PSAT Critical Reading : Sentence Completions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #891 : 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.

Possible Answers:

overt

cogent

surreptitious

irreverent

audacious

Correct answer:

surreptitious

Explanation:

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

Example Question #881 : 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.

Possible Answers:

agile

relentless

despondent

corpulent

inarticulate

Correct answer:

despondent

Explanation:

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

Example Question #1172 : 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:

harangue

admonished

mysterious

gilded

ubiquitous

Correct answer:

gilded

Explanation:

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

Example Question #1181 : 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.

Possible Answers:

lukewarm

deleterious

lucrative

vapid

demented

Correct answer:

lucrative

Explanation:

Only "lucrative" means prosperous or financially promising.

Example Question #1011 : Parts Of Speech 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.

Possible Answers:

industrious

insidious

invincible

benign

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 #991 : Sentence Completions

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

innocuous

insouciant

irksome

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 #992 : Sentence Completions

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:

insouciant

innocuous

intrepid

inscrutable

insipid

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 #993 : Sentence Completions

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:

dismantling

delineating

arduous

deploring

encumbering

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 #891 : 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.

Possible Answers:

supine

litigious

onerous

garrulous

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 #995 : Sentence Completions

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

modest

mediocre

common

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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