PSAT Critical Reading : Style, Intensity, and Connotation in Two-Blank Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Two Blank Sentences
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 __________.
arguing . . . notarized
fighting . . . inquired
emancipation . . . curbed
freedom . . . questioned
shouting . . . lacerated
emancipation . . . curbed
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.
Example Question #2 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Two Blank Sentences
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.”
exculpating . . . many
exciting . . . disenfranchised
garnering . . . intelligentia
overriding . . . recalcitrant
discussing . . . bankers
exciting . . . disenfranchised
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.
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