PSAT Critical Reading : One-Blank Sentences
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #1801 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His peculiar religious sentiments made many people accuse him of ___________.
orthodoxy
blasphemy
rationality
acquiescence
respectability
blasphemy
The two words that are most important in this sentence are "peculiar" and "religious." "Acquiescence," "rationality," and "respectability" do not have the appropriate connotation of "peculiar," nor are they appropriately religious in meaning. "Orthodox" actually defines standard, approved religious sentiment. Only "blasphemy" has the appropriate meaning of ideas that offend traditional religious beliefs.
Example Question #1802 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ of her husband’s ways is a puzzle that Teresa actually enjoys trying to solve; this is why she married him.
clarity
conundrum
predictability
solution
transparency
conundrum
"Conundrum" means difficult problem or puzzle. Teresa married her husband because his ways are puzzling to her.
Example Question #1803 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The tropical storm proved to be a(n) __________ when it hit the east coast of Florida and caused flooding and massive damage.
invective
trickery
volition
tyro
juggernaut
juggernaut
A "juggernaut" is a large, overpowering, and destructive force.
Example Question #1804 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Even though the dog treat rested on top of her nose, Spot managed to show __________ and did not move until her owner told her that she could eat it.
benevolence
condescension
exasperation
rancor
restraint
restraint
"Restraint" means the act of holding back.
Example Question #311 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In the new country, every adult was granted __________ and thus could vote in the first election.
hospitality
suffrage
nobility
ratification
amendments
suffrage
"Suffrage" means the right to vote.
Example Question #312 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The Susan B. Anthony coin was named after the famous suffragist whose passion for women’s __________ eventually led to the passage of the nineteenth amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote.
fury
advocacy
redemption
submission
enfranchisement
enfranchisement
“Enfranchisement” means the granting of voting rights to a group of people. Since Susan B. Anthony was a "suffragist," someone who fought for women’s right to vote, "enfranchisement" is the only logical answer choice.
Example Question #1807 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author's sometimes-insolent character is her __________, earning her millions in royalties through the series in which he is featured.
machination
pseudonym
thesis
apparatus
brainchild
brainchild
A "brainchlid" is defined as a creation or contrivance of a person or group's invention, just as a character is a creation of an author. A "pseodonym" is a pen name, or alternate name used by an author, not a creation of a character. "Thesis," "apparatus," and "machination" do not relate to the relationship between the author or character in this way.
Example Question #313 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The movie star's personal life was a matter of __________, as the media had not been able to find out any more details about his relationship.
avocation
postulation
disclosure
revelation
inquiry
postulation
"Conjecture" is speculation or hypotheses based on unknown data. "Inquiry" suggests data-gathering, while both "revelation" and "disclosure" imply a hidden knowledge that is made manifest. "Avocation" relates to the pursuit of hobbies.
Example Question #1809 : Sat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The decision to declare war should not be seen as __________, as it requires great bravery to maintain peace.
cowardice
intelligence
pacification
intrepidity
ignobility
intrepidity
The sentence's context suggests that a synonym of "bravery" is needed for the blank. "Intrepidity" and "cowardice" are the only two which refer to courage and confrontation of fear, yet cowardice is the antonym of bravery. "Ignobility" could fit grammatically, but also provides an opposite of courage. Both "intelligence" and "pacification," although they could both relate to war, have no relation to bravery in this context.
Example Question #291 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ of Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey eventually fell apart when Caesar made an audacious bid to rule on his own.
consecration
triumvirate
fidelity
mitigation
rhetoric
triumvirate
From the context of this question you know that the blank is describing the collection of three individuals (Caesar, Crassus and Pompey). You also can infer that it relates to ruling or authority because the second part of the sentence describes Caesar’s attempt to rule on his own. Consecration means the process of making something holy or sacred; mitigation means to make an offense excusable or to interfere in something for the purposes of resolving a dispute; fidelity refers to loyalty or sexual faithfulness; rhetoric describes a persuasive speech or argument. Of the five answer choices triumvirate is the best answer, it means a committee of three ruling men.
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