SAT Critical Reading : Sentence Completion Questions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #474 : One Blank Sentences

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

Throughout her sophomore year, she suffered a string of __________, having to miss almost half her classes due to illness.

Possible Answers:

maladies

fortunes

trials

coincidences

accidents

Correct answer:

maladies

Explanation:

Because she missed classes from illness, the correct answer needs to indicate that in its context and tone. While “accidents,” "trials," and “coincidences” fit somewhat, none have the appropriate indication of illness. “Fortunes” should be dismissed immediately, as it is a positive word.

Example Question #475 : One Blank Sentences

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

The principal put a strict __________ on all schoolwide activities until the rival student groups made peace.

Possible Answers:

approbation

endorsement

encouragement

moratorium

valuation

Correct answer:

moratorium

Explanation:

The activities were clearly stopped by the principal to make the groups behave.  Encouragement, valuation, and endorsement do not fit the sentence, while approbation is not quite strong enough. Only "moratorium" means placing a full stop on activities.

Example Question #476 : One Blank Sentences

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

His experience with youth sports revealed his __________, as he often fell down while running and frequently dropped the ball.

Possible Answers:

maladroitness

athleticism

grace

elegance

fitness

Correct answer:

maladroitness

Explanation:

The actions resulting from his athletic experiences indicate he was clumsy. Only “maladroitness” means clumsy, while all the other choices are antonyms for "clumsy."

Example Question #421 : Sentence Completion Questions

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

His peculiar religious sentiments made many people accuse him of ___________.

Possible Answers:

rationality

orthodoxy

acquiescence

respectability

blasphemy

Correct answer:

blasphemy

Explanation:

The two words that are most important in this sentence are "peculiar" and "religious." "Acquiescence," "rationality," and "respectability" do not have the appropriate connotation of "peculiar," nor are they appropriately religious in meaning. "Orthodox" actually defines standard, approved religious sentiment. Only "blasphemy" has the appropriate meaning of ideas that offend traditional religious beliefs.

Example Question #478 : One Blank Sentences

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

The __________ of her husband’s ways is a puzzle that Teresa actually enjoys trying to solve; this is why she married him.

Possible Answers:

solution

conundrum

transparency

predictability

clarity

Correct answer:

conundrum

Explanation:

"Conundrum" means difficult problem or puzzle. Teresa married her husband because his ways are puzzling to her.

Example Question #292 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The tropical storm proved to be a(n) __________ when it hit the east coast of Florida and caused flooding and massive damage.

Possible Answers:

invective

juggernaut

trickery

volition

tyro

Correct answer:

juggernaut

Explanation:

A "juggernaut" is a large, overpowering, and destructive force

Example Question #479 : One Blank Sentences

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

Even though the dog treat rested on top of her nose, Spot managed to show __________ and did not move until her owner told her that she could eat it.

Possible Answers:

benevolence

rancor

exasperation

restraint

condescension

Correct answer:

restraint

Explanation:

"Restraint" means the act of holding back.

Example Question #481 : One Blank Sentences

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

In the new country, every adult was granted __________ and thus could vote in the first election.

Possible Answers:

nobility

ratification

suffrage

amendments

hospitality

Correct answer:

suffrage

Explanation:

"Suffrage" means the right to vote.

Example Question #482 : One Blank Sentences

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

The Susan B. Anthony coin was named after the famous suffragist whose passion for women’s __________ eventually led to the passage of the nineteenth amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote.

Possible Answers:

enfranchisement

fury

redemption

advocacy

submission

Correct answer:

enfranchisement

Explanation:

“Enfranchisement” means the granting of voting rights to a group of people. Since Susan B. Anthony was a "suffragist," someone who fought for women’s right to vote, "enfranchisement" is the only logical answer choice.

Example Question #483 : One Blank Sentences

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

The author's sometimes-insolent character is her __________, earning her millions in royalties through the series in which he is featured.

Possible Answers:

brainchild

machination

apparatus

pseudonym

thesis

Correct answer:

brainchild

Explanation:

A "brainchlid" is defined as a creation or contrivance of a person or group's invention, just as a character is a creation of an author. A "pseodonym" is a pen name, or alternate name used by an author, not a creation of a character. "Thesis," "apparatus," and "machination" do not relate to the relationship between the author or character in this way.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors