All PSAT Critical Reading Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1006 : 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.
overt
audacious
surreptitious
irreverent
cogent
surreptitious
"Surreptitious" means secretive. Since the burglar was seen by various people, he could not have been too surreptitious.
Example Question #1007 : 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.
corpulent
despondent
agile
relentless
inarticulate
despondent
"Despondent" means lacking hope. Since the journalist opted to abandon his dream job, he must have been despondent.
Example Question #1011 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
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
harangue
ubiquitous
mysterious
gilded
gilded
A gilded piece of jewelry is superficially covered with gold but not gold throughout.
Example Question #334 : Adjectives And Adverbs In 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.
lukewarm
vapid
demented
lucrative
deleterious
lucrative
Only "lucrative" means prosperous or financially promising.
Example Question #335 : Adjectives And Adverbs In 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.
industrious
invincible
benign
incomprehensible
insidious
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."
Example Question #1012 : Parts Of Speech In 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.
innocuous
intrepid
itinerant
insouciant
irksome
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 #1013 : Parts Of Speech In 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.
inscrutable
insouciant
innocuous
insipid
intrepid
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 #1014 : Parts Of Speech In 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.
dismantling
delineating
deploring
arduous
encumbering
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 #1015 : Parts Of Speech In 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.
litigious
supine
garrulous
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 #1016 : Parts Of Speech In 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.
mediocre
importunate
modest
common
peerless
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.