PSAT Critical Reading : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #601 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
After deciding that the flock of sparrows did not __________ a threat, the squirrel climbed onto the bird feeder and began to eat the birdseed.
constitute
pledge
diminish
hinder
mimic
constitute
Because the squirrel decided that the sparrows were not a threat, we're looking for a verb that means something like represent. Because "constitute" means amount to, make up, form, or compose it is the best answer.
Example Question #642 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Celine decided to __________ distraction by unplugging her internet router, turning off her phone's volume, and not going near the television until she finished her project.
saturate
abdicate
eschew
solicit
imply
eschew
Since Celine got her project done by avoiding distractions, we can infer that we're looking for a verb that means something like "avoid." While "abdicate" may sound like a potentially correct answer because it means "give up," it is specifically used for monarchs and means "to renounce the throne," so it wouldn't work in our sentence's context. "Eschew," however, means "deliberately avoid using; abstain from," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #771 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt gave many explanatory speeches to the American public, hoping to __________ fears over the lengthening economic crisis.
allay
harmonize
propagate
undulate
exacerbate
allay
This question requires a small amount of critical thinking on your part. You likely will conclude that the President would be seeking to remove or help ameliorate the fears of the American people during a depression. This would lead you to the correct answer “allay,” which means to calm or relieve. "Exacerbate" is opposite in meaning and means make something greater or worse; "harmonize" means complement; "propagate" means to spread; and "undulate" means to roll and ripple.
Example Question #642 : One Blank Sentences
Throughout his school career, Joseph __________ all the traits of a good pupil: punctuality, tact, and work ethic.
epitomized
illustrated
relayed
displayed
discussed
epitomized
The implication of these two sentences is that Joseph “gathers together” all the appropriate states of a good student. Something is called “the epitome” when it is the perfect example of a given class of things. When someone or something “shows forth” the perfect example, it is said to “epitomize” such perfection.
Example Question #1 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The factory worker labored quickly and __________ to assemble automobile parts on the conveyer belt.
diligently
inanely
intermittently
surreptitiously
rashly
diligently
“Diligently” means in an way that is efficient and hardworking, so "dililgently" makes the most sense in the sentence and is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Not surprisingly, that author's newest book is about farm life in rural Kansas; he is well known for writing tales with agricultural and __________ themes.
uninhibited
inauspicious
sanguine
rarefied
bucolic
bucolic
“Bucolic” means related to the countryside.
Example Question #2 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
During the Prohibition, some people would go to __________ bars called “speakeasies” to consume alcohol, which was an illegal substance at that time.
illicit
overt
impotent
incongruent
insidious
illicit
“Illicit” means forbidden or unlawful.
Example Question #3 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The __________ remarks made during the press conference truly damaged the aspiring singer’s reputation.
benevolent
polemic
disparaging
insipid
illegitimate
disparaging
“Disparaging” means critical or reproachful, and is most often used to describe things that are said.
Example Question #1 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Geese are very __________ creatures; they remain monogamous indefinitely and never leave their mates.
sacrilegious
hackneyed
gilded
perfidious
steadfast
steadfast
“Steadfast” is synonymous with loyal.
Example Question #4 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Annie and the other students in the Animal Rights Club are considered to be extremely friendly and __________ toward new and prospective members of the club.
brash
provident
differential
wary
amiable
amiable
“Amiable” means demonstrating a warm and friendly manner.
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