Verbs in One-Blank Sentences - PSAT Critical Reading
Card 1 of 888
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Although pro bono work is not monetarily, it is rewarding insofar as the one rendering the services enjoys the benefit of knowing that he or she has helped a poor client.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Although pro bono work is not monetarily, it is rewarding insofar as the one rendering the services enjoys the benefit of knowing that he or she has helped a poor client.
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In this sentence, you are well served by knowing the meaning of “pro bono,” namely for the public good, often implying free as well. Indeed, the term is most often used more loosely in the sense of for free, as when a lawyer takes a case for free on behalf of a poor person who has been grievously wronged. If you did not know this, you could infer that one doing pro bono work was rewarded in some non-monetary manner (as is implied by the main clause of the sentence). Since the sentence is ultimately about “reward” (and hence, to some degree about “repayment”), the best option is “compensated,” which means broadly paid for something, though you should know that it more specifically means paid for some loss or difficulty. Though it has this more limited sense, it is often used in the looser manner noted.
In this sentence, you are well served by knowing the meaning of “pro bono,” namely for the public good, often implying free as well. Indeed, the term is most often used more loosely in the sense of for free, as when a lawyer takes a case for free on behalf of a poor person who has been grievously wronged. If you did not know this, you could infer that one doing pro bono work was rewarded in some non-monetary manner (as is implied by the main clause of the sentence). Since the sentence is ultimately about “reward” (and hence, to some degree about “repayment”), the best option is “compensated,” which means broadly paid for something, though you should know that it more specifically means paid for some loss or difficulty. Though it has this more limited sense, it is often used in the looser manner noted.
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The complex situation showed no immediate escape path, leaving Douglas with little hope of himself from its unhappy circumstances.
The complex situation showed no immediate escape path, leaving Douglas with little hope of himself from its unhappy circumstances.
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The two key things to note here are “escape path” and “from.” The sense of the sentence is that Douglas has little hope of escaping from the situation. It could be said that he cannot “remove himself” from it. The word “extricate” means “to remove oneself from a difficult situation or (more generally) difficulties.” It is derived from the Latin word for “trick,” so it could be said to mean “to get out of the tricks (of some situation).” It is related to “intricate” and “intriguing.”
The two key things to note here are “escape path” and “from.” The sense of the sentence is that Douglas has little hope of escaping from the situation. It could be said that he cannot “remove himself” from it. The word “extricate” means “to remove oneself from a difficult situation or (more generally) difficulties.” It is derived from the Latin word for “trick,” so it could be said to mean “to get out of the tricks (of some situation).” It is related to “intricate” and “intriguing.”
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Since the left side of Benjamin’s body was injured by the accident, he had to by using his right arm for many actions that formerly were more comfortably performed from his left side.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Since the left side of Benjamin’s body was injured by the accident, he had to by using his right arm for many actions that formerly were more comfortably performed from his left side.
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The key thing to note is that Benjamin had to transfer many tasks from one side of his body to the other. When someone “compensates,” they use one thing to make up for the (real or perceived) deficiencies in another. The word can also mean “to pay back in due measure,” as when an employee is compensated for work. This is related but not the same to the sense being used here.
The key thing to note is that Benjamin had to transfer many tasks from one side of his body to the other. When someone “compensates,” they use one thing to make up for the (real or perceived) deficiencies in another. The word can also mean “to pay back in due measure,” as when an employee is compensated for work. This is related but not the same to the sense being used here.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
John’s will was not at all as adamantine as he believed it to be, for he would to temptation on numerous occasions.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
John’s will was not at all as adamantine as he believed it to be, for he would to temptation on numerous occasions.
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The word “adamantine” means “unbreakable.” It is related to the word “adamant,” which is derived from the name of a type of hard stone in legendary tales, and means “not changing one’s mind.” Since John’s will was not as unbreakable as he claimed it to be, it could be said that it was overcome by temptation on numerous occasions. To “succumb to” something is to fail to withstand it. In this sentence, the implication is that John failed to withstand temptation when it arose.
The word “adamantine” means “unbreakable.” It is related to the word “adamant,” which is derived from the name of a type of hard stone in legendary tales, and means “not changing one’s mind.” Since John’s will was not as unbreakable as he claimed it to be, it could be said that it was overcome by temptation on numerous occasions. To “succumb to” something is to fail to withstand it. In this sentence, the implication is that John failed to withstand temptation when it arose.
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The water flow slowly out, finally stopping altogether.
The water flow slowly out, finally stopping altogether.
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Note that the flow is not merely dripping but that it is moving ever so slowly toward no longer occurring at all (as is implied by “finally stopping altogether”). When something “peters out” it gradually slows or reduces in intensity to the point of disappearing altogether.
Note that the flow is not merely dripping but that it is moving ever so slowly toward no longer occurring at all (as is implied by “finally stopping altogether”). When something “peters out” it gradually slows or reduces in intensity to the point of disappearing altogether.
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After making the contract, Thomas was to provide the services that he had promised.
After making the contract, Thomas was to provide the services that he had promised.
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When someone is contracted to do work, that person is required, or obligated, to fulfill that which is promised in the contract. The word “obligated” can also mean “bound” in the sense of being tied to something (metaphorically speaking). This meaning is derived from the Latin root for the word, which is found in “ligament,” which is a piece of connective tissue that binds together joints (and other parts of the body). The word “religion” also has the same root in it, though here it means something like “to be reconnected (to a higher power).”
When someone is contracted to do work, that person is required, or obligated, to fulfill that which is promised in the contract. The word “obligated” can also mean “bound” in the sense of being tied to something (metaphorically speaking). This meaning is derived from the Latin root for the word, which is found in “ligament,” which is a piece of connective tissue that binds together joints (and other parts of the body). The word “religion” also has the same root in it, though here it means something like “to be reconnected (to a higher power).”
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Since Egbert was not very hungry, he merely his food, barely eating more than several crumbs at a time.
Since Egbert was not very hungry, he merely his food, barely eating more than several crumbs at a time.
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Since Egbert’s eating portions are described, this sentence gives an adequate direct clue regarding how one should describe what he did with regard to his food. When someone “nibbles” at something, he or she merely takes small bites. None of the other words match as closely to the nature of eating merely several crumbs at a time.
Since Egbert’s eating portions are described, this sentence gives an adequate direct clue regarding how one should describe what he did with regard to his food. When someone “nibbles” at something, he or she merely takes small bites. None of the other words match as closely to the nature of eating merely several crumbs at a time.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The scientist was when it was discovered that he had falsified his research data in order to get results that would make him famous.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The scientist was when it was discovered that he had falsified his research data in order to get results that would make him famous.
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To "discredit" is to harm the reputation of or to disgrace.
To "discredit" is to harm the reputation of or to disgrace.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Sir Edmund Hillary was throughout the world after he became the first white man to successfully climb Mount Everest.
Sir Edmund Hillary was throughout the world after he became the first white man to successfully climb Mount Everest.
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The context of the sentence, as well as a very small amount of critical thinking, suggests that Sir Edmund Hillary would be praised for his accomplishment. The correct answer is therefore “lauded” which means praised or celebrated. Despised, condemned, castigated and berated are all very close in meaning and opposite in meaning to praised.
The context of the sentence, as well as a very small amount of critical thinking, suggests that Sir Edmund Hillary would be praised for his accomplishment. The correct answer is therefore “lauded” which means praised or celebrated. Despised, condemned, castigated and berated are all very close in meaning and opposite in meaning to praised.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The mayor attempted to favor with the senator by paying for his expensive meal.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The mayor attempted to favor with the senator by paying for his expensive meal.
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We can infer that because the mayor "\[paid\] for \[the senator's\] expensive meal," he was attempting to gain favor with the senator. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "gain" and can refer to favor. "Lose," then, cannot be the correct answer because "lose" means the opposite of the word we're looking for, and the mayor clearly wasn't trying to lose the senator's favor by paying for his meal. "Curry," however, when used as a verb in the phrase "curry favor," means "ingratiate oneself with someone through obsequious behavior," and because it best describes the mayor's behavior, "curry" is the correct answer.
We can infer that because the mayor "\[paid\] for \[the senator's\] expensive meal," he was attempting to gain favor with the senator. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "gain" and can refer to favor. "Lose," then, cannot be the correct answer because "lose" means the opposite of the word we're looking for, and the mayor clearly wasn't trying to lose the senator's favor by paying for his meal. "Curry," however, when used as a verb in the phrase "curry favor," means "ingratiate oneself with someone through obsequious behavior," and because it best describes the mayor's behavior, "curry" is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The masseuse her patient's back until it was free from knots and tension.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The masseuse her patient's back until it was free from knots and tension.
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We can infer that because the sentence is discussing a "masseuse" who is freeing his patient's back from "knots and tension," we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "massaged." "Kneaded," a verb that can mean "massaged or squeezed with the hands," best describes the masseuse's massaging of his patent's back, so "kneaded" is the correct answer.
We can infer that because the sentence is discussing a "masseuse" who is freeing his patient's back from "knots and tension," we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "massaged." "Kneaded," a verb that can mean "massaged or squeezed with the hands," best describes the masseuse's massaging of his patent's back, so "kneaded" is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite the partial fingerprint and hair found at the crime scene, the evidence was not enough to the suspect, so she was set free.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite the partial fingerprint and hair found at the crime scene, the evidence was not enough to the suspect, so she was set free.
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The word "despite" tells us that the second half of the sentence will contradict the first. So looking at the first half, we would think that the suspect would go to jail, but we need to complete the second half with a word that contradicts that. Incriminate fits here, because the sentence says that the evidence was not enough to send the suspect to jail.
The word "despite" tells us that the second half of the sentence will contradict the first. So looking at the first half, we would think that the suspect would go to jail, but we need to complete the second half with a word that contradicts that. Incriminate fits here, because the sentence says that the evidence was not enough to send the suspect to jail.
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
By adding the strawberries to the liquid gelatin just as it was beginning to , Vicky was able to suspend the berries in the resulting solid gelatin.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
By adding the strawberries to the liquid gelatin just as it was beginning to , Vicky was able to suspend the berries in the resulting solid gelatin.
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We can infer that because Vicky adds the strawberries to the liquid gelatin and by doing so is able to suspend them in "the resulting solid gelatin," that we need to pick out a verb that means something like "change from liquid to solid." Neither "melt" nor "liquify" can be the correct answer, then, because each of those terms describes a transition from solid to liquid, and we're looking for a word to describe a transition from liquid to solid. "Coagulate," however, is a verb that is used of a fluid, especially blood, and means "change to a solid or semisolid state," and because "coagulate" best describes the gelatin's transition from liquid to solid, "coagulate" is the correct answer.
We can infer that because Vicky adds the strawberries to the liquid gelatin and by doing so is able to suspend them in "the resulting solid gelatin," that we need to pick out a verb that means something like "change from liquid to solid." Neither "melt" nor "liquify" can be the correct answer, then, because each of those terms describes a transition from solid to liquid, and we're looking for a word to describe a transition from liquid to solid. "Coagulate," however, is a verb that is used of a fluid, especially blood, and means "change to a solid or semisolid state," and because "coagulate" best describes the gelatin's transition from liquid to solid, "coagulate" is the correct answer.
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Corey thought that releasing his dog into the holiday party would its quiet atmosphere, but his plan worked a bit too well and the dog ended up upsetting the pies, which splattered across the floor.
Corey thought that releasing his dog into the holiday party would its quiet atmosphere, but his plan worked a bit too well and the dog ended up upsetting the pies, which splattered across the floor.
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We can infer that Corey wanted to bring energy and excitement to the party, but his dog ended up spilling the pies onto the floor. So, we need to pick out a verb that means something like "bring energy or excitement to." Neither "dull" nor "calm down" can be the correct answer, then, because each of those words is an antonym of "bring energy or excitement to." "Enliven," however, is a verb that means "make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing," and because "enliven" best describes Corey's motivation for releasing his dog into the holiday party, "enliven" is the correct answer.
We can infer that Corey wanted to bring energy and excitement to the party, but his dog ended up spilling the pies onto the floor. So, we need to pick out a verb that means something like "bring energy or excitement to." Neither "dull" nor "calm down" can be the correct answer, then, because each of those words is an antonym of "bring energy or excitement to." "Enliven," however, is a verb that means "make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing," and because "enliven" best describes Corey's motivation for releasing his dog into the holiday party, "enliven" is the correct answer.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The medicine should the physical pain, but it might take a while for his mental health to recover from the trauma of the accident.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The medicine should the physical pain, but it might take a while for his mental health to recover from the trauma of the accident.
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The choice that makes the most sense is alleviate: to relieve or make suffering less severe.
The choice that makes the most sense is alleviate: to relieve or make suffering less severe.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
We tried to the baby in several ways, but she kept crying no matter what we did.
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
We tried to the baby in several ways, but she kept crying no matter what we did.
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The choice that makes the most sense isappease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.
The choice that makes the most sense isappease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.
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Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
Would you prefer me to the story or tell a shorter, to the point version?
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
Would you prefer me to the story or tell a shorter, to the point version?
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The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features
The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features
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Pick the best word to complete the sentence.
"Listen to your heart," the lyrics , but Sasha hardly heard over the sound of the thunderous applause behind her.
Pick the best word to complete the sentence.
"Listen to your heart," the lyrics , but Sasha hardly heard over the sound of the thunderous applause behind her.
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The sentence is written in the past tense, so in order for the verb to fit into the existing context, it needs to be past, as well as imply a degree of loud volume; therefore, blared is the best answer.
The sentence is written in the past tense, so in order for the verb to fit into the existing context, it needs to be past, as well as imply a degree of loud volume; therefore, blared is the best answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The coin that George threw into the wishing well against the metal sides of the well before splashing into the water.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The coin that George threw into the wishing well against the metal sides of the well before splashing into the water.
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We can infer that we need to pick out a verb that can describe a coin bouncing off of "the metal sides of the well." "Thudded" might look like a potentially correct answer, but "thud" as a verb means "move, fall, or strike something with a dull, heavy sound," and because a coin would not make "a dull, heavy sound," "thudded" cannot be the correct answer. "Plink," however, is a word that when used as a verb, means "emit a short, sharp, metallic or ringing sound," and because "plink" best describes the noise a coin would make when bouncing off of the metal sides of a well, "plinked" is the correct answer.
We can infer that we need to pick out a verb that can describe a coin bouncing off of "the metal sides of the well." "Thudded" might look like a potentially correct answer, but "thud" as a verb means "move, fall, or strike something with a dull, heavy sound," and because a coin would not make "a dull, heavy sound," "thudded" cannot be the correct answer. "Plink," however, is a word that when used as a verb, means "emit a short, sharp, metallic or ringing sound," and because "plink" best describes the noise a coin would make when bouncing off of the metal sides of a well, "plinked" is the correct answer.
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