SAT Critical Reading : One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #93 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

In contrast to her brother’s resolute determination, Patricia had a very __________ attitude toward any undertaking.

Possible Answers:

discerning

judgmental

questioning

slothful

fickle

Correct answer:

fickle

Explanation:

When someone is resolute, he or she is determined and unwavering. In contrast to this, Patricia must be said to be regularly changing. Hence, the best description of her attitude would be that of being “fickle,” which means “frequently changing.”

Example Question #94 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Nick had great abilities in tactile undertakings, but when it came to dealing with abstract thoughts, he found all such matters to be too __________ for his taste.

Possible Answers:

distant

removed

boring

detached

ethereal

Correct answer:

ethereal

Explanation:

The contrast here is between “tactile undertakings” and “abstract thoughts.” You must look for something match the “abstract” nature of the thoughts, particularly considering how something abstract could be considered opposed to something “tactile” (i.e. something that can be touched or felt); therefore, while options like “detached,” “distant,” or “removed” might seem appropriate, the best answer is “ethereal” which implies an almost spiritual or incorporeal and intangible distance from earthly—indeed, tangible—things.

Example Question #2106 : Sat Critical Reading

The historian of the Middle Ages believed that everything modern was an __________ version of some more profound and fruitful reality found in the earlier age.

Possible Answers:

undone

incapacitated

unraveled

unkempt

impoverished

Correct answer:

impoverished

Explanation:

The historian is contrasting the “profound and fruitful reality” of the Middle Ages with what he must take to be the less fruitful nature of modernity. The best option is therefore “impoverished,” which implies a loss of “fruitfulness,” “productivity,” or more generally “strength or vitality.” The other options do not directly capture this notion of a loss of vigor.

Example Question #2107 : Sat Critical Reading

Many people thought the water in the cistern was __________, when in fact it had been filled with infusions of the deadly ebola virus.

Possible Answers:

polluted

clean

pristine

innocuous

brackish

Correct answer:

innocuous

Explanation:

The contrast here is between being potentially deadly and healthy (or at least “not deadly”). Note, it is not a contrast between “clean and unclean” or “clean and dirty.” The word “innocuous” means “not harmful.” Being derived from the Latin for “harmful,” it is related to English words like “inoculate” and “noxious.” The “in-” prefix here means “not.”

Example Question #1642 : Psat Critical Reading

Todd would rarely approach his mother with requests, for he knew that his __________ father would rarely deny what he wanted.

Possible Answers:

dunce

irreverent

immature

lenient

unreflective

Correct answer:

lenient

Explanation:

The key thing to note in this sentence is that Todd’s father would rarely deny his requests. Therefore, the best option for the needed word is “lenient,” which means “permissive” or sometimes “forgiving.” Here, it is the first meaning that fits best. The word comes from the Latin for “mild or gentle” and is found in other English words like “leniency” and “lenitude.” (The latter, rather strange, word means “the characteristic of being lenient.” We could speak of “the lenitude of Todd’s father.”).

Example Question #601 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Kevin was not known for making __________ arguments, for his sentences were often labyrinthine, obscure masses of confusion.

Possible Answers:

vertiginous

lucid

unaccomplished

childish

amazing

Correct answer:

lucid

Explanation:

The contrast here is between obscurity and clarity. When something or someone is “lucid,” he or she is able to express ideas or thoughts in a clear manner. The word actually comes from base words for “light,” which are found in English relatives like “lucent,” “translucent,” and even “Lucifer” (the so-called “light bearing angel” who later fell from grace, according to Christian tradition).

Example Question #1643 : Psat Critical Reading

Paula thought that her brother’s appearance was __________, with his multi-colored socks, large wig, and his ridiculous top hat.

Possible Answers:

ludicrous

confusing

embarrassing

ramshackle

unacceptable

Correct answer:

ludicrous

Explanation:

The key word in this sentence is “ridiculous,” which helps to give a sense to what Paula must have thought about the other strange aspects of her brother’s appearance. When something is “ridiculous,” it is not only strange but even more literally is “amusing” or “laughable.” (The word “ridicule” is related to “ridiculous,” both coming from the Latin for “to laugh.”) The word “ludicrous” often means “ridiculous.” It is derived from Latin roots for “to play” or “game.” A “prelude” is a piece of music “played” (in the general, non-game sense) before (“pre-”) the main concert piece.

Example Question #603 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Patrick was eager to start his diet until he realized how __________ his meals would be in order to reduce his caloric intake.

Possible Answers:

unpalatable

disgusting

meager

vegetarian

distasteful

Correct answer:

meager

Explanation:

The only real clue in this sentence is the fact that Patrick’s eagerness was diminished due to the fact that the meals would have to have a greatly reduced caloric intake. Therefore, the best option will be one that merely captures that sense of “reduction,” without introducing other elements unnecessarily. The word “meager” does just this, meaning that something lacks quantity or is thin. In German, the word “mager,” means “lean” or “thin.”

Example Question #52 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Baron Johann von Wulf assured his subordinates that he reached his position only by taking _________ care that no detail ever be overlooked in any undertaking.

Possible Answers:

meticulous

excellent

accomplished

overweening

managed

Correct answer:

meticulous

Explanation:

The key phrase here is “that no detail be overlooked . . .” While one could say that the Baron had excellent or perhaps even overweening care, the sentence most directly implies that he too exceptional care about details. The best option, therefore, is “meticulous,” which means to be precise and careful about every detail of something.

Example Question #53 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Many believed that Douglas always acted in a calculated manner when, in fact, most of his choices were made in a __________ manner.

Possible Answers:

playful

irreligious

reflective

whimsical

disdainful

Correct answer:

whimsical

Explanation:

The two most tempting words here are “whimsical” and “playful,” but it is only the former that fits best. In contrast to acting “in a calculated manner,” Douglas must act in a manner that is not very reflective and not based on much forethought. Although we often say that someone is whimsical when he or she is playful, this adjective can also be used in the sense of “acting on a whim,” that is, “acting on a sudden (perhaps inexplicable) change of mind.” Therefore, “whimsical” is the best option.

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