PSAT Critical Reading : Sentence Completions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #65 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.

Possible Answers:

acquiesced

abhorred

abjured

absolved

acclaimed

Correct answer:

abhorred

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "abhorred," to detest or hate.

Example Question #66 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

It is illegal to __________ foods without informing the consumers of what has been added.

Possible Answers:

aggregate

adulterate

allocate

aggrandize

adapt

Correct answer:

adulterate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.

Example Question #67 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Jim was called upon to __________ the dispute between his coworkers.

Possible Answers:

append

arbitrate

appraise

appease

appall

Correct answer:

arbitrate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "arbitrate," to act as a judge.

Example Question #71 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He brought in an expert in order to __________ the diamond he found.

Possible Answers:

ascertain

atone

assay

ascribe

array

Correct answer:

assay

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "assay," to analyze or evaluate.

Example Question #72 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He __________ his success in physics to the encouragement he received from his parents and teachers.

Possible Answers:

authenticates

attributes

avows

avers

augments

Correct answer:

attributes

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "attributes," to ascribe or explain.

Example Question #73 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

If a few of the minor political parties __________, the result may be a formidable opponent.

Possible Answers:

coagulate

coalesce

circumscribe

chortle

cleave

Correct answer:

coalesce

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "coalesce," to combine or fuse.

Example Question #471 : One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Despite all the evidence against him, Mark refused to __________ that he was wrong.

Possible Answers:

concede

conjure

confound

comport

condole

Correct answer:

concede

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "concede," to admit or yield.

Example Question #75 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He was beaten so badly that he knew there was no way he could __________ the result of the race.

Possible Answers:

contest

controvert

consort

convoke

convene

Correct answer:

contest

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "contest," to dispute.

Example Question #76 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Bob's mother furiously __________ him when she saw that he already torn holes in his new jeans.

Possible Answers:

expatiated

expedited

exonerated

excoriated

exhorted

Correct answer:

excoriated

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "excoriate," to scold with biting harshness.

Example Question #77 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Don't __________ yourself with understanding every detail; it is more important to see the big picture.

Possible Answers:

emulate

emend

encumber

ensue

enjoin

Correct answer:

encumber

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "encumber," to burden.

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