Section One Critical Reading

Here you have the best Test Prep SAT Section 1 Critical Reading practice exam questions

  • You have 271 total questions across 55 pages (5 per page)
  • These questions were last updated on March 24, 2026
  • This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Test Prep.
Question 1 of 271

The ______ behavior of the demonstrators became even more apparent when they all chained themselves together when the authorities came on scene.

Answer

Suggested Answer

The suggested answer is D.

Choices A and B indicate lazy or not genuine, respectively, which is not the case, or they wouldnt be there demonstrating. Choice C grammatically fits, but the individuality of the act becomes lost when chaining them together. Choice E, "cohesive," or sticking together certainly fits and is correct; however, this is not the best choice. Choice D, "recalcitrant," is the best choice as it includes "stubbornly resisting authority," which further matches the action following the arrival of the authorities.
Question 2 of 271

The ______ dress of the performers was considered ______ by the censors.

Answer

Suggested Answer

The suggested answer is B.

We know that censors typically judge with a view to suppress so were probably looking for two negatives in this case. Starting with that proposition, Choices B and C are the only possibilities. The second negative eliminates Choice C, making Choice B correct.
Question 3 of 271

It is absolutely ____ that the individual assigned to defuse a bomb be extremely ____.

Answer

Suggested Answer

The suggested answer is E.

Here again, the strategy is to divide and conquer. Only Choices A, C, and E qualify as being suited with absolutely. This leaves the second blank. Now the qualities for someone to defuse a bomb are almost a given. Choice A, "mature," is not something good as it is tantamount to feeble — much shaking of the hands is not a great characteristic to have as a bomb technician. Choice C, "excited," is just as bad as too mature and shaking. This only leave Choice E, "dexterous," or someone with skillful hands.
Question 4 of 271

She was not normally invited to serve as a critic because she had a ______ toward _______.

Answer

Suggested Answer

The suggested answer is C.

The key word is not indicating some flawed qualification in the service of being a critic. In looking at the last blank first, we see that there is only one actual negative; Choice C, "castigation," which means to "chastise severely," which is not a particularly good quality for a critic to possess.
Question 5 of 271

The problem with scoring well on too many SAT practice tests is the tendency toward ______.

Answer

Suggested Answer

The suggested answer is B.

Choice E, "celerity," looks plausible and could be, but the development of speed won’t be the worst thing to develop. However, Choice B, "complacency," or self- satisfaction can give a false sense of readiness and should be avoided.

About the Test Prep SAT Section 1 Critical Reading Certification Exam

About the Exam

The Test Prep SAT Section 1 Critical Reading (Section One Critical Reading) validates your knowledge and skills. Passing demonstrates proficiency and can boost your career prospects in the field.

How to Prepare

Work through all 271 practice questions across 55 pages. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind each answer rather than memorizing responses to be ready for any variation on the real exam.

Why Practice Exams?

Practice exams help you familiarize yourself with the question format, manage your time, and reduce anxiety on the test day. Our SAT Section 1 Critical Reading questions are regularly updated to reflect the latest exam objectives.