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This is part two in the series of the hardest SAT Verbal Questions, where we prepare you to ace the section with quality questions and detailed explanations. Of course, after part one of this series, we are taking the difficulty up a notch for the SAT topics that frequently make you cry! As a general rule, you will be facing harder questions in the second module if your performance was good in the first one. And in this blog, we are going to prepare you for that!

In this blog:

Hardest SAT Sentence Correction Questions

  1. Although she was only fifteen years old, the pianist played with such technical proficiency that she was compared to some of the greatest musicians in history.

Explanation: This sentence is grammatically correct and doesn’t require any corrections. It uses a subordinating conjunction “Although” to introduce a subordinate clause and a main clause. The subject of the subordinate clause is “she” and the predicate is “was only fifteen years old.” The main clause has the subject “the pianist” and the predicate “played with such technical proficiency that she was compared to some of the greatest musicians in history.”

  1. Despite being warned by his doctor to quit smoking, James continued to smoke a pack a day, eventually resulting in severe respiratory problems.

Explanation: This sentence is grammatically correct and doesn’t require any corrections. It uses a subordinating conjunction “Despite” to introduce a subordinate clause and a main clause. The subject of the subordinate clause is “James” and the predicate is “being warned by his doctor to quit smoking.” The main clause has the subject “James” and the predicate “continued to smoke a pack a day, eventually resulting in severe respiratory problems.”

  1. The author’s writing style was so verbose and complicated that readers often found it difficult to understand the main points of his argument.

Explanation: This sentence is grammatically correct and doesn’t require any corrections. It uses a relative pronoun “that” to introduce a subordinate clause modifying “difficult.” The subject of the main clause is “The author’s writing style” and the predicate is “was so verbose and complicated.” The subordinate clause has the subject “readers” and the predicate “often found it difficult to understand the main points of his argument.”

  1. The artist’s latest masterpiece, which was sold at auction for a record-breaking price, was inspired by his travels to remote, exotic locations.

Explanation: This sentence is grammatically correct and doesn’t require any corrections. It uses a relative pronoun “which” to introduce a subordinate clause modifying “masterpiece.” The subject of the main clause is “The artist’s latest masterpiece” and the predicate is “was inspired by his travels to remote, exotic locations.” The subordinate clause has the subject “which” and the predicate “was sold at auction for a record-breaking price.”

  1. Although he was an accomplished athlete, John’s overconfidence often led him to make careless mistakes on the playing field.

Explanation: This sentence is grammatically correct and doesn’t require any corrections. It uses a subordinating conjunction “Although” to introduce a subordinate clause and a main clause. The subject of the subordinate clause is “he” and the predicate is “was an accomplished athlete.” The main clause has the subject “John’s overconfidence” and the predicate “often led him to make careless mistakes on the playing field.”

  1. The scientist’s groundbreaking research into genetic engineering has the potential to revolutionize medicine and transform the way we treat diseases.

Explanation: This sentence is grammatically correct and doesn’t require any corrections. It uses the possessive noun “scientist’s” to modify “research.” The subject of the sentence is “The scientist’s groundbreaking research into genetic engineering” and the predicate is “has the potential to revolutionize medicine and transform the way we treat diseases.”

  1. Despite having a busy schedule, she managed to find time for her hobbies and interests.

Explanation: This sentence is grammatically correct and doesn’t require any corrections. It uses a subordinating conjunction “Despite” to introduce a subordinate clause and a main clause. The subject of the subordinate clause is “she” and the predicate is “having a busy schedule.” The main clause has the subject “she” and the predicate “managed to find time for her hobbies and interests.”

Trickiest SAT Verbal Analogies With Explanations:

  1. Squander : Conserve :: Miser : Spendthrift

Explanation: The relationship between squander and conserve is that they are antonyms, and similarly, miser and spendthrift are antonyms. Squander means to waste recklessly and conserve means to use sparingly or save. A miser is a person who is reluctant to spend money, while a spendthrift is a person who spends money recklessly.

  1. Deluge : Flood :: Boon : Blessing

Explanation: The relationship between deluge and flood is that they are synonyms, and similarly, boon and blessing are synonyms. A deluge is a heavy downpour, and a flood is an overflow of water. A boon is a benefit or a favour, and a blessing is a prayer for divine favour or protection.

  1. Surreptitious : Stealthy :: Taciturn : Reserved

Explanation: The relationship between surreptitious and stealthy is that they are synonyms, and similarly, taciturn and reserved are synonyms. Surreptitious means done in secret or stealthily, and stealthy means moving or acting in a covert way. Taciturn means reserved or uncommunicative, and reserved means keeping one’s thoughts or feelings to oneself.

  1. Inferno : Fire :: Tsunami : Wave

Explanation: The relationship between inferno and fire is that they are synonyms, and similarly, tsunami and wave are synonyms. An inferno is a large, intense fire, and fire is a rapid oxidation process that releases heat and light. A tsunami is a large ocean wave, and a wave is a disturbance that travels through space.

  1. Pedagogue : Teacher :: Autocrat : Dictator

Explanation: The relationship between pedagogue and teacher is that they are synonyms, and similarly, autocrat and dictator are synonyms. A pedagogue is a teacher, and a teacher is a person who instructs or teaches. An autocrat is a ruler with absolute power, and a dictator is a ruler who has complete control over a country.

  1. Seethe : Anger :: Writhe : Pain

Explanation: The relationship between seethe and anger is that they are synonyms, and similarly, writhe and pain are synonyms. Seethe means to be angry or furious, and anger is a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. Writhe means to twist or squirm in pain or discomfort, and pain is a physical or emotional sensation of discomfort.

  1. Credulous : Gullible :: Jovial : Merry

Explanation: The relationship between credulous and gullible is that they are synonyms, and similarly, jovial and merry are synonyms. Credulous means being too willing to believe things without evidence, and gullible means easily fooled or deceived. Jovial means cheerful and friendly, and merry means happy and joyful.

Also read:
15 Hardest SAT Math Questions
How to register for digital SAT?

Don’t get disheartened if you are unable to solve these questions! Regardless of your current level of proficiency and individual learning style, consistent and dedicated practice can improve your skills on SAT verbal. Sign up for a free GRE Verbal demo class with a Jamboree expert and ask your doubts directly from our experienced faculty.

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