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

Correct Answer: 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.

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

Correct Answer: 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.

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

Correct Answer: 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.

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

Correct Answer: 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.

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

Correct Answer: 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.