SAT Critical Reading : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #985 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The dog only found out that the plastic fruit on display on the table was __________ when he unsuccessfully tried to eat it. 

Possible Answers:

inedible

indelible

didactic

invokable

irrefutable

Correct answer:

inedible

Explanation:

We know that the dog tried to eat the plastic fruit and couldn't eat it, so we're looking for an adjective that means "not able to be eaten." "Inedible," which means "not able to be eaten,"  is the best answer choice. You can figure out its meaning by considering its component parts: the prefix "in-" means "not", and "edible" means "able to be eaten." While "indelible" sounds similar, it refers to ink or pens and means "making marks that cannot be erased or removed." Its prefix and root follow the same pattern though: "in" still means "not," and "delible" by itself refers to marks and means "able to be deleted."

Example Question #988 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

King George VI was known for his __________ speech, which contributed greatly to his difficulties with public speaking.

Possible Answers:

negligible

opportune 

decisive 

halting 

instantaneous

Correct answer:

halting 

Explanation:

From the context of the sentence you know that whatever quality of the king’s speaking abilities is being described it must contribute to his difficulties with public speaking. Decisive and opportune would both positively contribute to his speaking abilities. Instantaneous (which means something done instantly) and negligible (which means neglectful) do not fit comfortably. Only halting, which means containing frequent stops or pauses, fits neatly into the sentence.

Example Question #989 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

Although Heather was normally __________, she shied away from walking across the swinging rope bridge.

Possible Answers:

disinclined

obstinate

timorous

intrepid

pragmatic

Correct answer:

intrepid

Explanation:

Someone who is intrepid is fearless. The statement says that although Heather was too scared to walk across the swinging rope bridge, she is normally quite adventurous. Thus, the word that is the best fit in the sentence is intrepid.

Example Question #990 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The small town bustled as everyone prepared to give the __________ politician a grand welcome.

Possible Answers:

disappointed

eminent

emergent

despised

measly

Correct answer:

eminent

Explanation:

Eminent means prominent or distinguished. The townspeople are putting effort into welcoming the politician because of this quality. While emergent is also plausible, if the politician is new to the political scene, it does not fit the "grand welcome" as well as eminent. The other answers are all negative, and the blank fits with a positive adjective.

Example Question #991 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The root of the word "__________" comes from a Greek myth about a young boy who could not stop himself from staring longingly at his own reflection; he fell in love with his own beauty.

Possible Answers:

comely 

substance 

steadfast

preternatural

narcissistic

Correct answer:

narcissistic

Explanation:

The word narcissistic comes from the Greek myth about a boy named Narcissus who falls in love with his own reflection. It means self-absorbed and vain. If you did not know this you would have to try and eliminate answer choices. Steadfast means resolute, substance means of value, and preternatural means unnatural or supernatural. None of the previously mentioned words make much sense in the context of the sentence. Comely could perhaps be considered an adequate answer, but comely means just cute, not beautiful. Narcissistic is the best option.

Example Question #992 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

_________ displays of wealth were common among the rulers of Renaissance Europe; some observers enjoyed the displays of luxury, others complained that the Kings were just showing off.

Possible Answers:

Steadfast 

Insular 

Ostentatious 

Halting 

Equitable 

Correct answer:

Ostentatious 

Explanation:

From the information revealed in the sentence you know that the blank word must be close in meaning to “wealth” and “luxury.” Also, the notion that the Kings were showing off suggests that some people found it not just rich, but also showy. This should lead you to the correct answer ostentatious. Ostentatious means marked by a vulgar or showy display of wealth. Insular means inwardly focused; halting means speech characterized by frequent pauses; steadfast means resolute; equitable means fair and agreeable.

Example Question #993 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The palace at Versailles is one of the most __________ in all of Europe; it remains a popular tourist site today due to the excessive luxury on display.

Possible Answers:

extravagant

whimsical 

indoctrinated

reserved 

laconic 

Correct answer:

extravagant

Explanation:

The second clause in the sentence describes how people come from all over to witness the “excessive luxury” of Versailles. This should indicate to you that the first blank must describe the luxurious nature of the palace. The correct answer is therefore extravagant which means fancy or excessive. Whimsical means quirky or silly; reserved means contained; indoctrinated means to have been caused to believe something; laconic means brief.

Example Question #994 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

Sarah’s teacher instructed her that her essay needed greater focus; the teacher felt that the thesis was far too _________.

Possible Answers:

propserous 

supercilious

terse

demanding

ambiguous 

Correct answer:

ambiguous 

Explanation:

The first clause reveals that the teacher faulted the essay for lacking focus; therefore the blank at the end of the sentence must mean unfocused or vague. This means the correct answer is ambiguous. Terse means brief; supercilious means arrogant or condescending; prosperous means wealthy.

Example Question #995 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The __________ struggle of the Hawaiian nationalist movement ended in complete capitulation.  

Possible Answers:

reinforced

futile 

jubilant 

monotonous

successful

Correct answer:

futile 

Explanation:

The sentence tells you that the Hawaiian nationalist movement ended in complete capitulation (surrender) which means the struggle must have been unsuccessful/insignificant. Of the five possible answer choices futile best matches this definition. Futile means pointless or useless; jubilant means very happy; monotonous means boring.

Example Question #883 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The __________ man could often be found in the local haunt or a roadside establishment, lingering longer than even the pool players or the karaoke enthusiasts.

Possible Answers:

bibulous

sonorous

compunctive

dissentious

colloquial

Correct answer:

bibulous

Explanation:

"Bibulous" refers to a person who is fond of drinking. The context of the sentence provides clues that indicate that the individual in the sentence frequents bars or saloons and stays longer than a casual drinker.

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