SAT Critical Reading : Sentence Completion Questions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #928 : Parts Of Speech In 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.

Possible Answers:

exacting

clarifying

engaging

factual

incoherent

Correct answer:

incoherent

Explanation:

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 #929 : Parts Of Speech In 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.

Possible Answers:

quaint

edifying

labyrinthine

rustic

harmonious

Correct answer:

labyrinthine

Explanation:

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 #930 : 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:

rustic

moderated

understated

replete

subtle

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 #931 : Parts Of Speech 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:

subtle

tangible

contestable

ephemeral

transient

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 #932 : Parts Of Speech In 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:

covetous

rapacious

enviable

abject

avid

Correct answer:

abject

Explanation:

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

Example Question #933 : Parts Of Speech In 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:

obscene

filthy

inhospitable

antiseptic

derivative

Correct answer:

antiseptic

Explanation:

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

Example Question #934 : 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:

mendacious

prevaricating

coagulated

streaming

flowing

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 #1021 : One Blank Sentences

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

I adore humid climates, but I abhor __________ ones.

Possible Answers:

discredited

tenuous

enhanced

mendacious

arid

Correct answer:

arid

Explanation:

"Arid" means very dry.

Example Question #2441 : Sat Critical Reading

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:

potable

enervated

chary

jaded

unaccustomed

Correct answer:

potable

Explanation:

"Potable" means suitable for drinking.

Example Question #2442 : Sat Critical Reading

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:

somatic

gregarious

surreptitious

onerous

explicit

Correct answer:

onerous

Explanation:

"Onerous" means burdensome.

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