Tip #1 to Get a Top SAT Critical Reading Score

Here we go. Sentence completion step 1:

Read the sentence, saying "blank" when you get to a _____.

Then before you look at the answer choices, think of a word to fill the blank. Don't look at the answer choices until you have a word in mind. If you go straight to the choices, you can be tricked and seduced by a word that seems to fit the sentence but does not actually work for the blank.

The best way to choose a word is to borrow one right from the sentence. The sentences are designed to describe and define the missing word. In fact, many times the blank is followed by a phrase that defines the word that we need. This is an invitation to be lazy, to borrow a word right from the sentence.

Let's try this question:

Ryan's oral presentation on skiing was_______, full of liveliness and zeal.

(A) verbose    (B) inaudible  (C) animated  (D) hesitant  (E) lackluster

Solution: What word would fit that blank? Rather than think of one ourselves, which takes time and could be off from the intention of the sentence, we pluck one right out of the sentence:

Ryan's oral presentation on skiing was lively, full of liveliness and zeal.

Choosing a word right from the sentence keeps us in line with the meaning of the sentence.

Now try the choices. Cross out any choices that definitely do not mean "lively." Then choose the best from the words that are left.

1. verbose—Nope, "verbose" means "long-winded" or "wordy."
2. inaudible—Nope, "inaudible" means "not hearable" or "impossible to hear."
3. animated—Yes, "animated" means "lively."
4. hesitant—Nope, "hesitant" means "tentative" or "uncertain."
5. lackluster—Nope, "lackluster" means "bland."

Correct answer: C

Let's practice.