SAT Critical Reading : Nouns and Adjectives or Adverbs in Two-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #2191 : Psat Critical Reading

Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The country had become quite accustomed to __________ alterations in __________, always changing its entire political structure every nineteen years.

Possible Answers:

belabored . . . regalia

regular . . . legislation

cyclical . . . authority

astonishing . . . juries

representative . . . regulation

Correct answer:

cyclical . . . authority

Explanation:

A change in political structures does not necessarily indicate a mere change in "juries," "regulation," or "regalia." These options are far too specific in themselves. Likewise, the alterations are very regular in their occurrence, happening “every nineteen years.” Such the best option for the adjective for “alterations” thus should express the regularity of such alterations. “Cyclical” and “regular” do this well. However, “legislation” is too specific as well. Remember, it is the “entire” political structure that is changed. Cyclical means happening in a cycle, that is, as though it were happening in a circular manner. This and “authority” fit the sentence very well.

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