Sentence Completions

Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

Always cover the answers before you read! As you read the sentence for the first time, check for any clues about the blank. Make a prediction, then match the answer choices to your prediction.

The test of truth is not ------, for we have often felt firmly convinced of many things that were not so.

What is the sentence saying? Being sure that something is true does not make it true. For your prediction, you can use the phrase "being sure that something is true" or a word that means the same thing. Certainty, confidence, or conviction would work. Now check the answer choices for a synonym.


A) implication

B) certitude

C) originality

D) impartiality

E) moderation

Choice B, certitude, looks a lot like certainty, so it could be the answer. Let's check the others first. An implication is not something certain, so eliminate A. Originality, impartiality, and moderation have nothing to do with whether something is true or whether people think something is true. The answer is B.

Words tested in this SC
Implication: A hint, suggestion, or clue about something in the future
Certitude: Something that is certain
Originality: The quality of being the first of its kind; the capacity for independent, inventive thought
Impartiality: The quality of being fair and unbiased
Moderation: Avoidance of extremes


On sat.collegeboard.org, 70% of responses were correct.


Need to build your SAT Vocab?  Visit www.myknowsys.com to check out the Knowsys Vocabulary Builder Program.