CHAPTER 5 / SENTENCE COMPLETION SKILLS 213
Answer Key 1: Verbal Inference
- (A) a verb
- Probably good, because studyingusually helps
you to appreciate things, rather than the opposite. - (C) heighten
- (B) a noun
- No. Since buyers can choose between engines with
fellinanceor without it, it must not be universal. - A small sedan. Since fellinanceis not a quality of
powerful and gas-guzzlingengines, it is more
likely a quality of smaller engines. - (D) efficiency
Concept Review 1
- The ability to determine the tone, meaning, and
usage of unknown words when they are read or
heard in context. - Read the entire sentence, saying “blank” when you
encounter a missing word; think about the overall
meaning of the sentence; and try to complete it
with your own words before checking the choices. - (C) an adjective
- Probably. Words that describe pastimes, like fun,
popular,ordangerous,can often be used to de-
scribe people. - (C) aimless
SAT Practice 1
- A The colon introduces examples. What are self-
righteousness, arrogance,andcondescensionex-
amples of? Certainly not something good! So
insightsandtenets(core beliefs) don’t make sense.
Thelikelihood of perfectiondoesn’t have dangers,
thesanctity of perfectiondoesn’t have inequities
(unequal treatments), but the pursuit of perfection
can certainly have pitfalls(negative consequences)
like those listed.
contemplation=deep thought; sanctity=holiness - C Whereasindicates a contrast. Frivolousmeans
lacking soberness or seriousness. The missing word
has to indicate a quality that a serious person
would have, like prudence(conservative wisdom).
hysteria=irrational and excessive emotion;
equivocation=failure to commit to a position - B Refugeesare people in search of safety, usually
from war. They wouldn’t seek malevolent(ill-
wishing) or invidious(causing resentment) com-
munities. They are not in need of a nightmareor a
plight(difficult situation). The only choice that
makes sense indicates that they are seeking a
haven(safe place) from persecution in a tolerant
community.
just = proper and righteous; magnanimous =
generous;pledge=oath;sanctuary=safe place - E Today’s computerized machinesmake sounds
that are almost like real human speech,so they
must be a far cryfrom artificial-sounding speech,
ormechanicalspeech.
melancholy=depressed;cordial=friendly;fervid=
passionate;inflammatory=tending to incite anger - D Even inindicates irony (a reversal of expecta-
tions). If technologically advanced industriesbring
somethingimportant,that will certainly not be con-
cern, decay,ordismay.Since technological advances
are far from traditional, it would be ironic that a tra-
ditionalcommunity would value technology.
prestige=public esteem; liberty=freedom- A If the events would not take place for centuries,
he must have predictedthem.Wars, conflagrations,
and earthquakesare types of cataclysms(events
that cause widespread destruction).
foreboded=predicted;mitigated=improved a
situation;transcended=rose above; auguries=
predictions - C If the script consummately (with superior
skill) depicted wit and charm, it must be very
good. An incompetent(unskilled) actor would mu-
tilatetheingenious(brilliant) lines.
tactless=inconsiderate;sober=serious;unintelli-
gible=hard to understand - D If you aren’t willing to concede that there were
many conflicting opinions,then you must believe
that everyone shares the same opinion. Therefore,
you would not have to ask everyone’s opinion, but
couldinfer(make a generalization about) every-
one’s attitude from those of just a few individuals.
distinguishing=recognizing as distinct; expelling
=throwing out - A Here the phrase for allis an idiom meaning de-
spite,so it indicates irony. If Nick’s true nature is
contemplative and introspective,it would be ironic
if he were outgoing and blusteryin the office. This
trait would misrepresentorbeliehis true nature.
pomposity=haughtiness;sarcasm=bitter insult-
ing attitude; presumptuousness=overconfidence;
bolstered=supported