SAT Critical Reading : SAT Critical Reading

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #52 : Context Clues In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

The plaintiff's frequent backtracking on the witness stand made him a less than __________ witness.

Possible Answers:

frivolous

underhanded

conniving

ebullient

credible

Correct answer:

credible

Explanation:

While the plaintiff's backtracking makes him look bad, the sentence is structured in a way that makes the correct answer need to mean "truthful" or "believable." Therefore, rule out "frivolous," "underhanded," and "conniving" immediately. "Credible," which means believable, is the choice that works best in the sentence.

Example Question #61 : Conjunctions And Sentence Logic In One Blank Sentences

In comparison with the egoism and selfishness of his siblings, Daniel’s __________ behavior was a great consolation to his parents.

Possible Answers:

altruistic

irreproachable

commendatory

moralistic

exemplary

Correct answer:

altruistic

Explanation:

Although one might want to say that Daniel’s activity was commendatory or something else of the like, the best fit for the opposition in this sentence would be a word that captures the sense of being “not egoistic.” The word “altruistic” does this, for it means that one is selflessly concerned about the needs of others. Often one uses the nominal form “altruism” to describe the characteristic as well.

Example Question #51 : Sentence Completions

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

His __________ demeanor betrayed his inner fury at being laid off.

Possible Answers:

raging

placid

ebullient

abrasive

manic

Correct answer:

placid

Explanation:

The key word in this sentence is "betrayed," which indicates that the man's demeanor was at odds with his inner fury. The correct answer will therefore have a sense of calm or quiet, the very definition of "placid."

Example Question #52 : Sentence Completions

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

When the real documents came to light, the university realized its collection was mostly __________.

Possible Answers:

genuine

historical

supported

counterfeit

authentic

Correct answer:

counterfeit

Explanation:

The university's collection is now suspect because of the discovery of real documents. The way the sentence is framed indicates the correct answer is an antonym of "real." "Counterfeit," meaning fake or inauthentic, is the only antonym of real among the answer choices.

Example Question #51 : Conjunctions And Sentence Logic In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

No matter how vexed you might be, responding to a caustic statement with an even more __________ reply is ill advised. 

Possible Answers:

affable

abrasive

savory

traditional

rustic

Correct answer:

abrasive

Explanation:

The words “vexed” and “caustic” coupled with the phrase “even more” indicate that the answer choice will reflect similarly negative speech. Only "abrasive" works in this context.

Example Question #54 : Sentence Completions

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

The office was expecting an easygoing new boss, so the employees were surprised to find that their new manager had an extremely __________ manner.

Possible Answers:

gregarious

abrasive

affable

placid

ebullient

Correct answer:

abrasive

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence, and the employees' surprise, indicates the new manager was not easygoing. The correct answer choice will be the one that is an antonym of "easygoing." "Abrasive," meaning harsh and coarse, is the only such answer choice.

Example Question #1001 : Psat Critical Reading

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

In opposition to the labyrinthine prose of Hegel, the passage from Sokolowski was refreshing for its __________.

Possible Answers:

lucidity

opacity

honesty

passivity

density

Correct answer:

lucidity

Explanation:

When something is “lucid” it is clear and bright—like light. Indeed, the word comes from the Latin word for light, which is found in other words like "translucent" and "pellucid." To say that something is “labyrinthine” is to say that it is like a maze. The implication is that Hegel’s writing style is as difficult to read as a maze is to navigate. In contrast to this, Sokolowski’s style must have been clear—that is, it was "lucid."

Example Question #62 : Sentence Completions

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

Although many ancient cultures envisioned their deities as though they had bodies, some groups concluded that such beings must instead be __________.

Possible Answers:

invisible

hidden

extraterrestrial

celestial

incorporeal

Correct answer:

incorporeal

Explanation:

The contrast here is with the word “bodies” in the first phrase, so do not go any further than that meaning if possible. While “invisible” and “hidden” are tempting options, “incorporeal” most directly answers to the need in this regard. It means not having a body. In this word, the prefix “in-” is a negative prefix meaning “not,” and the “-corporeal” portion is derived from the Latin for body. It is related to other words such as “corpulent,” “corpse,” and “incorporation.”

Example Question #1473 : Sat Critical Reading

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

Although he did not give a(n) __________ sum of money, Scott’s gift was appreciated by the museum, which was in need of any amount of cash, no matter how small it might be.

Possible Answers:

egregious

obligatory

affluent

substantial

contaminated

Correct answer:

substantial

Explanation:

The main clue in this sentence is “no matter how small it might be.” The implication is that Scott’s gift was not very large, but it was nevertheless appreciated by the museum. When something is “substantial,” it is either of great importance or at least existing in a great amount. “Substance” can mean “matter” (as in “two chemical substances”) and it denotes a certain fixity as well. Thus, a “substantial” thing is important, like the solidity of matter (after a manner of speaking at least).

Example Question #61 : Context Clues In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

Timothy had a noticeably __________ response to what his friend had thought would be considered exciting news.

Possible Answers:

exasperated

tepid

ebullient

agitated

distraught

Correct answer:

tepid

Explanation:

The contrast here is between excitement and what must be a rather detached and disinterested response from Timothy. When liquid is barely warm, it is said to be “tepid.” By extension, this becomes applied to persons to say that they are “lukewarm” or that they show little interest or passion for a given thing or things.

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