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College Board PSAT-READING Exam (page: 2)
College Board Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test - Reading
Updated on: 12-Feb-2026

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PSAT-READING PDF 256 Questions

It was her need to __________ that caused her to become an _________; the belief that the government was corrupt and the constant censorship being the two principal causes for move.

  1. express. . .outcast
  2. release. . .icon
  3. expose. . .outsider
  4. expatiate. . .expatriate
  5. control. . .anarchist

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

We're looking for a cause-and-effect relationship here, and that relationship has to do with the beliefs about the corrupt government and the fact that she is constantly censored. Someone who is censored has a need to present, and toward that end, Choices A, B, C, and D all qualify. Since we also know that her action involved moving, we can reduce the choices based on the second blank to Choices C and D. Further looking at the result of her actions and the subtleties of the sentence, we find that the censorship is recurring. So, in fine-tuning the first blank, we look for the word that best indicates a repetitive action. That choice is D, "expatiate," which means to speak or write at length indicating often, making Choice D the best selection.



Not desirous of meeting his Maker in the middle of a poker game, Doc Holiday __________ placed an ace inside his vest as Bat Masterson shuffled the remaining cards.

  1. suspiciously
  2. coyly
  3. overtly
  4. furtively
  5. brazenly

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Clearly, we're looking for a word that suggests not drawing attention to oneself or causing a distraction away from the shuffling. Choice B, "coyly," might look like a possibility, but there is nothing shy or pretending shyness about hiding an ace in your vest opposite Bat Masterson. Choice D, "furtively," which means slyly or secretly done is the best choice.



Given ______________ politicians can generally raise campaign financing easier than challengers, Lt. Governor James should have the advantage.

  1. honest
  2. incumbent
  3. entrepreneurial
  4. opulent
  5. gregarious

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Choice E, "gregarious," is an excellent distractor as it means social or companionable; a good trait for a politician to be sure, especially if he is raising money. But the gist of the sentence is not about qualifying a politician except in light of him or her being in office as opposed to a challenger. Choice B, "incumbent," best qualifies for this distinction.



Following the completion of an unusually arduous day at the office, Sue happily enjoyed the __________ experience of relaxing in the hot tub while watching television learning that she just won the state lottery.

  1. erratic
  2. superfluous
  3. halcyon
  4. untoward
  5. geriatric

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

We're looking for a word that describes a most pleasant experience that causes much joy and is an offset to a difficult day. Choice C, "halcyon," meaning prosperous or most pleasant certainly fits the bill on both counts--pleasant hot tub and prosperous winning of the lottery.



I trust a proposal for matrimony would seem more __________ were it written in the sky, or written on a scoreboard, or written in a test question for the SAT prep; which is what I am formally doing now in asking Teressa for her hand in marriage.

  1. aggrandized
  2. sincere
  3. appreciated
  4. honorable
  5. cherished

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

While all of the choices should apply, the best selection for the test question is Choice A, "aggrandized," which means to make great or greater, which is certainly my greatest hope.



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Share your comments for College Board PSAT-READING exam with other users:

Umar Ali 8/29/2023 2:59:00 PM

A and D are True
Anonymous


vel 8/28/2023 9:17:09 AM

good one with explanation
Anonymous


Gurdeep 1/18/2024 4:00:15 PM

This is one of the most useful study guides I have ever used.
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