Sentence Completion - CCAT Test Prep
This type of question tests your vocabulary and ability to understand the context of a sentence by selecting the correct words to complete it. This skill is especially useful in enhancing your verbal reasoning skills, which is beneficial in professional and academic settings.
How to Approach Sentence Completion
Question 1 - Sentence Completion
Hardly a ______ of objectivity, the journalist consistently gave favorable reviews to politicians that had ______ him special favors.
- A) paramour .. loaned
- B) paradigm .. rescinded
- C) paradox .. reserved
- D) paragon .. granted
- E) parallax .. given
Explanation of the Context
To solve this, we need to understand both the meaning of the sentence and the meanings of the words given as options.
Analyze Each Option
A) paramour .. loaned
Paramour means a secret lover, which does not fit the context of objectivity.
B) paradigm .. rescinded
Paradigm means a model or example, and rescinded means to revoke. This does not make sense in this context.
C) paradox .. reserved
Paradox is a seemingly contradictory statement, which does not fit well with the phrase of objectivity.
D) paragon .. granted
Paragon means a model of excellence, which matches the phrase of objectivity. Granted also works well with the idea of giving special favors.
E) parallax .. given
Parallax refers to a change in perspective, which doesn’t fit in the context of objectivity.
Answer: D) paragon .. granted
Question 2 - Sentence Completion
In barren, mountainous regions even the ______ plants have trouble surviving.
- A) most evolved
- B) most adaptable
- C) oldest
- D) most pallid
- E) hardiest
Explanation of the Context
The context indicates that the plants have trouble surviving in tough conditions. We need to find a word that best describes a plant's ability to endure such conditions.
A) most evolved
While evolved plants may have adaptations, it doesn't directly imply survival in tough conditions.
B) most adaptable
Adaptable plants are those that can adjust to different environments, making them likely to survive in tough conditions. This option works well.
C) oldest
The age of the plant doesn’t imply an ability to survive in harsh conditions.
D) most pallid
Pallid means lacking color, which doesn't fit the context of survival.
E) hardiest
Hardiest also means capable of enduring difficult conditions, which could work here as well.
Answer: E) hardiest
How to Solve Sentence Completion Questions
Understand the Context
- Identify the Meaning: Read the sentence carefully and try to understand the overall meaning.
- Look for Clues: Pay attention to words or phrases in the sentence that give clues about what the blanks should be.
- Eliminate Incorrect Options: Analyze each option to see if it makes sense within the context of the sentence.
Sentence completion questions are about making sense of the sentence as a whole, and ensuring the words you choose fit the intended meaning.
20 Questions with Explanation
1. The professor’s lecture was so ______ that several students in the back row fell asleep.
- A) captivating
- B) soporific
- C) thrilling
- D) enigmatic
- E) lively
Answer: B) soporific
Explanation: Soporific means causing sleep, which fits with students falling asleep.
2. Despite their ______ origins, the two families managed to maintain a cordial relationship.
- A) amicable
- B) humble
- C) contentious
- D) prosperous
- E) respected
Answer: C) contentious
Explanation: Contentious means involving conflict, indicating they overcame their differences to maintain a cordial relationship.
3. The CEO was known for her ______ approach, which often left her employees feeling alienated.
- A) nurturing
- B) autocratic
- C) lenient
- D) empathetic
- E) diplomatic
Answer: B) autocratic
Explanation: Autocratic means domineering, which explains why employees felt alienated.
4. The child was so ______ that she wouldn’t let go of her mother’s hand in the crowd.
- A) fearless
- B) belligerent
- C) apprehensive
- D) independent
- E) assertive
Answer: C) apprehensive
Explanation: Apprehensive means anxious or fearful, which makes sense for a child clinging to their mother.
5. The artist’s work was often described as ______, breaking away from traditional styles.
- A) conventional
- B) derivative
- C) avant-garde
- D) antiquated
- E) uninspired
Answer: C) avant-garde
Explanation: Avant-garde means innovative or ahead of its time, suitable for someone breaking away from traditional styles.
6. Although initially ______, the project eventually proved to be very successful.
- A) promising
- B) fruitful
- C) disappointing
- D) redundant
- E) easy
Answer: C) disappointing
Explanation: The word although suggests a contrast between initial and eventual outcomes, making disappointing appropriate.
7. She spoke with such ______ that even her critics were compelled to listen.
- A) hesitation
- B) confidence
- C) apathy
- D) timidity
- E) reluctance
Answer: B) confidence
Explanation: Confidence would explain why even critics were compelled to listen.
8. The medicine was so ______ that the patient felt relief within minutes.
- A) ineffective
- B) potent
- C) delayed
- D) diluted
- E) feeble
Answer: B) potent
Explanation: Potent means powerful or effective, suitable for providing quick relief.
9. He was ______ by nature, preferring solitude to social gatherings.
- A) gregarious
- B) introverted
- C) vivacious
- D) exuberant
- E) sociable
Answer: B) introverted
Explanation: Introverted means preferring solitude, which matches the description.
10. The politician’s speech was filled with ______ statements that were difficult to believe.
- A) credible
- B) dubious
- C) factual
- D) humble
- E) transparent
Answer: B) dubious
Explanation: Dubious means doubtful or not to be trusted, which fits the context of difficult-to-believe statements.
11. The company’s ______ approach to the problem led to an innovative solution.
- A) traditional
- B) outdated
- C) creative
- D) reluctant
- E) tentative
Answer: C) creative
Explanation: Creative would be required to come up with an innovative solution.
12. She was known for her ______ sense of humor, which often caught people off guard.
- A) predictable
- B) morose
- C) sarcastic
- D) indifferent
- E) straightforward
Answer: C) sarcastic
Explanation: Sarcastic humor often catches people off guard.
13. The scientist’s theory was so ______ that only a few people could understand it.
- A) simple
- B) obtuse
- C) convoluted
- D) apparent
- E) comprehensible
Answer: C) convoluted
Explanation: Convoluted means complicated or intricate, which fits the description.
14. Despite their efforts, the team found themselves in a ______ situation, unable to move forward.
- A) lucrative
- B) tenable
- C) stagnant
- D) promising
- E) lively
Answer: C) stagnant
Explanation: Stagnant means not progressing, fitting for a situation where they couldn't move forward.
15. The new policy was intended to ______ workplace efficiency but instead caused confusion.
- A) hinder
- B) enhance
- C) ignore
- D) distort
- E) criticize
Answer: B) enhance
Explanation: Enhance is appropriate because the intention was to improve, despite the actual outcome.
16. She remained ______ during the crisis, providing much-needed stability.
- A) frantic
- B) composed
- C) fearful
- D) restless
- E) agitated
Answer: B) composed
Explanation: Composed means calm and in control, fitting the need for stability during a crisis.
17. The teacher’s lecture was so ______ that students found it difficult to stay awake.
- A) fascinating
- B) mundane
- C) engaging
- D) intriguing
- E) enlightening
Answer: B) mundane
Explanation: Mundane means boring, which explains why students had difficulty staying awake.
18. His remarks were intended to be ______ but were perceived as offensive.
- A) sarcastic
- B) complimentary
- C) humorous
- D) jovial
- E) empathetic
Answer: C) humorous
Explanation: The contrast suggests that the intention was light-hearted, but the impact was negative.
19. The castle was in a ______ state, barely standing after centuries of neglect.
- A) pristine
- B) dilapidated
- C) restored
- D) reinforced
- E) invincible
Answer: B) dilapidated
Explanation: Dilapidated means in poor condition, which fits the description of a structure barely standing.
20. The director’s decision to cast an unknown actor was considered ______ by many in the industry.
- A) brave
- B) risky
- C) typical
- D) standard
- E) cowardly
Answer: B) risky
Explanation: Casting an unknown actor can be seen as risky, which fits the industry's reaction.
Here are 20 more practice questions following the same format:
20 More Practice Questions - Sentence Completion
1. Despite the ______ circumstances, the team managed to complete the project on time.
- A) favorable
- B) adverse
- C) promising
- D) uncertain
- E) lucrative
2. The lawyer’s arguments were so ______ that they left no room for doubt.
- A) ambiguous
- B) clear-cut
- C) superficial
- D) pretentious
- E) irrelevant
3. The detective’s ______ was crucial in solving the mystery, as it revealed hidden motives.
- A) negligence
- B) curiosity
- C) insight
- D) ignorance
- E) indecisiveness
4. The audience was ______ by the magician’s tricks, unable to comprehend how they were done.
- A) bored
- B) skeptical
- C) enthralled
- D) indifferent
- E) dismissive
5. Although the weather was ______, the hikers decided to proceed with their trip.
- A) promising
- B) inclement
- C) delightful
- D) consistent
- E) temperate
6. The scientist’s ______ nature led her to question everything she observed.
- A) gullible
- B) inquisitive
- C) apathetic
- D) careless
- E) pessimistic
7. The author’s writing style is known for being ______, using as few words as possible.
- A) verbose
- B) succinct
- C) repetitive
- D) confusing
- E) obscure
8. The new policy aims to ______ the company’s efficiency and reduce costs.
- A) impede
- B) enhance
- C) complicate
- D) overlook
- E) trivialize
9. The athlete was ______ after winning the race, overwhelmed with joy.
- A) indifferent
- B) crestfallen
- C) ecstatic
- D) resentful
- E) confused
10. The ______ student quickly grasped complex concepts that others found difficult.
- A) apathetic
- B) diligent
- C) astute
- D) inattentive
- E) reluctant
11. The artist’s work was appreciated for its ______ use of color, creating a unique visual impact.
- A) mundane
- B) uninspired
- C) vibrant
- D) negligent
- E) ordinary
12. Her ______ approach to negotiation resulted in favorable terms for everyone involved.
- A) confrontational
- B) belligerent
- C) diplomatic
- D) indifferent
- E) haphazard
13. The company’s efforts to go green were viewed as a ______ move towards sustainability.
- A) regressive
- B) progressive
- C) stagnant
- D) trivial
- E) futile
14. The soldier was awarded a medal for his ______ in battle.
- A) timidity
- B) valor
- C) deceit
- D) indifference
- E) hesitation
15. The actor’s ______ performance earned him praise from critics and audiences alike.
- A) lackluster
- B) mediocre
- C) stellar
- D) forgettable
- E) uninspired
16. The manager’s ______ allowed the team to innovate without fear of failure.
- A) reluctance
- B) authoritarianism
- C) support
- D) negligence
- E) indifference
17. The medicine had an ______ effect, providing relief almost immediately.
- A) gradual
- B) adverse
- C) instantaneous
- D) prolonged
- E) ineffectual
18. The young musician was ______ to learn from experienced players, eager to improve.
- A) indifferent
- B) reluctant
- C) enthusiastic
- D) dismissive
- E) skeptical
19. The company’s profits have been ______ due to increasing competition in the market.
- A) soaring
- B) plummeting
- C) consistent
- D) growing
- E) diversifying
20. The politician’s speech was ______, leaving many of the audience members inspired and hopeful.
- A) disheartening
- B) uninspiring
- C) uplifting
- D) convoluted
- E) confusing
Here are the answers for the 20 practice questions:
Answers
- B) adverse
- B) clear-cut
- C) insight
- C) enthralled
- B) inclement
- B) inquisitive
- B) succinct
- B) enhance
- C) ecstatic
- C) astute
- C) vibrant
- C) diplomatic
- B) progressive
- B) valor
- C) stellar
- C) support
- C) instantaneous
- C) enthusiastic
- B) plummeting
- C) uplifting
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