PSAT Critical Reading : One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #1178 : Sentence Completion

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.

Possible Answers:

cogent

irreverent

overt

audacious

surreptitious

Correct answer:

surreptitious

Explanation:

"Surreptitious" means secretive. Since the burglar was seen by various people, he could not have been too surreptitious. 

Example Question #1179 : Sentence Completion

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.

Possible Answers:

agile

inarticulate

corpulent

despondent

relentless

Correct answer:

despondent

Explanation:

"Despondent" means lacking hope. Since the journalist opted to abandon his dream job, he must have been despondent.

Example Question #331 : Adjectives And Adverbs 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.

Possible Answers:

gilded

admonished

harangue

mysterious

ubiquitous

Correct answer:

gilded

Explanation:

A gilded piece of jewelry is superficially covered with gold but not gold throughout. 

Example Question #1181 : Sentence Completion

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.

Possible Answers:

deleterious

lucrative

vapid

lukewarm

demented

Correct answer:

lucrative

Explanation:

Only "lucrative" means prosperous or financially promising.

Example Question #1182 : Sentence Completion

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.

Possible Answers:

invincible

industrious

benign

insidious

incomprehensible

Correct answer:

insidious

Explanation:

"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 #1183 : Sentence Completion

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.

Possible Answers:

intrepid

itinerant

insouciant

irksome

innocuous

Correct answer:

intrepid

Explanation:

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 #1184 : Sentence Completion

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.

Possible Answers:

inscrutable

intrepid

insouciant

insipid

innocuous

Correct answer:

innocuous

Explanation:

"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 #1185 : Sentence Completion

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.

Possible Answers:

arduous

encumbering

deploring

dismantling

delineating

Correct answer:

arduous

Explanation:

"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 #981 : 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.

Possible Answers:

garrulous

supine

onerous

litigious

magnanimous

Correct answer:

litigious

Explanation:

"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 #1187 : Sentence Completion

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.

Possible Answers:

peerless

importunate

common

mediocre

modest

Correct answer:

peerless

Explanation:

"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.

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