SAT Critical Reading : SAT Critical Reading

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #922 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The costume was fairly extravagant, __________ with sequins and feathers on the jacket.

Possible Answers:

moderated

replete

rustic

subtle

understated

Correct answer:

replete

Explanation:

The costume is called "extravagant," which indicates that the jacket is over-the-top and has a good amount of sequins and feathers. "Understated," "subtle," and "moderated" all have a sense of showing restraint, while "rustic" means pleasantly old-fashioned and simple. Only "replete," meaning full and covered, provides the appropriate meaning to the sentence.

Example Question #421 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

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

He was suspicious of his sons' claims and desired something __________ to prove the car really had begun falling apart on its own.

Possible Answers:

tangible

transient

subtle

ephemeral

contestable

Correct answer:

tangible

Explanation:

The father does not believe his sons' story about the car, presumably because he desired something less anecdotal. "Transient" and "ephemeral" both have a sense of passing quickly, while "subtle" and "contestable" mean something is less than solid evidence. Only "tangible," meaning able to be held and touched, provides the correct meaning to the sentence.

Example Question #1221 : One Blank Sentences

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

Having been raised in the suburbs, Benjamin had no experience of the __________ poverty that so many suffer.

Possible Answers:

abject

enviable

rapacious

covetous

avid

Correct answer:

abject

Explanation:

"Abject" means wretched and pitiful. The poverty from which people suffer is wretched.

Example Question #1222 : One Blank Sentences

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

The clinic kept an __________ environment, even though maintaining the cleanliness was actually rather expensive.

Possible Answers:

inhospitable

derivative

obscene

antiseptic

filthy

Correct answer:

antiseptic

Explanation:

"Antiseptic" means clean and sterile. The clinic maintained cleanliness even though it cost more.

Example Question #1051 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The new policeman became ill at the sight of the __________ blood; the victim’s thickened blood put him off pudding for a very long time.

Possible Answers:

prevaricating

coagulated

mendacious

flowing

streaming

Correct answer:

coagulated

Explanation:

"Coagulated" means thickened or clotted. The victim's thickened blood, resembling pudding, was very off-putting for the new policeman.

Example Question #1222 : Sentence Completion

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

I adore humid climates, but I abhor __________ ones.

Possible Answers:

mendacious

arid

tenuous

enhanced

discredited

Correct answer:

arid

Explanation:

"Arid" means very dry.

Example Question #1231 : One Blank Sentences

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

Before you drink the water from that dirty river, you need to filter it and treat it with certain chemicals; only then will it be __________.

Possible Answers:

enervated

unaccustomed

jaded

potable

chary

Correct answer:

potable

Explanation:

"Potable" means suitable for drinking.

Example Question #1232 : One Blank Sentences

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

“Don’t you think that assigning five hours of homework a night is a bit too __________?” the concerned parent asked the teacher.

Possible Answers:

onerous

gregarious

somatic

surreptitious

explicit

Correct answer:

onerous

Explanation:

"Onerous" means burdensome.

Example Question #435 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

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

“It wasn’t very nice or __________ to tell that other little girl that you thought she was boring,” Ann said to her daughter.

Possible Answers:

jejune

resilient 

tactful

ubiquitious

derisive

Correct answer:

tactful

Explanation:

"Tactful" means skillful at not offending others.

Example Question #1031 : One Blank Sentences

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

Ever since Jean Paul and I broke up, everyone tells me the same __________ phrase: there are always more fish in the sea.

Possible Answers:

opulent

aesthetic

scrutinizing

hackneyed

abbreviated

Correct answer:

hackneyed

Explanation:

"Hackneyed" means clichéd, or worn out by overuse.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors