Sentence Completion Questions - SAT Critical Reading
Card 0 of 13560
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
He was beaten so badly that he knew there was no way he could __________ the result of the race.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
He was beaten so badly that he knew there was no way he could __________ the result of the race.
The answer that makes the most sense is "contest," to dispute.
The answer that makes the most sense is "contest," to dispute.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
Don't __________ yourself with understanding every detail; it is more important to see the big picture.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
Don't __________ yourself with understanding every detail; it is more important to see the big picture.
The answer that makes the most sense is "encumber," to burden.
The answer that makes the most sense is "encumber," to burden.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
Bob's mother furiously __________ him when she saw that he already torn holes in his new jeans.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
Bob's mother furiously __________ him when she saw that he already torn holes in his new jeans.
The answer that makes the most sense is "excoriate," to scold with biting harshness.
The answer that makes the most sense is "excoriate," to scold with biting harshness.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
The seasoned surgeon has __________ himself with all sorts of anatomical problems.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.
The seasoned surgeon has __________ himself with all sorts of anatomical problems.
The answer that makes the most sense is "habituated," to become accustomed or familiarize.
The answer that makes the most sense is "habituated," to become accustomed or familiarize.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As the director lowered his arms, all one hundred of the Christmas carolers __________ began to sing a lively version of a popular carol in unison.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As the director lowered his arms, all one hundred of the Christmas carolers __________ began to sing a lively version of a popular carol in unison.
Only simultaneously means "in unison" or occurring at the same time.
Only simultaneously means "in unison" or occurring at the same time.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The recent discovery of oil on the property has led analysts to believe that the construction of refineries in the area will soon prove to be a very __________ investment.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The recent discovery of oil on the property has led analysts to believe that the construction of refineries in the area will soon prove to be a very __________ investment.
Only "lucrative" means prosperous or financially promising.
Only "lucrative" means prosperous or financially promising.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The __________ leader’s shaky voice was a signal to the brave troops that they would be on their own for the remainder of the battle.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The __________ leader’s shaky voice was a signal to the brave troops that they would be on their own for the remainder of the battle.
The choice that makes the most sense is craven: contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly.
The choice that makes the most sense is craven: contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
You should be __________ of the perilous journey that lies ahead.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
You should be __________ of the perilous journey that lies ahead.
The choice that makes the most sense is wary: feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
The choice that makes the most sense is wary: feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The inmate stopped the flattery and began to speak with a more __________ tone after he realized the guards would never be coaxed into releasing him.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The inmate stopped the flattery and began to speak with a more __________ tone after he realized the guards would never be coaxed into releasing him.
The choice that makes the most sense is vituperative: bitter and abusive; scolding.
The choice that makes the most sense is vituperative: bitter and abusive; scolding.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
Although I enjoyed your essay, it would be better if it were more concise and not as __________.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
Although I enjoyed your essay, it would be better if it were more concise and not as __________.
The choice that makes the most sense is verbose: using more words than are needed.
The choice that makes the most sense is verbose: using more words than are needed.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite all his efforts, Bobby was not able to achieve his personal goals, leaving him __________.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite all his efforts, Bobby was not able to achieve his personal goals, leaving him __________.
The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “discouraged”. The introductory clause “despite all his efforts” is a key phrase. The word “crestfallen” means dejected or discouraged.
The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “discouraged”. The introductory clause “despite all his efforts” is a key phrase. The word “crestfallen” means dejected or discouraged.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The farmers bought more fertilizer for their fields this year, but the harvest was __________ due to an unexpected increase in pests.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The farmers bought more fertilizer for their fields this year, but the harvest was __________ due to an unexpected increase in pests.
The word “but” will turn the direction of this sentence after the first clause. The phrase “due to an unexpected increase in pests” is another important clue. This tells us that the harvest was below expectations due to a negative circumstance. Therefore the correct answer is meager. Note: catastrophic is too strong a negative word in this case.
The word “but” will turn the direction of this sentence after the first clause. The phrase “due to an unexpected increase in pests” is another important clue. This tells us that the harvest was below expectations due to a negative circumstance. Therefore the correct answer is meager. Note: catastrophic is too strong a negative word in this case.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Geoffrey maintained a(n) __________ tone in the letter he sent the journalist, despite his anger at the libelous comments the journalist made.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Geoffrey maintained a(n) __________ tone in the letter he sent the journalist, despite his anger at the libelous comments the journalist made.
The correct answer is "urbane." The key word in this sentence is “despite,” indicating that the tone employed in Geoffrey’s letter was unexpected for the circumstance and quite the opposite of angry. Therefore, "urbane" (most closely synonymous with polite) is the best answer. "Equivocating" does not mean angry, but is not the best answer. "Condescending" and "boorish" are both tones that closely resemble anger and "furious" means angry, so none of these answer choices is correct either.
The correct answer is "urbane." The key word in this sentence is “despite,” indicating that the tone employed in Geoffrey’s letter was unexpected for the circumstance and quite the opposite of angry. Therefore, "urbane" (most closely synonymous with polite) is the best answer. "Equivocating" does not mean angry, but is not the best answer. "Condescending" and "boorish" are both tones that closely resemble anger and "furious" means angry, so none of these answer choices is correct either.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The best part of being in the wilderness is how __________ it feels; it’s such a nice contrast to the stressful hustle and bustle of the city.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The best part of being in the wilderness is how __________ it feels; it’s such a nice contrast to the stressful hustle and bustle of the city.
The correct answer is "placid." There are two hints in this sentence: the first is the word “best” indicating that the missing word will have a positive connotation (thus eliminating "noxious" and "replete"). The second key to this sentence is that the wilderness is contrasted to stress and motion, indicating that the wilderness is more calm and quiet. "Jocular" means neither "calm" nor "quiet."
The correct answer is "placid." There are two hints in this sentence: the first is the word “best” indicating that the missing word will have a positive connotation (thus eliminating "noxious" and "replete"). The second key to this sentence is that the wilderness is contrasted to stress and motion, indicating that the wilderness is more calm and quiet. "Jocular" means neither "calm" nor "quiet."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the detective sought diligently for clues and pondered intensely over the mysteries of the case, he was dismayed that the solution continued to __________ him.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the detective sought diligently for clues and pondered intensely over the mysteries of the case, he was dismayed that the solution continued to __________ him.
The word “elude” means to escape or to avoid (in this case, the detective’s understanding). The word “although” contrasts the detective’s diligent efforts and his inability to solve the case. The only choice that makes sense is "elude." Beware of "incriminate" and "suspect," which were given to lead the test-taker astray. These words are related to the industry of detective work, but do not have the right meaning for the blank.
The word “elude” means to escape or to avoid (in this case, the detective’s understanding). The word “although” contrasts the detective’s diligent efforts and his inability to solve the case. The only choice that makes sense is "elude." Beware of "incriminate" and "suspect," which were given to lead the test-taker astray. These words are related to the industry of detective work, but do not have the right meaning for the blank.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The incumbent’s continual double-talk and __________ on important issues precipitated his defeat in the elections due to a loss of public trust.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The incumbent’s continual double-talk and __________ on important issues precipitated his defeat in the elections due to a loss of public trust.
The correct answer is “vacillation,” which means indecision or wavering. Thus, the incumbent’s double-talk and vacillation on important issues "precipitated" (or accelerated) his defeat in the elections. Notice the conjunction “and” connects the phrase “continual double-talk” with the missing word. From this, we know that the missing word has a negative connotation. "Fortitude," perspicacity," and "perseverance" each have a positive meaning, and thus can be eliminated when solving this question.
The correct answer is “vacillation,” which means indecision or wavering. Thus, the incumbent’s double-talk and vacillation on important issues "precipitated" (or accelerated) his defeat in the elections. Notice the conjunction “and” connects the phrase “continual double-talk” with the missing word. From this, we know that the missing word has a negative connotation. "Fortitude," perspicacity," and "perseverance" each have a positive meaning, and thus can be eliminated when solving this question.
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
When the real documents came to light, the university realized its collection was mostly __________.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
When the real documents came to light, the university realized its collection was mostly __________.
The university's collection is now suspect because of the discovery of real documents. The way the sentence is framed indicates the correct answer is an antonym of "real." "Counterfeit," meaning fake or inauthentic, is the only antonym of real among the answer choices.
The university's collection is now suspect because of the discovery of real documents. The way the sentence is framed indicates the correct answer is an antonym of "real." "Counterfeit," meaning fake or inauthentic, is the only antonym of real among the answer choices.
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
His __________ demeanor betrayed his inner fury at being laid off.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
His __________ demeanor betrayed his inner fury at being laid off.
The key word in this sentence is "betrayed," which indicates that the man's demeanor was at odds with his inner fury. The correct answer will therefore have a sense of calm or quiet, the very definition of "placid."
The key word in this sentence is "betrayed," which indicates that the man's demeanor was at odds with his inner fury. The correct answer will therefore have a sense of calm or quiet, the very definition of "placid."
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
The office was expecting an easygoing new boss, so the employees were surprised to find that their new manager had an extremely __________ manner.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
The office was expecting an easygoing new boss, so the employees were surprised to find that their new manager had an extremely __________ manner.
The structure of the sentence, and the employees' surprise, indicates the new manager was not easygoing. The correct answer choice will be the one that is an antonym of "easygoing." "Abrasive," meaning harsh and coarse, is the only such answer choice.
The structure of the sentence, and the employees' surprise, indicates the new manager was not easygoing. The correct answer choice will be the one that is an antonym of "easygoing." "Abrasive," meaning harsh and coarse, is the only such answer choice.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The coach was a polarizing figure, as some saw his speeches as powerful motivational tools, while others saw them as nasty ___________.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The coach was a polarizing figure, as some saw his speeches as powerful motivational tools, while others saw them as nasty ___________.
All of the answer choices are a type of speech, but the contrast in the sentence with "motivational tools" and the adjective "nasty" leads to an answer choice with a negative tone. "Harangues," which indicates loud, aggressive attacks, fits the rest of the sentence best in context.
All of the answer choices are a type of speech, but the contrast in the sentence with "motivational tools" and the adjective "nasty" leads to an answer choice with a negative tone. "Harangues," which indicates loud, aggressive attacks, fits the rest of the sentence best in context.
Compare your answer with the correct one above