Crossover Aptitude Test Verbal Reasoning: Sentence Completion 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The documentary was praised for its _____ portrayal of poverty, neither sensationalizing the subject nor diminishing its severity.
- exaggerated
- nuanced (Correct answer)
- superficial
- distorted
Correct answer: nuanced
'Nuanced' means showing subtle distinctions, fitting a portrayal that avoids both exaggeration and understatement.
Question 2: Her _____ use of technical jargon in her presentation left many audience members confused about her core message.
- sparing
- judicious
- excessive (Correct answer)
- minimal
Correct answer: excessive
'Excessive' means more than necessary, which would explain why audience members became confused.
Question 3: The student's essay demonstrated a _____ understanding of the topic, connecting historical events to current political developments.
- superficial
- cursory
- sophisticated (Correct answer)
- rudimentary
Correct answer: sophisticated
'Sophisticated' means having refined knowledge, fitting the ability to connect history to current events.
Question 4: The company's _____ growth strategy — expanding into three new countries simultaneously — carried significant financial risk.
- cautious
- conservative
- aggressive (Correct answer)
- incremental
Correct answer: aggressive
'Aggressive' means pursuing goals with forceful intensity, fitting the risky strategy of rapid simultaneous expansion.
Question 5: The negotiator's _____ tone helped de-escalate tensions between the two parties, who had previously refused to speak to each other.
- confrontational
- conciliatory (Correct answer)
- hostile
- accusatory
Correct answer: conciliatory
'Conciliatory' means intended to reduce conflict, which explains how the tone helped de-escalate tensions.
Question 6: The author's _____ prose — filled with elaborate metaphors and lengthy digressions — was admired by literary scholars but alienated casual readers.
- sparse
- plain
- ornate (Correct answer)
- direct
Correct answer: ornate
'Ornate' means elaborately decorated, fitting prose with elaborate metaphors and lengthy digressions.
Question 7: The board's decision to promote from within was a _____ move, rewarding loyalty and reducing the cost of external recruitment.
- reckless
- imprudent
- pragmatic (Correct answer)
- capricious
Correct answer: pragmatic
'Pragmatic' means dealing with things practically and sensibly, fitting a decision that has clear practical benefits.
The documentary was praised for its _____ portrayal of poverty, neither sensationalizing the subject nor diminishing its severity.