Sentence Completion Practice Test 2025

The adjective here should pick up the implications of “loved” and “hated,” not just one or the other. The word “controversial” A accounts for both. The other choices are not specifically related in any way to the rest of the sentence.  

You need a verb here describing the action of organisms with a meaning like “developed” or “discovered.” The best choice is B “evolved,” developed gradually, which also fits well with the detail of “thousands of years.” The wrong answers describe too conscious an action.  

Here you need words that are contradictory to the two givens: “affectionate” and “alert.” “Aloof” A, “cruel” B, or “selfish” D are possible first
words, but “shrewd” B, “lively” C, and “nimble” D are not contradictions of “alert,” so the only possible right answer is A. 

The first adjective offers a choice among five, any one of which would fit the first phrase. Because this fame is for an unfavorably regarded trait, however, the best choice is “notorious.” A hero is “famous,” “renowned,” “illustrious,” or “eminent,” but a man who talks too much is “notorious.” Because the action described confirms the reputation for long-windedness, “verified” is the only possible choice of the verbs  

You know that Montana already is a senator who may run for reelection. Therefore, she is the “incumbent,” the holder of an office. The details of the sentence support this choice. Although the other nouns are not wholly unsuitable, none of them has any real connection with the details in the rest of the sentence. 

The first noun must be a term that refers to what is pledged to obtain a loan, a word like “pledge,” or “surety,” or “collateral,” or “deposit.” Only “profit” D can be eliminated. The verb must mean liquidate or get rid of because he emerges “free of debt.” Only “discharge” C is left when you eliminate A, B, and E. This confirms the sense of “collateral” being the best of the four available nouns. 

The missing word describes “absurdist” fiction and is parallel to the word shocking. Clearly, “banal” A, “plausible” C, “cozy” D, and “familiar” E will not do. The adjective “radical” means favoring fundamental change or very leftist. 

The sense of the sentence calls for an adjective expressing strong feelings because the writer is surprised by this response to an “insignificant” issue.The only choice D is logical.  

The sentence describes a division in the band, avant-garde instrumentalists and a popular-ballad crooner, so the first adjective should account for this split. The word “progressive” A fits only the band, and “old-fashioned” B and “predictable” E fit the singer. The word “inconsistent” is the best of the choices. The second adjective should describe “popular ballads,” and all except B “unique” will do.  

The “also” in the second half of the sentence signals that the verb is parallel to “prevent” in the first half. You can eliminate C and D. The first adjective must mean something like reasonable or sensible, so B “logical” is a better choice than A “fanciful” or E “idle,” which mean just the opposite.  

The first noun must mean something like substitute but a word that will fit with the preposition “to.” Choice A “answer” is possible, C “alternative” is a good answer, and D “rejoinder” might work. The phrase “responsible for” A makes little sense in this context, and “involved in” D is awkward. The phrase “subject to” is clearly the best of the three and C the best of the five choices  

The logic of the sentence suggests that the missing verb must mean something like prevent or decrease. Choices B “augment” (increase) and C “foster” are the opposite of what is needed. Neither “explain” A nor “exculpate” E (excuse) makes much sense, although “deter” (discourage, keep from doing) fits well. 

The sentence opposes the unpleasant smoke,_________, and “city” with the _________ “air and peace of the mountains,” so the first blank must be a noun similar in effect to “smoke,” and the second blank requires an adjective with pleasant denotation. In A and B the nouns are possible, but the adjectives are not. In C and D, the noun choices cannot fit. Choice E correctly has the bad “hustle-bustle” and the good “exhilarating.”  

A situation requiring the choice between two unpleasant alternatives is the definition of the word “dilemma” and what this sentence describes. Some of the other choices are plausible, but because “dilemma” so exactly fits the situation, it is clearly the best. 

The word “combining” should alert you to look for a noun here that denotes a coming together of East and West. Choices B, C, and D are clearly wrong. Choice A “fusion,” the union of different things, fits well.  

The noun referring to “what allowed voters to decide” on an issue could be “statute” A, “referendum” B (the most precise word), or “bill” D. The missing adverb that describes the nine-to-one win must denote a very resounding margin of victory. Neither “meager” A nor “narrow” D will do. Again, the best answer uses the most specific noun as well as the most suitable adverb.  

The first blank requires a noun describing something a novel is based on. Choices A, C, and D are possible. B and E are eliminated by the use of “upon which.” The second word must praise the book because it is parallel with “intelligence” and the novel has been called “fine.” Choices A and C must be eliminated, and only D remains.  

The adjective “anachronistic” means representing something as existing at other than its proper time, such as a washing machine in the Middle Ages or a knight in armor at a football game. Choice A is a possibility, although B is more exact.  

Because she hoped to be undetected, she had to hide the card “furtively,” that is, stealthily or surreptitiously. The words “brazenly” A and “overtly” B contradict the opening phrase.