SAT Critical Reading : Nouns and Adjectives or Adverbs in Two-Blank Sentences
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Example Question #1546 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
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.
astonishing . . . juries
cyclical . . . authority
belabored . . . regalia
regular . . . legislation
representative . . . regulation
cyclical . . . authority
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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