PSAT Critical Reading : PSAT Critical Reading
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #72 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks. One blank indicates that one word is missing. Two blanks indicate that two words are missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The __________ pieces of clothing were ideal for summertime and could be layered during the wintertime to create new outfits.
unsuitable
sparse
versatile
abundant
favorable
versatile
Since the clothing pieces had uses in summertime and wintertime, it means they are versatile or functional.
Example Question #591 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks. One blank indicates that one word is missing. Two blanks indicate that two words are missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The __________ competitiveness between the hockey teams during the championship showed their desire to win.
fabricated
wanting
missing
artificial
relentless
relentless
In the championship, both teams had a desire to win and were therefore relentless or persistent in their competitive spirit.
Example Question #592 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
When Suzie baked, she attempted to use _____ combinations of ingredients in order to create delectable desserts.
judicious
requisite
justifiable
equitable
indefinite
judicious
Since Suzie wants to create delicious desserts, she needs to use judicious combinations of ingredients or combinations she makes using good sense.
Example Question #881 : One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
His _____ lifestyle was not conducive to running, biking, or similar activities.
tireless
sedentary
dynamic
stagnant
occupied
sedentary
If his lifestyle is not conducive to physical activities, it means that he leads a sedentary or inactive life.
Example Question #691 : One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The _____ ointment was used to prevent bacterial infection and was also used to heal the wound faster.
soothing
transparent
dilute
aseptic
viscous
aseptic
The key to this sentence is noting that the ointment prevents infection and therefore it must be sterile or aseptic.
Example Question #41 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
In order to effectively emulate the drawing, the tracing paper needed to be _____.
opaque
permeable
sturdy
diaphanous
luminous
diaphanous
In order for someone to trace a drawing, the tracing paper needs to be transparent or diaphanous.
Example Question #42 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Heather's __________ gaze as she waited for the subway indicated that her mind was a blank slate.
injudicious
intuitive
piercing
mindful
vacuous
vacuous
Since her mind was a blank slate, it means that Heather's gaze was presumably without thought or vacuous in nature.
Example Question #43 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The __________ living arrangement of the two roommates was beneficial to both; they had communal meals together and shared many of their possessions.
coinciding
adhesive
symbiotic
disjointed
disobliging
symbiotic
The living arrangement between the two roommates is favorable and thus, they have a symbiotic living arrangement.
Example Question #711 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Many people did not realize the __________ nature of the naval victory, for at the time most citizens were merely glad to have a single success, paying little heed to the future ramifications of such an outcome.
momentous
gravity
joyous
importance
recognized
momentous
Although several options, like “importance” and perhaps even “gravity” are tempting here, the best option is “momentous.” A “momentous” event is one that is important, especially in having implications for the future. Because of the last subordinate clause, this is the best option.
Example Question #86 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Ryan did not seem to be aware of how __________ he appeared to others, even though his actions seemed to show an utter lack of respect for the sensibilities of those with whom he spoke.
callous
judgmental
hypocritical
censorious
deceptive
callous
The key thing to note in this sentence is that Ryan did not show respect for others. This does not necessarily mean that he was judgmental or censorious with regard to them. The word “callous” best fits the need in this sentence, for it means that one is insensitive to others or disregards them. It is related to the physical notion of “callus,” in the sense of a hardened piece of skin (like that which one gets from playing the guitar).
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