relentless
inarticulate
despondent
"Despondent" means lacking hope. Since the journalist opted to abandon his dream job, he must have been despondent.
Example Question #1178 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Annette was enthused about pawning what she thought was a solid gold ring, but after some examination, her sister informed her that it was merely a __________ piece of jewelry.
admonished
gilded
ubiquitous
harangue
mysterious
gilded
A gilded piece of jewelry is superficially covered with gold but not gold throughout.
Example Question #981 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The recent discovery of oil on the property has led analysts to believe that the construction of refineries in the area will soon prove to be a very __________ investment.
lucrative
vapid
deleterious
lukewarm
demented
lucrative
Only "lucrative" means prosperous or financially promising.
Example Question #982 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Termites are known to invade and destroy homes in such a(n) __________ nature that one does not notice their presence until it is too late.
insidious
incomprehensible
industrious
invincible
benign
insidious
"Insidious" means dangerous in a subtle way. Since the termites cause great damage to homes without the homeowners noticing, they can be described as "insidious."
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