PSAT Critical Reading : One-Blank Sentences
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #1021 : Sentence Completion Questions
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.
inconsiderate
intrepid
implausible
outlandish
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 #1022 : Sentence Completion Questions
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 __________.
commendable
condescending
fastidious
variable
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.
grandiloquent
bombastic
portent
taciturn
caustic
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.
monotonous
bland
eloquent
preeminent
furtive
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 __________.
electric
derivative
robust
authentic
strident
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.
Example Question #1024 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The coach’s explanation to his team was extremely ___________, and whatever value his strategies may have given his team was lost in the lack of attention given to his words.
didactic
informative
profound
humorous
insightful
didactic
The team did not pay attention to their coach thanks to his style, so the correct answer needs to have a problematic sense. “Informative” and “humorous” would both indicate the speech was interesting, while “profound” and “insightful” both indicate the team was listening. Only “didactic,” which indicates an excessive lecturing and moralistic tone, works with the structure of the sentence.
Example Question #1025 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The young boy was the __________ accomplice to his older sister’s misdeeds, as he simply followed her around wherever she went and never knew what was happening.
unwitting
knowing
important
unenthusiastic
willing
unwitting
The young boy “never knew what was happening,” and therefore had no knowledge of what his sister was doing. The correct answer choice should convey his lack of knowledge. Only “unwitting” has the correct sense out of all the answer choices.
Example Question #353 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
While all of his friends wanted him to choose sides in the fight, the young man remained __________.
animated
fastidious
indifferent
excited
angry
indifferent
The structure of the sentence indicates that the young man explicitly did not choose sides in the fight, so the correct answer choice needs to mean “uncommitted” or “not caring.” “Indifferent” is the only answer choice meaning just that, while all the other choices indicate choosing a side.
Example Question #354 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The director's __________ demeanor tended to terrify new employees, but after spending a few months in the company, they usually realized he was harmless.
hurried
gargantuan
demonstrative
consoling
abrasive
abrasive
The word "demonstrative" may be tempting, because it sounds like "monster." but that actually means tending to show emotion. Abrasive means harsh and rough in manner.
Example Question #351 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
James took the position simply because it was the only one he could find, but the more time he spent as an intern, the more __________ he found the possibility of working there.
insinuating
deplorable
alluring
decisive
terrifying
alluring
The use of the word "but," after saying that he took the internship simply because it was all James could get, demonstrates that there was a change in his ambiguous feelings. The indication is, therefore, that he will feel positive about working there. "Alluring" means to powerfully attract or charm, which fits the context.
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