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Sentence Completion Test 6

Description: Sentence Completion Test Online Preparation and Practice Tests for MBA Entrance, MCA Entrance, GRE, NDA, CDS, SSC, Bank PO, Bank Clerical and Insurance Exams
Number of Questions: 25
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In their promotional materials, the diet clinic purposely ________ the high number of clients who dropped out of the program before reaching goal weight in order to ________ the clinic's success rate.

  1. inflated; refute

  2. emphasized; repudiate

  3. suppressed; exaggerate

  4. ostracized; deny


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A key clue here is “in order to “. This links the two halves of the sentence - the clinic is doing something in the first half in order to achieve some goal in the second. The first blank is what the clinic did to the numbers of people who dropped out of their program; the second is why they did this. Of all these options, it is (3) that fits our prediction. Hence, (3) is the answer.

______ in our way to possessing virtue, besides the vices already mentioned, are ignorance and the lack of self-control that is the failing of men of good intentions but weak will, who let their passions drag them into wrong doing.

  1. Impediments

  2. Requisites

  3. Viaticums

  4. Honorariums


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Vices”, “ignorance”, “lack of self - control” and “weak will” highlights the negative tone of the sentence; thus the blank characterizes negative connotation. This implies that weak will (and other negative expressions in the sentence) are the biggest “impediments” (obstacles, hindrance) in our way to do good. Hence, (1) is the answer.

Reading the greatest literary artists among historians will help; but do not forget that what was acceptable style in 1850 might seem ________ today.

  1. savoir-faire

  2. turgid

  3. sophomoric

  4. lacquered


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Don't forget” in the sentence emphasizes on the negative aspect of the blank. This implies that the literary style that was acceptable in 1850 might be not so important today. “Turgid” means using or characterized by high-sounding but unimportant or meaningless language, which fits our prediction. Hence, (2 is the answer.

The history of persecution is a history of ________ to cheat nature, to make water run up the hill, to twist a rope of sand.

  1. travails

  2. indolents

  3. ardents

  4. endeavors


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

“To make water run up the hill or to twist a rope of sand” would require effort i.e. it requires effort to cheat nature. Therefore, “endeavors” (effort, try) replaces the blank. Hence, (4) is the answer.

It was her view that the country's problems had been ________ by foreign technocrats, so that to invite them to come back would be counterproductive.

  1. beguiled

  2. exacerbated

  3. besieged

  4. incessant

  5. attenuated


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Foreign technocrats view about country's problem can neither be 'beguiled' (to deceive), nor 'besieged' (to hem in with armed forces, esp. for a sustained attack; lay siege to).Therefore, (1) and (3) can be ruled out. If foreign technocrats view is 'incessant' (ceaseless, continuous), which is irrelevant according to the passage, and if it is 'attenuated' (to lessen in intensity, severity), then their coming again would be productive; hence (4) and (5) are ruled out. Hence, (2) is the only option that fits our prediction as 'exacerbation' means to make more intense or sharp, thus the answer.  

Every science, Aristotle points out, must begin with a few of these necessary ______ or general truths.

  1. comments

  2. axioms

  3. avowals

  4. promulgates


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In this sentence, “or” sets up the contrast between the blank and general truths. “General truths” imply the truths by nature i.e. natural truths. Therefore, the blank must characterize the universal accepted truth. “Axiom” is an established principle or law of a science, art, etc. i.e. a proposition assumed to be true, hence it fits our prediction and is the answer. “Avowal” is an open acknowledgement or declaration, which is not contrary to general truth; hence ruled out. On the same lines, “comments” is also ruled out. “Promulgate” (to publish or make known officially - a decree, church dogma, etc) and “placard” (a notice for display in a public place; poster) implies advertisement in a broader perspective; therefore ruled out as they are off the track. Hence, (2) is the answer.

We pass in the world for sects and schools, for erudition and piety, and we are all the time ________ babes.

  1. replete

  2. rabid

  3. jejune

  4. sound


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Inspite of attending the institutions for knowledge in this world, we are still like a child. This implies that the second part of the sentence, though beginning with and is contrary to the first part of the sentence. (Babes - a baby; infant provides the clue). Of all the options, “jejune” (not interesting or satisfying; dull or empty), is the most appropriate choice and replaces the blank. Hence, (3) is the answer.

The three faculties of the soul are sensation, which we share with the animals, appetite or ______, and reason.

  1. ennui

  2. ardency

  3. vapidity

  4. avidity


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sentence highlights all the three faculties of the soul; which implies that the blank would be replaced by a word similar in meaning to appetite (not contrary word or we could have predicted from “or”). “Appetite” is any strong desire or craving i.e. “desire”. Therefore, “avidity” having an intense craving) also emphasizes desire; thus fits our prediction. “Ardency” is enthusiasm; it does not imply desire, therefore ruled out. Hence, (4) is the answer.

What more striking proofs are needed, one wonders, in order to convince anyone that the hypothesis of an immaterial soul is both ______ and ______?

  1. inordinate; perspicacious

  2. turgescent; unequivocal

  3. covetous; preposterous

  4. superfluous; untenable


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

We know (from our common sense) that the hypothesis of an immaterial soul is indefensible and time has always proved this. We can provide no more proofs to convince anyone. Therefore, “untenable” (that can't be held, defended or maintained) fits our prediction. Moreover, “superfluous” is also in tandem with untenable. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Rare, extravagant spirits come by us at intervals, who _________ to us new facts in nature.

  1. intimate

  2. recondite

  3. disclose

  4. shroud


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

New facts in nature” in last part of the sentence gives a clue for the blank. This implies that some supernatural forces at times with their mysterious acts reveal new facts to us about nature. Of all the options, 'disclose' in (3) fits our prediction and hence is the answer.

When we have broken our god of tradition and ceased from our god of ________, then may God fire the heart with his presence.

  1. rhetoric

  2. tenet

  3. perplexity

  4. troth


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In first part of sentence, “god” means any of various beings conceived of as supernatural, immortal and having special powers over the lives and affairs of people and the course of nature; and this is our traditional god. The author's belief in god seems contrary to the traditional (“broken” and “ceased” gives the clue) concept of god. Therefore, a negative connotation would characterize the blank. Of all the options, “rhetoric” (language that is showy and elaborate but largely empty of clear ideas or sincere emotions; artificial eloquence) when replaces the blank gives a cogent meaning to the sentence. Hence, (1) is the answer.

The computers on the desks are an ________ in that movie because computers did not exist during that period.

  1. anachronism

  2. enigma

  3. euphemism

  4. innovation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

As computers were not in existence at that time, which implies their presence in that movie was a chronological error. “Anachronism” means the representation of something as existing or occurring at other than its proper time, hence fits our prediction. “Euphemism” means the use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct. Hence (5) is the answer.

The river was ________ and changed its course after every downpour.

  1. stagnant

  2. abstemious

  3. capricious

  4. antediluvian


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The latter part of the sentence provides a clue for the blank. As the river changed its course after every downpour, this implies that river was tending to change abruptly and without any apparent reason. As “capricious” means unpredictable, hence replaces the blank. Thus, (3) is the answer.

Some of the early attempts to apply eugenics in the human realm were based more on ________ than on understanding.

  1. vapidity

  2. enthusiasm

  3. puerility

  4. erudition


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

“Than” sets up a contrast between the blank and understanding. Of all these options, 'enthusiasm' and 'erudition' (learning, knowledge) seem to fit the bill. But on close scrutiny, erudition would be in tandem with understanding, it would not fit the contrast, whereas “enthusiasm” maintains the contrasting prediction, thus replaces the blank. 'Radicalism' is the quality or state of being radical, esp. in politics which would be off the track, hence ruled out. Hence, (2) is the answer.

______ and ______ are moral virtues that represent means, the former a mean between the vices of cowardliness and foolhardiness in our attitude toward things terrifying, the latter between licentiousness and insensibility in our attitude toward bodily pleasure.

  1. Consternation; lascivious

  2. Audacity; insouciance

  3. Courage; temperance

  4. Pugnacity; stoicism


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The clause beginning with “former” provides clue for the first blank and beginning with “latter” for the second blank. The blanks would be replaced by words that characterize the mean of the two qualities respectively. “Cowardliness” and “foolhardiness” (bold or daring in a foolish way) are the attributes of courage (terrifying things also provides the clue); and the mean of “licentiousness” (morally unrestrained, esp. in sexually activity) and “insensibility” (indifference) would be “temperance” (moderation). Hence, (3) is the answer.

The use of laser technology is not as simple as it sounds; it has proved very ________ to use satellites to position equipment in space that can destroy the ________ controls of enemy aircraft.

  1. Herculean; random

  2. difficult; steering

  3. facile; navigating

  4. serendipitous, exigent

  5. cretinous; stipendiary


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The first part of the sentence gives the clue for the first blank, which implies that laser technology has proved to be difficult. Therefore, we are left with 2 options: (1) and (2). 'Steering' means to direct the course of, whereas 'random' is haphazard movement, thus steering controls gives sense to the sentence. Hence, (2) is the answer.

In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts, they come back to us with a certain _________ majesty.

  1. affable

  2. benevolent

  3. philanthropic

  4. alienated


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

When we read literary works of great authors, many times we come across our own deep-rooted thoughts, which either we don't recognize or we tend to reject them. But reading them as other's thoughts; we tend to realize them, though with a certain strange feeling. Therefore “alienated” in (4) would characterize the blank; hence (4) is the answer.

In days gone by, it was virtually impossible to tell the difference between a ________ and a ________ work of art, and forgers made millions by hoodwinking the art world.

  1. fake, genuine

  2. charlatan, quack

  3. pinchbeck; tempting

  4. neoteric; naïve


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The operative word in this sentence is 'difference' (though connected by 'and' but would be replaced by contrary words). 'Charlatan' and 'quack', 'pinchbeck' and 'tempting', 'neoteric' and 'naïve', 'sterling' and 'unfeigned' do not highlight the difference, hence, (1) is the answer.

The deceiver's representing the self as good to an other whose frame of mind was less than discerning, artfully ________ virtue, was an important part of the movement of the evil gesture.

  1. assuaging

  2. burlesquing

  3. extolling

  4. burgeoning


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This sentence mentions two points that describe the course of actions of a person who is determined to harm others (deceiver) i.e. a mentally ill person. One is - they present themselves good to those who have less power to judge them (less than discerning) and other is they tactfully present goodness in a negative sense (artfully _____ virtue). Therefore, “extolling” (praising, lauding) in (3) and “burgeoning” (to grow or develop rapidly) are ruled out; being positive connotations. Neither can they “assuage” (to lessen, to calm) virtue nor can they “decresent” (decrease, lessen) virtue; hence options (1) and (5) are ruled out. But they can “burlesque” (to imitate derisively or comically; parody) virtue; which fits their course of action and therefore our prediction. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Men imagine that they communicate their virtue or vice only by _________ actions, and don't see that virtue or vice emit a breath every moment.

  1. equivocal

  2. intricate

  3. cloister

  4. overt


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The second part of the sentence - “and don't………….. moment” is contrary to the first part as indicated by the “don't”. “Emit a breath” implies that men do good deeds from within; it also requires your inner force. As this force is hidden, they don't seem to realize it. Therefore, the opposite of hidden, not apparent characterize the blank. “Overt” is not hidden; open; apparent; hence (4) is the answer.

If the law is too mild, private ________ comes in.

  1. irascibility

  2. sullenness

  3. vengeance

  4. delectation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

If the guilty, which has harmed us, is not punished in a just manner, we tend to take revenge on our own. Hence, “Vengeance” (revenge) in (3) fits our prediction and is the answer.

As countries ________ the damage caused by the earthquake and the tidal waves that followed, one ________ is developing across South East Asia - the economic damage caused by the catastrophe is nowhere close to the terrible human losses.

  1. tell off, constrain

  2. slack off, citation

  3. tot up, refrain

  4. wind down, exemplar


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The clause - “the economic damage … human losses” - provides the clue for both the blanks. The catastrophe has badly affected the economy of South East Asia, in addition to the terrible human losses. Therefore, (for the first blank) while the countries are adding up the damage caused by tsunami, (second blank), one strain of the intense economic damage than that of human lives is developing in that region. Of all the options for first blank, (1), (2) and (3) seem to fit our prediction. “Refrain” (strain, theme) in (3) is the only option that fits our prediction for second blank. Hence, (3) is the answer.

Dreadful limits are set in nature to the powers of ________.

  1. fidelity

  2. dissimulation

  3. inculpability

  4. solecism


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Dreadful is something terrible, appalling, fearful. In nature, dreadful limits would be set to the extent wrong has been done; so a negative connotation would characterize the blank. Of all the options, (2) and (4) connotates negative meanings. “Dissimulation” is to hide (one's feelings, motives, etc) by pretense; which will lead a person into wrong doing. Therefore, it fits our prediction and is the answer.
“Solecism” is a violation of good manner; breach of etiquette; which would not set dreadful limits in nature, hence ruled out. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Charlotte was a girl of high and haughty spirit, and as such strongly resented being ________ and having her movements directed by one man, who in spite of his ________ claims, was almost a stranger.

  1. domineered; specious

  2. appropriated; unfeigned

  3. befriended; ostentations

  4. overwhelmed; primed

  5. arrogated; fabricated


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Since Charlotte was a girl of high and haughty spirit, she would obviously resent being dominated or overpowered by someone. This brings down our answer options to (1), (2) and (5). But 'in spite' of the claims that the man was making, he was still a stranger. This implies that the claims made by the man were 'unfeigned' or 'genuine', but in spite of that he was regarded as a stranger. 'Specious' means phony or deceptive and does not fit well in the above context and 'fabricated' is to make up (a story, reason, lie, etc.); invent and hence doesn't fit our prediction.   Hence, (2) is the answer.

To locate epistemology, to tie it to particular historical, political contexts, does not require its ________; it only requires a new and wiser self - understanding.

  1. vandalism

  2. expedience

  3. eradication

  4. indentation

  5. scouring


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Epistemology' is the study or theory of the nature, source and limits of knowledge. Therefore, the blank must be replaced by a word that is in opposition to the phrase - 'new and wiser self-understanding' - in the end of the statement. Let's scrutinize each option: 'Vandalism' in (1) - malicious or ignorant destruction of public or private property; as this is irrelevant, hence option (1) is ruled out.   'Expedience in (2) - desirable, advisable; which is contrary to our prediction, hence is ruled out.   'Indentation' in (4) - imprint, impression; which is contrary to our prediction, hence is ruled out. 'Scouring' in (5) - cleaning; which is irrelevant, hence is ruled out. 'Eradication' in (3) - to get rid of; destroy; which fits our prediction, hence the answer.

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