SAT Critical Reading : One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

We tried to __________ the baby in several ways, but she kept crying no matter what we did.

Possible Answers:

deride

diffuse

appease

burnish

elicit

Correct answer:

appease

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is appease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.

Example Question #471 : One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

Would you prefer me to __________ the story or tell a shorter, to the point version?

Possible Answers:

embellish

exculpate

enumerate

encompass

entail

Correct answer:

embellish

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features

Example Question #51 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Pick the best word to complete the sentence.

"Listen to your heart," the lyrics __________, but Sasha hardly heard over the sound of the thunderous applause behind her.

Possible Answers:

squeal

blared 

intone

screech

are playing

Correct answer:

blared 

Explanation:

The sentence is written in the past tense, so in order for the verb to fit into the existing context, it needs to be past, as well as imply a degree of loud volume; therefore, blared is the best answer.

Example Question #52 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.

Possible Answers:

abhorred

acquiesced

acclaimed

absolved

abjured

Correct answer:

abhorred

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "abhorred," to detest or hate.

Example Question #51 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

It is illegal to __________ foods without informing the consumers of what has been added.

Possible Answers:

allocate

adulterate

adapt

aggrandize

aggregate

Correct answer:

adulterate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.

Example Question #51 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Jim was called upon to __________ the dispute between his coworkers.

Possible Answers:

appraise

appease

appall

arbitrate

append

Correct answer:

arbitrate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "arbitrate," to act as a judge.

Example Question #482 : Sentence Completions

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He brought in an expert in order to __________ the diamond he found.

Possible Answers:

array

ascribe

atone

assay

ascertain

Correct answer:

assay

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "assay," to analyze or evaluate.

Example Question #53 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He __________ his success in physics to the encouragement he received from his parents and teachers.

Possible Answers:

attributes

avers

augments

avows

authenticates

Correct answer:

attributes

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "attributes," to ascribe or explain.

Example Question #54 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

If a few of the minor political parties __________, the result may be a formidable opponent.

Possible Answers:

chortle

coalesce

cleave

coagulate

circumscribe

Correct answer:

coalesce

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "coalesce," to combine or fuse.

Example Question #55 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Despite all the evidence against him, Mark refused to __________ that he was wrong.

Possible Answers:

concede

confound

conjure

comport

condole

Correct answer:

concede

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "concede," to admit or yield.

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