Context Clues in Two-Blank Sentences - PSAT Critical Reading
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Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After hearing the public alarms and the sound of incoming missiles, the crowds in the city quickly , and the streets were for several hours.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After hearing the public alarms and the sound of incoming missiles, the crowds in the city quickly , and the streets were for several hours.
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The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “to scatter” or “to disperse” for the first blank; therefore, we can eliminate choices "gathered . . . noisy" and "shouted . . . tranquil." The second clause of this sentence is joined to the first clause by the conjunction “and.” Therefore the meaning of the two clauses should be aligned. Since the crowds were dispersed in the first clause, it follows that the streets were deserted in the second clause.
The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “to scatter” or “to disperse” for the first blank; therefore, we can eliminate choices "gathered . . . noisy" and "shouted . . . tranquil." The second clause of this sentence is joined to the first clause by the conjunction “and.” Therefore the meaning of the two clauses should be aligned. Since the crowds were dispersed in the first clause, it follows that the streets were deserted in the second clause.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The parents scolded their son for attempting to his mistake, rather than his wrongdoing.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The parents scolded their son for attempting to his mistake, rather than his wrongdoing.
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The first blank requires a word that means “to conceal” or to “to hide.” Furthermore, the phrase “rather than” indicates the correct answer will have a word pair that is opposite in meaning. “Admit” is opposite the meaning of “conceal,” therefore this is the correct answer.
The first blank requires a word that means “to conceal” or to “to hide.” Furthermore, the phrase “rather than” indicates the correct answer will have a word pair that is opposite in meaning. “Admit” is opposite the meaning of “conceal,” therefore this is the correct answer.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
A river gushing forth from a nearby mountain spring was not only a(n) source of drinking water for the city, but also a(n) source of stones used to construct the city’s buildings.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
A river gushing forth from a nearby mountain spring was not only a(n) source of drinking water for the city, but also a(n) source of stones used to construct the city’s buildings.
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The phrase “not only . . . but also” requires two words that have similar meanings. Both blanks require a word that means “important” or “valuable.” The only answer that satisfies these requirements is "valuable . . . vital."
The phrase “not only . . . but also” requires two words that have similar meanings. Both blanks require a word that means “important” or “valuable.” The only answer that satisfies these requirements is "valuable . . . vital."
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The new restaurant received conflicted reviews: the food was but the ambiance was .
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The new restaurant received conflicted reviews: the food was but the ambiance was .
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It is important to remember who is doing these actions—the critics would be completing the action so the verb must relate to the process of critiquing a restaurant—thus only "acclaimed . . . sublime" or "lauded . . . discomfiting" are relevant. The sentence suggests that the conflict in the reviews were between the food and the ambiance, and thus "acclaimed . . . sublime" would not fit, leaving only "lauded . . . discomfiting."
It is important to remember who is doing these actions—the critics would be completing the action so the verb must relate to the process of critiquing a restaurant—thus only "acclaimed . . . sublime" or "lauded . . . discomfiting" are relevant. The sentence suggests that the conflict in the reviews were between the food and the ambiance, and thus "acclaimed . . . sublime" would not fit, leaving only "lauded . . . discomfiting."
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Desperate to the results of the survey, which indicated that he was strongly disliked by the general public, the congressman attempted to the company not to publish it.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Desperate to the results of the survey, which indicated that he was strongly disliked by the general public, the congressman attempted to the company not to publish it.
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That the survey on the congressman's popularity was negative provides a strong clue that his reaction would be negative. This matches his desire to suppress it, and "induce" is the only word that makes contextual sense for the latter portion of the sentence. So, the correct answer is "suppress . . . induce."
That the survey on the congressman's popularity was negative provides a strong clue that his reaction would be negative. This matches his desire to suppress it, and "induce" is the only word that makes contextual sense for the latter portion of the sentence. So, the correct answer is "suppress . . . induce."
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite the advice he had received to project a confident , James realized that being with the interviewers made him much more endearing than bragging about his accomplishments could have.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite the advice he had received to project a confident , James realized that being with the interviewers made him much more endearing than bragging about his accomplishments could have.
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"Countenance" and "demeanor" could both work for the first blank. That James was doing the opposite of bragging gives a strong contextual clue that the second word will be similar to honest. This is exactly what "forthright" means.
"Countenance" and "demeanor" could both work for the first blank. That James was doing the opposite of bragging gives a strong contextual clue that the second word will be similar to honest. This is exactly what "forthright" means.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The promotion to supervisor was all that Larry had been working for, and when it went to a coworker to whom Larry considered himself superior, he was and considered his position.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The promotion to supervisor was all that Larry had been working for, and when it went to a coworker to whom Larry considered himself superior, he was and considered his position.
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That Larry considers the promoted coworker to be inferior to himself tells us that his emotions towards this coworker should be negative. "Furious" and "distraught" are each potentially correct choices for the first blank, because "furious" is synonymous with enraged and "distraught" is synonymous with upset. This leaves "resigning" or "acquiring" as options for the second's second blank. "Resign" means to give up one's position, and "acquire" means obtain or receive, so "resign" makes more sense because this is clearly a situation where Larry is considering leaving the company.
That Larry considers the promoted coworker to be inferior to himself tells us that his emotions towards this coworker should be negative. "Furious" and "distraught" are each potentially correct choices for the first blank, because "furious" is synonymous with enraged and "distraught" is synonymous with upset. This leaves "resigning" or "acquiring" as options for the second's second blank. "Resign" means to give up one's position, and "acquire" means obtain or receive, so "resign" makes more sense because this is clearly a situation where Larry is considering leaving the company.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The protestors were at being arrested since they had been making their concerns heard .
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The protestors were at being arrested since they had been making their concerns heard .
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"Incredulous" means shocked or indicating disbelief, and "amiably" means acting in a friendly or agreeable manner, so "incredulous . . . amiably" is the correct answer because its words best fit the sentence's context.
"Incredulous" means shocked or indicating disbelief, and "amiably" means acting in a friendly or agreeable manner, so "incredulous . . . amiably" is the correct answer because its words best fit the sentence's context.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The young boys’ was evident in the way they shared the honor of around the field with the team trophy.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The young boys’ was evident in the way they shared the honor of around the field with the team trophy.
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"Camaraderie" means brotherhood or jovial unity, while "cavort" means leap about or behave boisterously. The young boys demonstrated their jovial unity by sharing the privilege of behaving boisterously with the team’s trophy, so "camaraderie . . . cavorting" is the correct answer.
"Camaraderie" means brotherhood or jovial unity, while "cavort" means leap about or behave boisterously. The young boys demonstrated their jovial unity by sharing the privilege of behaving boisterously with the team’s trophy, so "camaraderie . . . cavorting" is the correct answer.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Their relations were perhaps not extremely warm, but they were nevertheless . One does not need to be in order to be friendly.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Their relations were perhaps not extremely warm, but they were nevertheless . One does not need to be in order to be friendly.
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The key word in the second sentence is “friendly”, and this helps us to focus on the distinct possibility of using “amicable” for the first blank. This word means having a friendly spirit, or even more simply, friendly. It is derived from the Latin words for “friend” and “friendship” and is likewise reflected in the contracted form “amiable.”
“Effusive” means to express positive affection in an abundant manner. It comes from the Latin prefix “ex-“ (meaning out of, such as in “exit”) added to the word fundere, which has forms that replace the “d” with an “s.” Fundere means to pour, and with the “ex” (which becomes “ef” because it is easier to pronounce), we get to pour out. Fundere has many derived English words such as “effusion,” “profuse,” “foundry,” and “fuse.” These latter words are derived from the second sense of the word fundere, meaning to melt or make by means of melting.
The key word in the second sentence is “friendly”, and this helps us to focus on the distinct possibility of using “amicable” for the first blank. This word means having a friendly spirit, or even more simply, friendly. It is derived from the Latin words for “friend” and “friendship” and is likewise reflected in the contracted form “amiable.”
“Effusive” means to express positive affection in an abundant manner. It comes from the Latin prefix “ex-“ (meaning out of, such as in “exit”) added to the word fundere, which has forms that replace the “d” with an “s.” Fundere means to pour, and with the “ex” (which becomes “ef” because it is easier to pronounce), we get to pour out. Fundere has many derived English words such as “effusion,” “profuse,” “foundry,” and “fuse.” These latter words are derived from the second sense of the word fundere, meaning to melt or make by means of melting.
At the end of the long line, the last two men spoke with irritation. The man was particularly , and continually voiced his annoyance to the man at the very end of the line.
At the end of the long line, the last two men spoke with irritation. The man was particularly , and continually voiced his annoyance to the man at the very end of the line.
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The “penultimate” position is the second from last. If the two men talking are the last and the second from last, our speaking man is the “penultimate” man. To be “annoyed” is to be vexed, a word derived from related Latin roots meaning to annoy and reflected in the related word “vexation.”
The “penultimate” position is the second from last. If the two men talking are the last and the second from last, our speaking man is the “penultimate” man. To be “annoyed” is to be vexed, a word derived from related Latin roots meaning to annoy and reflected in the related word “vexation.”
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The information he provided about his childhood wasn't necessary; he needed to be more and spend less time talking about his past and more time talking about the deficiencies of the public school system.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The information he provided about his childhood wasn't necessary; he needed to be more and spend less time talking about his past and more time talking about the deficiencies of the public school system.
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The key to this question is the phrase "wasn't necessary," which indicates that he spoke about nonessential ("extraneous") information. Thus he needed to shorten his speech, or make it more "concise."
The key to this question is the phrase "wasn't necessary," which indicates that he spoke about nonessential ("extraneous") information. Thus he needed to shorten his speech, or make it more "concise."
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Donald was a reader, but his father was , having never learned to read.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Donald was a reader, but his father was , having never learned to read.
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The contrast in this sentence is between Donald, who apparently reads quite a bit, and his father, who cannot read. The second blank does not imply anything about laziness or anything of the like. The most we can say for the second is that it is related to the fact that Donald's father is unable to read; therefore, “illiterate” works well to fill this need, meaning unable to read. The negative “il-” is attached to the base “literate,” which means able to read and is related to other English words like “literature,” “literal,” and “literary.” The word “voracious” well describes Donald’s reading habits. Although the word is often used to indicate a deep desire for food (e.g. “a voracious appetite”), it can more broadly mean that one has a great eagerness for a given activity.
The contrast in this sentence is between Donald, who apparently reads quite a bit, and his father, who cannot read. The second blank does not imply anything about laziness or anything of the like. The most we can say for the second is that it is related to the fact that Donald's father is unable to read; therefore, “illiterate” works well to fill this need, meaning unable to read. The negative “il-” is attached to the base “literate,” which means able to read and is related to other English words like “literature,” “literal,” and “literary.” The word “voracious” well describes Donald’s reading habits. Although the word is often used to indicate a deep desire for food (e.g. “a voracious appetite”), it can more broadly mean that one has a great eagerness for a given activity.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The professor worked for decades on what he intended to be a truly work. In reality, the text fell short of its soaring expectations and was in reality nothing more than a rather pitiful and outline.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The professor worked for decades on what he intended to be a truly work. In reality, the text fell short of its soaring expectations and was in reality nothing more than a rather pitiful and outline.
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The hints in these sentences indicate that the text was planned to be very “in depth”—“soaring expectations” met with, instead, some sort of “pitiful . . . outline.” If something is “magisterial” it has or shows great authority. This can work well for the opposition made between that and being “unconvincing,” if the latter term is taken in the sense of “lacking authority.” In any case, the other cases imply other shades of meaning not included in the sentence. The term “magisterial” comes from the Latin for “teacher” and is found likewise in the word “magistrate.”
The hints in these sentences indicate that the text was planned to be very “in depth”—“soaring expectations” met with, instead, some sort of “pitiful . . . outline.” If something is “magisterial” it has or shows great authority. This can work well for the opposition made between that and being “unconvincing,” if the latter term is taken in the sense of “lacking authority.” In any case, the other cases imply other shades of meaning not included in the sentence. The term “magisterial” comes from the Latin for “teacher” and is found likewise in the word “magistrate.”
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although Joseph garnered little authority from his limited political expertise or personal virtue, he nevertheless was in reality a true due to the significant influence he could through his wealth.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although Joseph garnered little authority from his limited political expertise or personal virtue, he nevertheless was in reality a true due to the significant influence he could through his wealth.
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Since Joseph had influence because of his wealth, he could be called a “plutocrat.” Just as an “aristocrat” is said (ideally) to rule from talent or virtue (from the Greek “arist-” prefix meaning “best”), a “plutocrat” rules from wealth from the Greek “plutos” for wealth. To “exert” is to administer force to some end. It is clearly related to the English “exertion,” meaning the act of applying a good deal of force.
Since Joseph had influence because of his wealth, he could be called a “plutocrat.” Just as an “aristocrat” is said (ideally) to rule from talent or virtue (from the Greek “arist-” prefix meaning “best”), a “plutocrat” rules from wealth from the Greek “plutos” for wealth. To “exert” is to administer force to some end. It is clearly related to the English “exertion,” meaning the act of applying a good deal of force.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the math course began with relatively simple problems for the first several weeks, the topics increased in rapidly as the semester .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the math course began with relatively simple problems for the first several weeks, the topics increased in rapidly as the semester .
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The contrast in this sentence is with “relatively simple problems.” Although less simple problems would be perhaps more obscure or of greater length, the most direct contrasting option is “complexity.” The word is derived from Latin roots that literally mean “folded over (itself).” The “folding” portion of this meaning is found in the “-plex,” which is related not only to “perplex” but also “plait” and “pleat.” In addition to its common noun usage, the word “progress” can also be used as a verb meaning to go forward. The “pro-” portion means “forward,” while the “-gress” is derived from the Latin for to step. The latter is found in English words like “regress,” “transgress,” and “digression.”
The contrast in this sentence is with “relatively simple problems.” Although less simple problems would be perhaps more obscure or of greater length, the most direct contrasting option is “complexity.” The word is derived from Latin roots that literally mean “folded over (itself).” The “folding” portion of this meaning is found in the “-plex,” which is related not only to “perplex” but also “plait” and “pleat.” In addition to its common noun usage, the word “progress” can also be used as a verb meaning to go forward. The “pro-” portion means “forward,” while the “-gress” is derived from the Latin for to step. The latter is found in English words like “regress,” “transgress,” and “digression.”
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
George Washington is treated as a(n) of honesty and personal dignity in American lore; as a result of this, many of the likely apocryphal stories that emphasize these traits, such as when he cut down the cherry tree, are believed by some to be facts.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
George Washington is treated as a(n) of honesty and personal dignity in American lore; as a result of this, many of the likely apocryphal stories that emphasize these traits, such as when he cut down the cherry tree, are believed by some to be facts.
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The correct answer emphasizes how George Washington is a key example of honesty and personal dignity ("paragon") and as a result, many people have little difficulty in believing that possibly false stories made about him are false ("incontrovertible"). The incorrect answers fail to indicate that the stories are treated as fact beyond reproach. One of the choices comes close ("case . . . indisputable"), but "paragon" serves as a better choice in context by stressing how Washington is an exceptional example.
The correct answer emphasizes how George Washington is a key example of honesty and personal dignity ("paragon") and as a result, many people have little difficulty in believing that possibly false stories made about him are false ("incontrovertible"). The incorrect answers fail to indicate that the stories are treated as fact beyond reproach. One of the choices comes close ("case . . . indisputable"), but "paragon" serves as a better choice in context by stressing how Washington is an exceptional example.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Many good-willed people decided to take up the cause of on behalf of the enslaved population, believing that none deserved to have their rights so totally .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Many good-willed people decided to take up the cause of on behalf of the enslaved population, believing that none deserved to have their rights so totally .
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The sentence implies that people are supporting the slaves against an injustice. Although it does not say such, we can at first assume the injustice to be slavery. This is particularly the case based on an investigation of the options provided for the second blank. "Lacerated" means cut open. This would be metaphorical at best. "Notarized" makes no sense here. "Totally questioned" really is a bit of a strange pairing, for the sentence implies that this is a matter of something more than mere questioning. To be "totally inquired" does not fit grammatically. Therefore, the best pair of answers is "emancipation . . . curbed." To "emancipate" is to free. It comes from the word for "hand" in Latin, which we find in words like "manual" (e.g. "manual labor") and manuscript (meaning "handwritten"). To "e-manicipate" is to set free the hands of someone. To "curb" is to restrain or hold back.
The sentence implies that people are supporting the slaves against an injustice. Although it does not say such, we can at first assume the injustice to be slavery. This is particularly the case based on an investigation of the options provided for the second blank. "Lacerated" means cut open. This would be metaphorical at best. "Notarized" makes no sense here. "Totally questioned" really is a bit of a strange pairing, for the sentence implies that this is a matter of something more than mere questioning. To be "totally inquired" does not fit grammatically. Therefore, the best pair of answers is "emancipation . . . curbed." To "emancipate" is to free. It comes from the word for "hand" in Latin, which we find in words like "manual" (e.g. "manual labor") and manuscript (meaning "handwritten"). To "e-manicipate" is to set free the hands of someone. To "curb" is to restrain or hold back.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The demagogue worked day and night, the passions of the against those whom he declared to be the “privileged few.”
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The demagogue worked day and night, the passions of the against those whom he declared to be the “privileged few.”
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To answer this question, it helps to know the meaning of "demagogue". This is a person who tries to lead in political and public matters by using emotions. He or she stirs up the emotions of the people to get them to act in a certain manner. This should lead you to think "exciting" is the correct first word. ("Exciting" can merely mean arousing strong feelings.) Still, you may be tempted to choose "many" for the second blank. However, "exculpatory" means getting out of trouble. That makes no sense here. The best option is "exciting ... disenfranchised". To be "disenfranchised" means to be powerless in a society. This contrasts well enough to the demagogue's "privileged few." To "gain the franchise" means to become able to vote. Voting allows people to have some power in society.
To answer this question, it helps to know the meaning of "demagogue". This is a person who tries to lead in political and public matters by using emotions. He or she stirs up the emotions of the people to get them to act in a certain manner. This should lead you to think "exciting" is the correct first word. ("Exciting" can merely mean arousing strong feelings.) Still, you may be tempted to choose "many" for the second blank. However, "exculpatory" means getting out of trouble. That makes no sense here. The best option is "exciting ... disenfranchised". To be "disenfranchised" means to be powerless in a society. This contrasts well enough to the demagogue's "privileged few." To "gain the franchise" means to become able to vote. Voting allows people to have some power in society.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After hearing the public alarms and the sound of incoming missiles, the crowds in the city quickly , and the streets were for several hours.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After hearing the public alarms and the sound of incoming missiles, the crowds in the city quickly , and the streets were for several hours.
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The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “to scatter” or “to disperse” for the first blank; therefore, we can eliminate choices "gathered . . . noisy" and "shouted . . . tranquil." The second clause of this sentence is joined to the first clause by the conjunction “and.” Therefore the meaning of the two clauses should be aligned. Since the crowds were dispersed in the first clause, it follows that the streets were deserted in the second clause.
The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “to scatter” or “to disperse” for the first blank; therefore, we can eliminate choices "gathered . . . noisy" and "shouted . . . tranquil." The second clause of this sentence is joined to the first clause by the conjunction “and.” Therefore the meaning of the two clauses should be aligned. Since the crowds were dispersed in the first clause, it follows that the streets were deserted in the second clause.