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 #983 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ fishermen pressed on for port despite the treacherous conditions of the sea that night.
insouciant
innocuous
irksome
intrepid
itinerant
intrepid
These fisherman were pressing on despite difficult circumstances. This description matches well with the meaning of "intrepid," an adjective that means fearless or bold.
Example Question #984 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The doctor reassured the worried mother that the vaccine he was giving her child was completely __________ and that her baby was not in any danger.
insouciant
innocuous
intrepid
insipid
inscrutable
innocuous
"Innocuous" means harmless, and if the doctor told the mother that her the baby wouldn't be in any danger, the meaning of "innocuous" fits the context of the sentence.
Example Question #985 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Living in Boston was __________ for the young couple, as all of their friends and family were still in California and they felt like they didn't know anyone.
encumbering
delineating
dismantling
deploring
arduous
arduous
"Arduous" means difficult and tiring. Living in a big city full of strangers can certainly be difficult and tiring, so "arduous" is the answer choice that best fits the context of the sentence.
Example Question #986 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Receiving his court summons, Carl cursed our __________ society for being overly concerned with lawsuits.
garrulous
litigious
supine
magnanimous
onerous
litigious
"Litigious" means interested in lawsuits or tending to go to court to solve problems. Summoned by the courts, Carl cursed society for being excessively prone to go to the law to settle disputes.
Example Question #987 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Bobby Orr is truly a __________ ice hockey defenseman; no defenseman has ever dominated the sport like him.
peerless
mediocre
modest
common
importunate
peerless
"Peerless" means eminent beyond or above comparison. Because Bobby Orr dominated his sport like no other defenseman, it can be said that he is eminent beyond comparison.
Example Question #981 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The scientist reviewed all of the research on the matter and then proposed a __________ reason for the chimps' behavior.
outlandish
implausible
intrepid
inconsiderate
plausible
plausible
"Plausible" means reasonable. Naturally, a scientist would wish to put forward a reasonable (that is, plausible) explanation for the chimps' behavior.
Example Question #982 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After years of talking down to his players as if they were ignorant children, the coach finally acknowledged that his attitude was __________.
variable
commendable
condescending
fastidious
indifferent
condescending
The phrases “talking down” and “ignorant children” suggest that the coach’s attitude toward his players was one of patronizing superiority. "Condescending" fits this definition.
Example Question #1021 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The superhero was __________ about his accolades; he said even less about his legendary powers.
bombastic
grandiloquent
portent
caustic
taciturn
taciturn
The semicolon indicates that a supporting relationship between the two thoughts separated by the semicolon. Here, the superhero said even less about his legendary powers. Thus, only "taciturn" (saying little) fits as an answer choice.
Example Question #1022 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The card dealer suspected something was amiss as he noticed the card player’s __________ glances at his alleged spotter.
furtive
monotonous
eloquent
preeminent
bland
furtive
The card dealer suspecting that something is not quite right (“amiss”) suggests that the card player exchanged a secret, sneaky glance with his spotter. Only "furtive" meets this definition.
Example Question #1023 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the art critics praised the new painting as original, Tom was convinced the he had seen similar work before and concluded that the work was __________.
strident
robust
derivative
electric
authentic
derivative
The word “although” indicates a contrast. Here, the art critics consider the artwork is original; therefore, Tom probably concludes the opposite. The phrase “he had seen similar work before” also suggests that the blank means the opposite of being an original. Only "derivative" (imitative) fits this definition.
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