PSAT Critical Reading : Verbs in One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #542 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt gave many explanatory speeches to the American public, hoping to __________ fears over the lengthening economic crisis.

Possible Answers:

propagate

harmonize 

allay 

exacerbate

undulate 

Correct answer:

allay 

Explanation:

This question requires a small amount of critical thinking on your part. You likely will conclude that the President would be seeking to remove or help ameliorate the fears of the American people during a depression. This would lead you to the correct answer “allay,” which means to calm or relieve. "Exacerbate" is opposite in meaning and means make something greater or worse; "harmonize" means complement; "propagate" means to spread; and "undulate" means to roll and ripple.

Example Question #216 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Throughout his school career, Joseph __________ all the traits of a good pupil: punctuality, tact, and work ethic.

Possible Answers:

relayed

epitomized

illustrated

displayed

discussed

Correct answer:

epitomized

Explanation:

The implication of these two sentences is that Joseph “gathers together” all the appropriate states of a good student. Something is called “the epitome” when it is the perfect example of a given class of things. When someone or something “shows forth” the perfect example, it is said to “epitomize” such perfection.

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