SAT Critical Reading : SAT Critical Reading
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #725 : Sentence Completion
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The complexity of analogies often __________ even the most perceptive of philosophers, who often confuse such nuanced uses with forms of strict equivalence of meaning.
overcomes
confutes
stultifys
eludes
overwhelms
eludes
Since even the most perceptive philosophers misunderstand analogical predication, it “escapes” them. When something “eludes” someone, it “escapes” him or her in the sense of not being understood. The word comes from Latin roots literally meaning “to play away from,” though it takes more nuanced forms in English. It is related to words like “illusion,” “elusive,” and even “prelude."
Example Question #726 : Sentence Completion
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The members of the PTA were quick to __________ their allegiance to the campaign, openly and publicly declaring their support of the proposal to lengthen the school day.
belie
avow
disclaim
impress
allege
avow
"Avow" means to declare openly. The sentence provides the exact definition of the correct answer choice, making this question a quiz of the test-taker’s vocabulary. If you know the definition of “avow,” you’ll be quick to choose the correct answer.
Example Question #727 : Sentence Completion
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The employees felt __________ after their manager publicly blamed them for his mistake, and then he refused to answer any phone calls or emails after the incident.
marooned
reserved
redeemed
repudiated
surrendered
marooned
The sentence implies that the employees were left to their own devices after the incident in question, and “marooned” means to be left isolated and alone and without means of escape. “Marooned” is the correct word choice to describe the feelings of the employees.
Example Question #728 : Sentence Completion
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The couple wanted someone who had known both of them since childhood to __________ their marriage ceremony, so they asked a close family friend to lead the service.
elucidate
abbreviate
officiate
traduce
tome
officiate
“Officiate” most closely means to perform a ceremony or duty in an official capacity. As a marriage ceremony, in this context, would be an official ceremony, "officiate" is the best answer choice.
Example Question #561 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The new law was an effort to __________ certain hunting practices, but many outdoorsman believe the new prohibitions could not be enforced.
enable
unencumber
promote
proscribe
undermine
proscribe
The law’s effort, as mentioned in the second part of the sentence, is to prohibit certain actions. Of the given answer choices, only “proscribe” is a synonym for prohibit.
Example Question #561 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The professor’s lectures had a tendency to __________, often taking on topics that bore little relation to his initial subject.
meander
pontificate
finesse
pinpoint
narrow
meander
The professor’s habit of discussing topics not related to his subject shows he wanders around various topics. Of the answer choices, only “meander” is a synonym for wander.
Example Question #562 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
While her grandchildren often used their cell phones at the table, she __________ such behavior.
enjoyed
approved
abhorred
ignored
celebrated
abhorred
The structure of the sentence indicates that the grandmother did not like her grandchildren's behavior. Look for an answer that means dislike or even hate. Of the answer choices, only "abhorred" has the appropriate meaning.
Example Question #563 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The nonprofit's work focused on ___________ people in emerging democracies, but questions remained about its effectiveness.
suppressing
enfranchising
nullifying
negating
harming
enfranchising
The best clue for the answer lies in the word "democracies," as "enfranchising" means enabling voting rights. Another clue is the fact that the other four answer choices all indicate some sense of hurting people; identifying synonyms among answer choices is a good way to eliminate some choices.
Example Question #564 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Not wanting to see a rival succeed, he sought to __________ every promotion opportunity she received.
ensure
complement
assist
enable
hamper
hamper
The key word in the sentence is "rival." With rival in mind, look for a word that would indicate a sense of harm or impairment. Of the answer choices, only "hamper" has the appropriate meaning.
Example Question #565 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her lifelong love of cars began with a trip to an automotive museum as a young girl, which __________ her passion at a young age.
slowed
tempered
hampered
kindled
repulsed
kindled
The museum trip started and encouraged her love of cars. "Kindled," literally meaning started a fire, but here used metaphorically to mean ignited an interest, is the only answer choice that appropriately completes the sentence.
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