Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Sentences - PSAT Critical Reading
Card 1 of 1832
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The new policeman became ill at the sight of the blood; the victim’s thickened blood put him off pudding for a very long time.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The new policeman became ill at the sight of the blood; the victim’s thickened blood put him off pudding for a very long time.
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"Coagulated" means thickened or clotted. The victim's thickened blood, resembling pudding, was very off-putting for the new policeman.
"Coagulated" means thickened or clotted. The victim's thickened blood, resembling pudding, was very off-putting for the new policeman.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
For twenty years he lived a existence before finally marrying and settling down.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
For twenty years he lived a existence before finally marrying and settling down.
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The key word in this sentence is “settling.” The opening phrase of the sentence stands in contrast to the second clause, and the missing word needs to be the opposite of “settling.” Only “peripatetic” is an antonym of “settling.”
The key word in this sentence is “settling.” The opening phrase of the sentence stands in contrast to the second clause, and the missing word needs to be the opposite of “settling.” Only “peripatetic” is an antonym of “settling.”
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Historians often struggle with how much evidence to use, as fewer data points can be outweighed by the power of the story being told.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Historians often struggle with how much evidence to use, as fewer data points can be outweighed by the power of the story being told.
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The key word for this sentence is in the last phrase, “story.” Of all the answer choices, only “anecdotal” means from a story.
The key word for this sentence is in the last phrase, “story.” Of all the answer choices, only “anecdotal” means from a story.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The cartoon portrays human beings befriending dinosaurs, a historical and scientific implausibility.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The cartoon portrays human beings befriending dinosaurs, a historical and scientific implausibility.
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A human being befriending a dinosaur is historically and scientifically incorrect, and "anachronistically" is the only answer choice that fits. “Anachronistically” means historically out of place.
A human being befriending a dinosaur is historically and scientifically incorrect, and "anachronistically" is the only answer choice that fits. “Anachronistically” means historically out of place.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The rain clouds overhead were , as all of the crops in Kansas were dry and dying.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The rain clouds overhead were , as all of the crops in Kansas were dry and dying.
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The correct answer here is "auspicious" because the rain clouds were a symbol of something good to come, as they would nourish and save the crops. The rain clouds may have been short-lived ("ephemeral"), but that would not benefit the crops; the rain clouds certainly were not thorough and studious ("sedulous"), and they may have appeared "menacing," but again, their menacing appearance would have no impact on the dry nature of the crops.
The correct answer here is "auspicious" because the rain clouds were a symbol of something good to come, as they would nourish and save the crops. The rain clouds may have been short-lived ("ephemeral"), but that would not benefit the crops; the rain clouds certainly were not thorough and studious ("sedulous"), and they may have appeared "menacing," but again, their menacing appearance would have no impact on the dry nature of the crops.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
It was difficult to identify the thief in the line-up; she did not have any distinguishing characteristics.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
It was difficult to identify the thief in the line-up; she did not have any distinguishing characteristics.
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"Nondescript" means lacking distinguishing characteristics. A thief without traits that set her apart would be difficult to identify in a line-up.
"Nondescript" means lacking distinguishing characteristics. A thief without traits that set her apart would be difficult to identify in a line-up.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Ever since he could utter his first word, Phillip has been a(n) person; he is never short of words.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Ever since he could utter his first word, Phillip has been a(n) person; he is never short of words.
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The key phrase is “never short of words.” The semicolon here links two independent clauses of similar meaning. “Loquacious” means talkative and is therefore the correct answer. "Outgoing" and "extroverted" both mean gregarious or to be fond of social interaction. Though close to the right answer, these are not as good a fit as "loquacious." Also, "outgoing" and "extroverted" have the same meaning and thus both can be eliminated. There cannot be two right answers to a test question.
The key phrase is “never short of words.” The semicolon here links two independent clauses of similar meaning. “Loquacious” means talkative and is therefore the correct answer. "Outgoing" and "extroverted" both mean gregarious or to be fond of social interaction. Though close to the right answer, these are not as good a fit as "loquacious." Also, "outgoing" and "extroverted" have the same meaning and thus both can be eliminated. There cannot be two right answers to a test question.
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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 .
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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.
Having traveled to many nations, the journalist had a(n) writing style.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Having traveled to many nations, the journalist had a(n) writing style.
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The key phrase is “having traveled to many nations.” The word “eclectic” means embracing various or different sources.
The key phrase is “having traveled to many nations.” The word “eclectic” means embracing various or different sources.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author’s output tended to overshadow the poor quality of the majority of his work.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author’s output tended to overshadow the poor quality of the majority of his work.
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Here the word “poor” indicates that the author is not very good; therefore, he must have written a good amount of material if it overshadows the quality of the material. Only "prodigious" means in a great amount.
Here the word “poor” indicates that the author is not very good; therefore, he must have written a good amount of material if it overshadows the quality of the material. Only "prodigious" means in a great amount.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The manner in which she gave to charity annoyed her more generous friends.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The manner in which she gave to charity annoyed her more generous friends.
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A simple word replacement helps figure out the answer to this question. As the “more generous friends” are annoyed by the subject’s manner, then go through word by word for all the answer choices. "Parsimonious," which means stingy and tight with money, is the only choice that works.
A simple word replacement helps figure out the answer to this question. As the “more generous friends” are annoyed by the subject’s manner, then go through word by word for all the answer choices. "Parsimonious," which means stingy and tight with money, is the only choice that works.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The politician’s speeches had a(n) quality, which tended to put his audience to sleep.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The politician’s speeches had a(n) quality, which tended to put his audience to sleep.
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As the politician’s speeches put his audience to sleep, the correct answer will be the one that is most synonymous with boring, dull, or sleep-inducing. "Rapacious," "salubrious," and "engaging" all have quite positive connotations, while "loquacious," meaning wordy, does not fit well.
As the politician’s speeches put his audience to sleep, the correct answer will be the one that is most synonymous with boring, dull, or sleep-inducing. "Rapacious," "salubrious," and "engaging" all have quite positive connotations, while "loquacious," meaning wordy, does not fit well.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The country club's members considered the club's ability to choose its own members an right, and refused any attempts to have them change its bylaws.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The country club's members considered the club's ability to choose its own members an right, and refused any attempts to have them change its bylaws.
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The country club wanted nothing to happen to their bylaws, and wanted to defend them at all costs. "Inconsistent," "unimportant," "appropriate," and "inconsequential" all have too light a meaning.
The country club wanted nothing to happen to their bylaws, and wanted to defend them at all costs. "Inconsistent," "unimportant," "appropriate," and "inconsequential" all have too light a meaning.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The fact he was was a pleasant surprise to her when she asked him to assemble furniture.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The fact he was was a pleasant surprise to her when she asked him to assemble furniture.
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The task he needed to accomplish, assembling furniture, indicates he was skillful. “Clumsy,” “oafish,” "bumbling," and “inept” all mean, to some degree, the exact opposite. “Dexterous,” indicating skill with one’s hands, is correct.
The task he needed to accomplish, assembling furniture, indicates he was skillful. “Clumsy,” “oafish,” "bumbling," and “inept” all mean, to some degree, the exact opposite. “Dexterous,” indicating skill with one’s hands, is correct.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her speech was often loaded with words such as "like" or "whatever," which were unnecessary for her point to be made.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her speech was often loaded with words such as "like" or "whatever," which were unnecessary for her point to be made.
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The structure of the sentence indicates the correct answer is a synonym of “unnecessary.” “Precise” and “subtle” are antonyms, while “automatic” and "mechanical" is not a direct synonym.
The structure of the sentence indicates the correct answer is a synonym of “unnecessary.” “Precise” and “subtle” are antonyms, while “automatic” and "mechanical" is not a direct synonym.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The preacher’s sermons were frequently nothing more than babbling, leaving the parishioners confused.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The preacher’s sermons were frequently nothing more than babbling, leaving the parishioners confused.
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The correct choice leads to confusion in the parishioners. “Exacting,” “clarifying,” and “factual” all indicate a lack of confusion, while "engaging" means interesting and exciting. Only “incoherent” means anything related to confusion.
The correct choice leads to confusion in the parishioners. “Exacting,” “clarifying,” and “factual” all indicate a lack of confusion, while "engaging" means interesting and exciting. Only “incoherent” means anything related to confusion.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Between her sickness and a month-long recovery out of sunlight, a distinct tone had fallen over her skin.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Between her sickness and a month-long recovery out of sunlight, a distinct tone had fallen over her skin.
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Both her sickness and her stay out of the sun indicate the subject was left pale and sickly, the very definition of “pallid.” “Cherubic,” "healthful," and “rosy”” are also all synonyms to each other, which is a good way to eliminate answer choices.
Both her sickness and her stay out of the sun indicate the subject was left pale and sickly, the very definition of “pallid.” “Cherubic,” "healthful," and “rosy”” are also all synonyms to each other, which is a good way to eliminate answer choices.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The boss’ employees saw him as , because he often spoke on subjects he clearly knew little about in front of experts.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The boss’ employees saw him as , because he often spoke on subjects he clearly knew little about in front of experts.
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The boss’ discussion in front of experts reveals he is speaking out of arrogance rather than a position of actual knowledge. “Brilliant” and “inquisitive” both indicate actual levels of knowledge, while “incompetent” and "illogical" do not indicate the appropriate arrogance.
The boss’ discussion in front of experts reveals he is speaking out of arrogance rather than a position of actual knowledge. “Brilliant” and “inquisitive” both indicate actual levels of knowledge, while “incompetent” and "illogical" do not indicate the appropriate arrogance.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Their mother’s analysis of their dates made the sisters rarely bring their boyfriends home.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Their mother’s analysis of their dates made the sisters rarely bring their boyfriends home.
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As the sisters are avoiding their morther’s analysis, it is safe to assume the analysis is negative. Of the choices, “scrupulous,” meaning careful and diligent, is the only answer choice that is negative in context.
As the sisters are avoiding their morther’s analysis, it is safe to assume the analysis is negative. Of the choices, “scrupulous,” meaning careful and diligent, is the only answer choice that is negative in context.
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