SAT Critical Reading : Sentence Completion Questions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #201 : Sentence Completion Questions

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

The assassination of the country’s political leaders led to a period of __________ and turmoil.

Possible Answers:

anarchy

probity

piety

antipathy

apathy

Correct answer:

anarchy

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is anarchy: a state of disorder due to the absence of a governing body.

Example Question #251 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

The __________ of the mind seems to wane significantly after a child has passed a certain age.

Possible Answers:

plasticity

posterity

pique

precept

platitude

Correct answer:

plasticity

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is plasticity: ability to be easily shaped or molded.

Example Question #171 : Sentence Completions

Pick the word that best completes the sentence

The doctor was stumped: he had no idea what the __________ was for this particular snake bite.

Possible Answers:

antidote

myalgia

analgesia

ceratoid

antibiotic

Correct answer:

antidote

Explanation:

An antidote is a subtance which reverses the effect of poisoning—while "antibiotic" is close, in this context, a snake bite releases poison, not bacteria, so the best word is "antidote."

Example Question #171 : One Blank Sentences

Pick the best word to complete the sentence.

Political scientists will debate for years to come about whether Barack Obama's healthcare __________ was the best solution.

Possible Answers:

deployment

reform

institutions

legislations

policies

Correct answer:

reform

Explanation:

Based on the verb in the sentence, this word needs to be singular—so although policy and legislation might make sense based solely on meaning, reform is the best answer.

Example Question #71 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Answer the following sample question. Select the word or pair of words that most correctly completes the sentence.

 

Simon had to resort to trickery and __________ to convince his mother to let him go out on Friday night.

 

Possible Answers:

chicanery

panacea

skepticism

prudence

respite

Correct answer:

chicanery

Explanation:

"Chicanery" means deception or trickery. "Skepticism" means doubt or disbelief. "Respite" means a pause or suspension of activity. "Prudence" means caution or carefullness. "Panacea" means a cure-all or remedy. 

Example Question #201 : Sentence Completion Questions

Answer the following sample question. Select the word or pair of words that most correctly completes the sentence.

 

Nobody is perfect; we all have our own __________.

 

Possible Answers:

foibles

genres

jargons

dictums

mendicants

Correct answer:

foibles

Explanation:

"Foible" means a personal imperfection or shortcoming. "Mendicant" means a beggar or vagabond. "Jargon" is a dialect or invented language. "Genre" means a type or category. "Dictum" means a saying or a proverb. 

Example Question #171 : One Blank Sentences

Answer the following sample question. Select the word or pair of words that most correctly completes the sentence.

 

__________ to you Bill! You really did well on the vocabulary portion of the exam.

 

Possible Answers:

edicts

chagrins

acumens

kudos

maxims

Correct answer:

kudos

Explanation:

"Kudos" means congratulations or praise. "Chagrin" means displeasure or annoyance. "Edict" means a pronouncement or order. "Acumen" means ability to understand or reason, acuity, or ingenuity. "Maxim" means a saying or a proverb. 

Example Question #91 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Answer the following sample question. Select the word or pair of words that most correctly completes the sentence.

Using her mother's __________, Sandra knew her teenage son wasn't being completely honest with her.

Possible Answers:

intuition

belligerence

apathy

eloquence

chagrin

Correct answer:

intuition

Explanation:

"Intuition" means insight or instinct. "Chagrin" means displeasure or annoyance. "Eloquence" means skillful way with words or speech. "Belligerence" means aggresiveness or hostility. "Apathy" means an uncaring attitude or lack of caring.

Example Question #92 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Answer the following sample question. Select the word or pair of words that most correctly completes the sentence.

Robert delivered a warm and heartfelt __________ during Saturday afternoon's funeral.

Possible Answers:

maxim

censure

eulogy

affirmation

hyperbole

Correct answer:

eulogy

Explanation:

"Eulogy" means tribute or praise. "Censure" means condemnation or denunciation. "Affirmation" means a claim or assurance. "Hyperbole" means exaggeration or embellishment. "Maxim" means a saying or proverb.

Example Question #206 : Sentence Completion Questions

Answer the following sample question. Select the word or pair of words that most correctly completes the sentence.

The ancient Roman senators lived lives of extreme __________, hoarding massive piles of gold and treasure.

Possible Answers:

stimulus

opacity

etiquette

odyssey

avarice

Correct answer:

avarice

Explanation:

"Avarice" means greed or selfishness. "Odyssey" means an epic journey full of adventure. "Opacity" means darkness or ambiguity. "Etiquette" means manners or proper behavior. "Stimulus" means provocation or incitement.

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