All PSAT Critical Reading Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #602 : Sentence Completion
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
We tried to __________ the baby in several ways, but she kept crying no matter what we did.
deride
appease
diffuse
burnish
elicit
appease
The choice that makes the most sense is appease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.
Example Question #603 : Sentence Completion
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
Would you prefer me to __________ the story or tell a shorter, to the point version?
entail
enumerate
exculpate
embellish
encompass
embellish
The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features
Example Question #604 : Sentence Completion
Pick the best word to complete the sentence.
"Listen to your heart," the lyrics __________, but Sasha hardly heard over the sound of the thunderous applause behind her.
blared
squeal
intone
are playing
screech
blared
The sentence is written in the past tense, so in order for the verb to fit into the existing context, it needs to be past, as well as imply a degree of loud volume; therefore, blared is the best answer.
Example Question #52 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.
abhorred
acquiesced
acclaimed
absolved
abjured
abhorred
The answer that makes the most sense is "abhorred," to detest or hate.
Example Question #605 : Sentence Completion
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
It is illegal to __________ foods without informing the consumers of what has been added.
aggrandize
adapt
adulterate
allocate
aggregate
adulterate
The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.
Example Question #606 : Sentence Completion
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
Jim was called upon to __________ the dispute between his coworkers.
appease
appraise
appall
arbitrate
append
arbitrate
The answer that makes the most sense is "arbitrate," to act as a judge.
Example Question #482 : Sentence Completions
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
He brought in an expert in order to __________ the diamond he found.
array
ascribe
atone
assay
ascertain
assay
The answer that makes the most sense is "assay," to analyze or evaluate.
Example Question #607 : Sentence Completion
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
He __________ his success in physics to the encouragement he received from his parents and teachers.
avers
authenticates
augments
avows
attributes
attributes
The answer that makes the most sense is "attributes," to ascribe or explain.
Example Question #608 : Sentence Completion
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
If a few of the minor political parties __________, the result may be a formidable opponent.
chortle
circumscribe
coagulate
coalesce
cleave
coalesce
The answer that makes the most sense is "coalesce," to combine or fuse.
Example Question #73 : Verbs In 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.
condole
comport
concede
conjure
confound
concede
The answer that makes the most sense is "concede," to admit or yield.