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 #51 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
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.
appease
elicit
burnish
diffuse
deride
appease
The choice that makes the most sense is appease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.
Example Question #52 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
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?
embellish
enumerate
entail
exculpate
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 #53 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
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.
squeal
blared
intone
screech
are playing
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 #54 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.
abhorred
abjured
acquiesced
absolved
acclaimed
abhorred
The answer that makes the most sense is "abhorred," to detest or hate.
Example Question #55 : 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.
allocate
adapt
aggregate
adulterate
aggrandize
adulterate
The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.
Example Question #56 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
Jim was called upon to __________ the dispute between his coworkers.
appease
arbitrate
appall
append
appraise
arbitrate
The answer that makes the most sense is "arbitrate," to act as a judge.
Example Question #57 : 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.
ascertain
atone
assay
ascribe
array
assay
The answer that makes the most sense is "assay," to analyze or evaluate.
Example Question #58 : 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.
attributes
avows
authenticates
augments
avers
attributes
The answer that makes the most sense is "attributes," to ascribe or explain.
Example Question #59 : 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.
coalesce
cleave
coagulate
chortle
circumscribe
coalesce
The answer that makes the most sense is "coalesce," to combine or fuse.
Example Question #60 : 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.
comport
condole
confound
conjure
concede
concede
The answer that makes the most sense is "concede," to admit or yield.
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