SAT Critical Reading : One-Blank Sentences
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading
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Example Questions
Example Question #1034 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The fact he was __________ was a pleasant surprise to her when she asked him to assemble furniture.
bumbling
oafish
clumsy
dexterous
inept
dexterous
The task he needed to accomplish, assembling furniture, indicates he was skillful. “Clumsy,” “oafish,” "bumbling," and “inept” all mean, to some degree, the exact opposite. “Dexterous,” indicating skill with one’s hands, is correct.
Example Question #1035 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her speech was often loaded with __________ words such as "like" or "whatever," which were unnecessary for her point to be made.
mechanical
automatic
automatic
extraneous
precise
extraneous
The structure of the sentence indicates the correct answer is a synonym of “unnecessary.” “Precise” and “subtle” are antonyms, while “automatic” and "mechanical" is not a direct synonym.
Example Question #1036 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The preacher’s sermons were frequently nothing more than __________ babbling, leaving the parishioners confused.
clarifying
incoherent
exacting
engaging
factual
incoherent
The correct choice leads to confusion in the parishioners. “Exacting,” “clarifying,” and “factual” all indicate a lack of confusion, while "engaging" means interesting and exciting. Only “incoherent” means anything related to confusion.
Example Question #1037 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The old mansion was added to many times over the years with additions that created hallways and rooms in strange places, giving the place a __________ quality.
rustic
labyrinthine
quaint
edifying
harmonious
labyrinthine
The mansion's many additions and strange hallways make the mansion confusing and imposing. "Labyrinthine," which means maze-like, is the best fit of all the answer choices. All the other choices have connotations of simplicity or ease.
Example Question #1038 : 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.
understated
moderated
subtle
rustic
replete
replete
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 #1039 : 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.
contestable
ephemeral
subtle
tangible
transient
tangible
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 #1040 : 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.
rapacious
covetous
abject
enviable
avid
abject
"Abject" means wretched and pitiful. The poverty from which people suffer is wretched.
Example Question #1041 : 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.
inhospitable
antiseptic
derivative
obscene
filthy
antiseptic
"Antiseptic" means clean and sterile. The clinic maintained cleanliness even though it cost more.
Example Question #1042 : 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.
streaming
prevaricating
coagulated
mendacious
flowing
coagulated
"Coagulated" means thickened or clotted. The victim's thickened blood, resembling pudding, was very off-putting for the new policeman.
Example Question #1043 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
I adore humid climates, but I abhor __________ ones.
tenuous
discredited
enhanced
arid
mendacious
arid
"Arid" means very dry.
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