SAT Critical Reading : SAT Critical Reading

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #475 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

His experience with youth sports revealed his __________, as he often fell down while running and frequently dropped the ball.

Possible Answers:

elegance

grace

athleticism

fitness

maladroitness

Correct answer:

maladroitness

Explanation:

The actions resulting from his athletic experiences indicate he was clumsy. Only “maladroitness” means clumsy, while all the other choices are antonyms for "clumsy."

Example Question #476 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

His peculiar religious sentiments made many people accuse him of ___________.

Possible Answers:

rationality

blasphemy

orthodoxy

respectability

acquiescence

Correct answer:

blasphemy

Explanation:

The two words that are most important in this sentence are "peculiar" and "religious." "Acquiescence," "rationality," and "respectability" do not have the appropriate connotation of "peculiar," nor are they appropriately religious in meaning. "Orthodox" actually defines standard, approved religious sentiment. Only "blasphemy" has the appropriate meaning of ideas that offend traditional religious beliefs.

Example Question #477 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

The __________ of her husband’s ways is a puzzle that Teresa actually enjoys trying to solve; this is why she married him.

Possible Answers:

predictability

clarity

solution

conundrum

transparency

Correct answer:

conundrum

Explanation:

"Conundrum" means difficult problem or puzzle. Teresa married her husband because his ways are puzzling to her.

Example Question #478 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

The tropical storm proved to be a(n) __________ when it hit the east coast of Florida and caused flooding and massive damage.

Possible Answers:

tyro

invective

volition

juggernaut

trickery

Correct answer:

juggernaut

Explanation:

A "juggernaut" is a large, overpowering, and destructive force

Example Question #479 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

Even though the dog treat rested on top of her nose, Spot managed to show __________ and did not move until her owner told her that she could eat it.

Possible Answers:

restraint

exasperation

benevolence

condescension

rancor

Correct answer:

restraint

Explanation:

"Restraint" means the act of holding back.

Example Question #291 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

In the new country, every adult was granted __________ and thus could vote in the first election.

Possible Answers:

ratification

hospitality

amendments

suffrage

nobility

Correct answer:

suffrage

Explanation:

"Suffrage" means the right to vote.

Example Question #292 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The Susan B. Anthony coin was named after the famous suffragist whose passion for women’s __________ eventually led to the passage of the nineteenth amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote.

Possible Answers:

redemption

fury

submission

advocacy

enfranchisement

Correct answer:

enfranchisement

Explanation:

“Enfranchisement” means the granting of voting rights to a group of people. Since Susan B. Anthony was a "suffragist," someone who fought for women’s right to vote, "enfranchisement" is the only logical answer choice.

Example Question #293 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The author's sometimes-insolent character is her __________, earning her millions in royalties through the series in which he is featured.

Possible Answers:

apparatus

thesis

pseudonym

machination

brainchild

Correct answer:

brainchild

Explanation:

A "brainchlid" is defined as a creation or contrivance of a person or group's invention, just as a character is a creation of an author. A "pseodonym" is a pen name, or alternate name used by an author, not a creation of a character. "Thesis," "apparatus," and "machination" do not relate to the relationship between the author or character in this way.

Example Question #294 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The movie star's personal life was a matter of __________, as the media had not been able to find out any more details about his relationship.

Possible Answers:

disclosure

revelation

inquiry

avocation

postulation

Correct answer:

postulation

Explanation:

"Conjecture" is speculation or hypotheses based on unknown data. "Inquiry" suggests data-gathering, while both "revelation" and "disclosure" imply a hidden knowledge that is made manifest. "Avocation" relates to the pursuit of hobbies.

Example Question #295 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The decision to declare war should not be seen as __________, as it requires great bravery to maintain peace.

Possible Answers:

intelligence

pacification

ignobility

cowardice

intrepidity

Correct answer:

intrepidity

Explanation:

The sentence's context suggests that a synonym of "bravery" is needed for the blank. "Intrepidity" and "cowardice" are the only two which refer to courage and confrontation of fear, yet cowardice is the antonym of bravery. "Ignobility" could fit grammatically, but also provides an opposite of courage. Both "intelligence" and "pacification," although they could both relate to war, have no relation to bravery in this context.

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