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Sentence Completion Test

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Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

In villages, they still exercise their minds on ________ questions, debating points of Christian doctrine with no small ________.

  1. sinuous ….. discretion

  2. theological ….. acuteness

  3. scientific ….. apperception

  4. cardinal ….. dialectics


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

“Debating points of Christian doctrine” gives clue for first blank, which in turn is an explanation to the blank. Thus, “theological” (the study of religious doctrines and matters of divinity) in (2) fits our blank. Moreover, 'acuteness' (intensity, severity) replaces the second blank, thereby giving sense to the sentence. Hence, (2) is the answer

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Weakened by a demanding travel schedule, the aging politician revealed ________ he had never showed during his fervent campaign.

  1. a clemency

  2. an obstinacy

  3. a reticence

  4. a lassitude

  5. a verbosity


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sentence tells you that the politician revealed weakness, which he had never shown in the rest of his fervent (or zealous, eager) campaign. Thus, the word like weakness or lethargy or confusion - something that might be a symptom of weakness, would characterize the blank. Of all the options, 'lassitude' in (4) fits our prediction as it means weariness. Hence, (4) is the answer. Clemency mean mercy Obstinacy means stubbornness Reticence means hesitation in speaking Verbosity means excessive wordiness

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art owes much of its collection to the ________ of private collectors who willed their estates to the museum.

  1. yen

  2. entreat

  3. avidity

  4. aversion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

“Owes” and “willed” are the clue words in this sentence. Private collectors of New York had a longing for art that they willed their estates to the museum. Of all these options, yen (craving, longing) fits our prediction, hence replaces the blank. “Entreat” is an expression of desire, hence it would not be suitable. Hence, (1) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler for the blank such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

The chemicals themselves are _____________ of protein and nucleic acid.

  1. pillars

  2. molecules

  3. splinters

  4. categories

  5. fragments


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Option (1) and (3) are absurd as they do not make any sense. Options (4) and (5) are grammatically correct but factually word 'molecules' is far more suited in this sentence. Hence, option (2) is the correct answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

And is there really anything like a 'soft killer technology', or are these ________ simply designed to ________ the general public?

  1. metaphorical speeches ….. apprehend

  2. horns ….. anticipate

  3. euphemisms ….. confuse

  4. hammer and tongs ….. derange


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Soft' is the operative word in this sentence. Of all these options, (1) and (3) fits our prediction. The tone of the sentence for the second blank is slightly negative, therefore 'confuse' would be cogent with 'euphemisms'(a word or phrase so substituted) and gives sense to the sentence. 'Apprehend' means to perceive. Hence, (3) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

It would seem that absolute qualities in art ________ us, that we cannot escape viewing works of art in ________ of time and circumstance.

  1. edify ….. an exemplar

  2. frighten ….. truancy

  3. obfuscate ….. a welter

  4. elude ….. a context


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The absolute qualities in art cannot frighten us, obfuscate (confuse) us or abash (embarrass) but can only edify (meaning instruct; educate) or elude (meaning evade; escape) us. So, (2) and (3) can be ruled out from the point of view of the suitability of the first missing word alone, leaving only (1) and (4) for examination. The phrase 'in an exemplar of time and circumstance' does not make the same eminent sense as 'in a context of time and circumstance'. So (4) is a much better choice than (1), hence the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Although Oliver did not ________ his father's decision, he thought it better not to argue and upset him.

  1. condone

  2. construe

  3. concur with

  4. chide


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

“Although” sets up the contrast, which implies that the blank would be filled in by a word that in contrary to disagreement, that's why he does not argue with his father. “Concur with” fits our prediction, hence (3) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

____________ passport photos, once merely traditional, may become mandatory; the reason is that computer do not like smiles.

  1. Pleasing

  2. Unattractive

  3. Beautiful

  4. Unpretentious


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

“Computer do not like smiles” gives the clue for the blank. “Unattractive” is the only option that is coherent with this phrase, hence (2) is the answer. “Unpretentious”(simple, prosaic) in (4) is not as appropriate as unattractive.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

There are several theories which try to ______________ the functional reason for the stripes found in Zebras, though none of them is fully _________________.

  1. predict ….. erring

  2. forecast ….. appropriate

  3. project ….. cogent

  4. explain ….. convincing


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Theories can try to 'explain', 'predict' or 'paraphrase' and not 'forecast' or 'project' as given in options (2) and (3). Of options (1), (4) and (5), 'convincing' in (4) on replacing the blank gives a coherent meaning to the sentence. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

The centre is all set to ________ a comprehensive hostage policy that will prevent terrorists from arm - twisting the government, as in 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking.

  1. vaunt

  2. praise

  3. mask

  4. unveil


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The confusion during 1999 hijacking underlined the total lack of a hostage policy and now this may change. This implies that the government is all set to come up with a hostage policy i.e. the centre would reveal its hostage policy. “Unveil” means to reveal or make visible, hence (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Recent genetic studies go a long way toward resolving the nature versus ________debate.

  1. growth

  2. dogmatic

  3. incubate

  4. nurture


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The clue word in this sentence is “genetics”, which implies that the debate would be between nature or heredity and environmental factors that affect their nature. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

The Hubble Telescope should be ________ even if that means diverting the shuttle from other tasks and slowing plans to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars.

  1. cloistered

  2. winked at

  3. squired

  4. preserved

  5. kippered


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

NASA's most important scientific instrument, the Hubble space telescope would begin to fail a few years from now, hence this sentence emphasizes on its need to preserve this instrument. The clue comes from the word 'even', the clause that follows it provides an explanation to the blank. This implies that though tough tasks have to be undertaken, Hubble Telescope has to be preserved. 'Kippered' is to cure (herring, salmon, etc.) by cleaning, salting, and drying or smoking, thus (5) is ruled out. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Bishop's ________ for landscape was evident when he passionately described the beauty of the scenic Hudson Valley.

  1. consecration

  2. deference

  3. ardor

  4. compliance

  5. vapidity


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The clue word in this sentence is 'evident', which provides an explanation to the phrase that precedes it. Thus, the word for the blank must be similar in meaning to 'passionately'. As 'ardor' means passion, therefore it replaces the blank. Hence, (3) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

The methods of ____________ the criminals used in the medieval world can ____________ even the most hardened of policemen of the modern world.

  1. killing ….. anguish

  2. eradicating ….. agitate

  3. resuscitating ….. induce

  4. executing ….. shock


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Let's find the correct answer by POE: 'eradicating' in option (2) is ruled out as you can't eradicate criminals. 'resuscitating' in option (3) refers to revive or revitalize someone apparently dead, which is off the track, hence ruled out. On the same lines, 'admonishing' (to caution against specific faults; warn) in option (5) is ruled out. Now let's consider pair words of options (1) & (4) for the second blanks. Policemen of the modern world can't feel the agony (anguish), instead they would be shocked after knowing these methods. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

For those Puritans who believed that ___________ obligations were imposed by divine will, the correct course of action was not withdrawal from the world but conscientious ______ of the duties of business.

  1. ethical …… mystification

  2. mundane …… manipulation

  3. secular …… discharge

  4. earthly …… disavowal


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Course of action' in the second part of the sentence provides the clue for the second blank. Of all the options for the second blank, only 'discharge' in option (3) fits our prediction. And gives a cogent meaning to the sentence. It's pair word 'secular' gives a cogent meaning to the sentence. Hence, (3) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

It is a great ________ to be able to transfer useful genes with as little extra gene material as possible, because the donor's genome may contain, in addition to desirable genes, many genes with _______ effects.

  1. impediment ….. unpredictable

  2. despondency ….. superfluous

  3. convenience ….. exquisite

  4. advantage ….. deleterious


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

'Little extra gene material' in the first part of the sentence provides the clue for the second. This implies that in addition to desirable genes, there are many genes with negative effects, so it will advantageous to transfer useful genes with as little extra gene material as possible. 'advantage' and 'deleterious' (harmful) in option (4) fits our prediction, hence the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

The ________ in fashionable life does not see that he excludes himself from enjoyment, in the attempt to appropriate it.

  1. chattel

  2. exclusive

  3. dainty

  4. sumptuous


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

“He excludes himself from enjoyment” provides the clue for the blank, hence “exclusive” in (2) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Although there were ______circumstances in this particular violation of the law, the judge ruled that there had to be strict _______ or there would be no law at all.

  1. extraordinary …… complaisance

  2. specific …… obedience

  3. questionable …… observation

  4. extenuating …… compliance


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

First blank should be filled in by the word denoting some extreme situation, therefore 'extraordinary' and 'extenuating' both fits the prediction. Let's look at it's pair word. Of 'complaisance'(willingness to please; disposition to be obliging and agreeable) and 'compliance', 'compliance' is in tandem with law and gives a cogent meaning to the sentence. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Because he was generally ________ on the football field, he was genuinely touched by the amount of praise he received for his game - winning touchdown.

  1. indelible

  2. methodical

  3. succinct

  4. unheralded


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The clue word in this sentence is “because”. 'Unheralded' means unappreciated or unnoticed. Clearly Jim was not the star of this team and was not used to receiving accolades. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

In a large group of people, she often seemed ________ and aloof, although among her friends and family she was quite ________.

  1. reticent ….. convivial

  2. gregarious ….. simpatico

  3. insidious ….. multifarious

  4. intriguing ….. enticing


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

“Although” tells us that this is a contrasting sentence, so the description of Irina in a large group of people in the first part of the sentence should be different from how she acts when she is with her friends and family. Moreover, the word for first blank should be similar in meaning to aloof, thus “reticent” (habitually silent or uncommunicative) replaces the first blank. “Convivial” (companionable, sociable) is in contrast to reticent, thus fits our prediction for second blank. Hence, (1) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Although the warring parties had settled a number of disputes, past experience made them ________ to express optimism that the talks would be a success.

  1. impetuous

  2. ambivalent

  3. scornful

  4. reticent


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

'Although' sets up a contrast between what has occurred 'success on some issue' and what can be expected to occur 'success for the whole talks'. Hence, the parties are reluctant to express optimism. The simple and common word “reluctant” is not offered as an answer choice, but a synonym 'reticent' is. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

________ by electoral wins, conservative Christians are pushing ahead state and local initiative on controversial issues.

  1. Pestiferous

  2. Energized

  3. Frenetic

  4. Stagnant


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The clause after the comma provides an explanation to what precedes it. “Pushing ahead” gives another clue that conservative Christians are working on something, which implies that they are energized by the elections. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Changes to prevailing notions about the citizenship rights of blacks, ________ with a redefinition of the role of the government and courts in protecting these rights, continue to ________ the human rights of all Americans, regardless of their skin color.

  1. dealing ….. entrench

  2. coupled ….. bolster

  3. accompanied ….. exonerate

  4. apportioned ….. stanchion


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'These rights' in second clause is a reference to the 'citizenship rights of blacks' in the first clause, thereby giving clue for the first blank. As the second clause is in continuation with the first clause and provides support to the first clause, therefore 'apportioned' (to divide and distribute in shares according to plan) in (4) and 'sundered' (separate) in (5) can be ruled out. Now, let's examine the pair words of (1), (2) and (3) for the correct answer. 'Entrench' in (1) means to encroach or infringe, which makes no sense, hence is ruled out. 'Exonerate' in (3) means to relieve of (a burden, obligation); unload. The concept of 'citizenship rights of blacks' would not exonerate Americans of their human rights, instead they would 'bolster' them up. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Marconi's invention, “wireless telegraphy”, was a means of Morse code through the air, and though it was an ________ breakthrough, the next step of transmitting the human voice without wires wouldn't have been accomplished without the ________ of Steinmetz and his brilliant associates.

  1. unqualified ….. ingenuity

  2. absolute ….. artifice

  3. effectual ….. ineptitude

  4. efficacious ….. heavy handedness


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

“Breakthrough” must be lacking the necessary or desirable qualifications as is indicated by the word “though” in first part of the sentence. Thus, “unqualified” replaces the first blank. Also, 'ingenuity' gives sense to latter part of the sentence. Hence, (1) is the answer.

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