SAT Critical Reading : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #371 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
The water flow slowly __________ out, finally stopping altogether.
dripped
petered
fell
splashed
dribbled
petered
Note that the flow is not merely dripping but that it is moving ever so slowly toward no longer occurring at all (as is implied by “finally stopping altogether”). When something “peters out” it gradually slows or reduces in intensity to the point of disappearing altogether.
Example Question #596 : One Blank Sentences
After making the contract, Thomas was ___________ to provide the services that he had promised.
planned
needed
chained
trapped
obligated
obligated
When someone is contracted to do work, that person is required, or obligated, to fulfill that which is promised in the contract. The word “obligated” can also mean “bound” in the sense of being tied to something (metaphorically speaking). This meaning is derived from the Latin root for the word, which is found in “ligament,” which is a piece of connective tissue that binds together joints (and other parts of the body). The word “religion” also has the same root in it, though here it means something like “to be reconnected (to a higher power).”
Example Question #372 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Since Egbert was not very hungry, he merely __________ his food, barely eating more than several crumbs at a time.
avoided
nibbled
munched
devoured
tasted
nibbled
Since Egbert’s eating portions are described, this sentence gives an adequate direct clue regarding how one should describe what he did with regard to his food. When someone “nibbles” at something, he or she merely takes small bites. None of the other words match as closely to the nature of eating merely several crumbs at a time.
Example Question #373 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Corey thought that releasing his dog into the holiday party would __________ its quiet atmosphere, but his plan worked a bit too well and the dog ended up upsetting the pies, which splattered across the floor.
involve
calm down
dull
enliven
portray
enliven
We can infer that Corey wanted to bring energy and excitement to the party, but his dog ended up spilling the pies onto the floor. So, we need to pick out a verb that means something like "bring energy or excitement to." Neither "dull" nor "calm down" can be the correct answer, then, because each of those words is an antonym of "bring energy or excitement to." "Enliven," however, is a verb that means "make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing," and because "enliven" best describes Corey's motivation for releasing his dog into the holiday party, "enliven" is the correct answer.
Example Question #601 : One Blank Sentences
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The medicine should __________ the physical pain, but it might take a while for his mental health to recover from the trauma of the accident.
apprise
abscond
aver
aggregate
alleviate
alleviate
The choice that makes the most sense is alleviate: to relieve or make suffering less severe.
Example Question #601 : 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.
deride
diffuse
burnish
appease
elicit
appease
The choice that makes the most sense is appease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.
Example Question #374 : Parts Of Speech 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?
encompass
embellish
entail
enumerate
exculpate
embellish
The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features
Example Question #603 : 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.
intone
squeal
screech
are playing
blared
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 #1421 : Psat Critical Reading
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
It is illegal to __________ foods without informing the consumers of what has been added.
adapt
aggregate
aggrandize
adulterate
allocate
adulterate
The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.
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