CCAT Sentence Completion 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The scientist's findings were so ___ that even her colleagues who had doubted her were convinced.
- vague
- compelling (Correct answer)
- confusing
- ordinary
Correct answer: compelling
If doubters were convinced, the findings must have been compelling (powerfully persuasive).
The context clue 'even her colleagues who had doubted her were convinced' indicates powerful persuasion. Compelling means evoking interest and admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Question 2: Though the film received ___ reviews, audiences seemed to enjoy it despite the critics' opinions.
- glowing
- mixed
- mediocre
- scathing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: scathing
Since audiences enjoyed it 'despite' the reviews, the reviews must have been negative — scathing.
'Despite' signals contrast: audiences enjoyed it against the grain of the reviews. This means reviews were negative. Scathing means harshly critical.
Question 3: The negotiations had reached a ___; neither side was willing to make any further concessions.
- breakthrough
- consensus
- resolution
- stalemate (Correct answer)
Correct answer: stalemate
When no side will make concessions, talks are stuck in a stalemate.
A stalemate is a situation where further progress seems impossible. The clue 'neither side was willing to make any further concessions' perfectly defines a stalemate.
Question 4: The historian was known for her ___ research, leaving no primary source unchecked.
- superficial
- meticulous (Correct answer)
- hasty
- selective
Correct answer: meticulous
Checking every primary source describes meticulous (extremely careful and thorough) research.
Meticulous means showing great attention to detail. The context clue 'leaving no primary source unchecked' directly indicates thorough, detail-oriented work.
Question 5: His speech was ___, touching on dozens of topics without exploring any in depth.
- profound
- focused
- rambling (Correct answer)
- concise
Correct answer: rambling
Covering many topics without depth describes rambling speech.
Rambling describes speech that goes from one topic to another without a clear plan. The clue 'touching on dozens of topics without exploring any in depth' matches this definition.
Question 6: After months of drought, the farmers were ___ when rain finally came.
- indifferent
- apprehensive
- elated (Correct answer)
- puzzled
Correct answer: elated
Relief and joy after months of hardship makes elated (very happy) the most fitting emotion.
Elated means extremely happy and excited. After enduring months of drought, the arrival of rain would naturally produce elation — intense joy and relief.
CCAT Sentence Completion 2
The scientist's findings were so ___ that even her colleagues who had doubted her were convinced.