SAT Critical Reading : Sentence Completion Questions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Critical Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #33 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Lewis and Clark are often regarded as the daring and __________ pair that explored the entire western United States.

 

Possible Answers:

inadvertent 

mercurial

rancorous

benign

intrepid

Correct answer:

intrepid

Explanation:

The fact that Lewis and Clark explored the entire western United States would make them “intrepid”—adventurous or fearless.

Example Question #32 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

The public was pleasantly surprised and relieved by their congresswoman’s speedy and __________ recovery from pneumonia.

Possible Answers:

incongruent 

superficial

resilient 

inauspicious

exacerbated 

Correct answer:

resilient 

Explanation:

“Resilient” indicates a quick recovery from illness or adversity

Example Question #34 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

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

Most people were impressed with George’s grasp of __________ trivia, but Susan saw it as a mere parlor trick.

Possible Answers:

significant

arcane

useful

popular

common

Correct answer:

arcane

Explanation:

George’s knowledge of trivia is not something that everyone knows, ruling out both "common" and "popular."  Susan’s dismissal of George’s knowledge indicates that it is also not "significant" or "useful," so "arcane" is the correct answer.

Example Question #35 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Becky's locker was __________—all of her papers were filed by date and class, all of her notes were color-coded, and there wasn't a speck of dust or piece of trash to be seen.

Possible Answers:

immaculate

humble

vulnerable

perfidious

deprived

Correct answer:

immaculate

Explanation:

We're looking for an adjective that conveys how clean and organized Becky's locker is, so "immaculate," which means perfectly clean, neat, or tidy, is the best answer.

Example Question #581 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

The story was published __________, so Wallace knew that contacting the author would be a challenging task, as no one knew who he or she was.

Possible Answers:

anomalously

anonymously

copiously

evanescently

credulously

Correct answer:

anonymously

Explanation:

Since no one knows who wrote the story, we're looking for an adverb that describes something done in a way so as to have one's identity remain secret. While "anomalously" and "anonymously" sound extremely similar, they have very different meanings: "anomalously" means "done in a way that deviates from expectations or norms" and "anonymously" means "done in a way that does not identify someone by name." So, "anonymously" is the best answer choice. 

Example Question #1631 : Psat Critical Reading

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks.  One blank indicates that one word is missing.  Two blanks indicate that two words are missing.  Each sentence is followed by five choices.  Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The __________ pieces of clothing were ideal for summertime and could be layered during the wintertime to create new outfits.

Possible Answers:

favorable

unsuitable

abundant

sparse

versatile

Correct answer:

versatile

Explanation:

Since the clothing pieces had uses in summertime and wintertime, it means they are versatile or functional.

Example Question #582 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks.  One blank indicates that one word is missing.  Two blanks indicate that two words are missing.  Each sentence is followed by five choices.  Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The __________ competitiveness between the hockey teams during the championship showed their desire to win.

Possible Answers:

fabricated

wanting

artificial

missing

relentless

Correct answer:

relentless

Explanation:

In the championship, both teams had a desire to win and were therefore relentless or persistent in their competitive spirit.

Example Question #583 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

When Suzie baked, she attempted to use _____ combinations of ingredients in order to create delectable desserts.

Possible Answers:

justifiable

indefinite

requisite

equitable

judicious

Correct answer:

judicious

Explanation:

Since Suzie wants to create delicious desserts, she needs to use judicious combinations of ingredients or combinations she makes using good sense.

Example Question #584 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

His _____ lifestyle was not conducive to running, biking, or similar activities.

Possible Answers:

stagnant

occupied

sedentary

tireless

dynamic

Correct answer:

sedentary

Explanation:

If his lifestyle is not conducive to physical activities, it means that he leads a sedentary or inactive life.

Example Question #585 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The _____ ointment was used to prevent bacterial infection and was also used to heal the wound faster.

Possible Answers:

transparent

aseptic

dilute

viscous

soothing

Correct answer:

aseptic

Explanation:

The key to this sentence is noting that the ointment prevents infection and therefore it must be sterile or aseptic.

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