Sat Exam question on SC in CR

Luxelin
Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:49:31 +0000

“Commoner” means someone who is common and without rank or title. Just look at the word: common-
Now look at the sentence. The subject is Michiko Shoda (who is the current Empress of Japan iirc). Now, if you knew the background behind her, this would be very easy (but such isn’t necessary). The first clause indicates that she was not of noble rank when she married into the Japanese imperial (aka royal) family. The second clause mentions that she was the first ________ to do so. Now, if she isn’t “royal” or “noblem,” then what must she be?

At that point you should be able to recognize that someone who is neither noble nor royal is an ordinary, common person. A plebeian, a commoner. And there you go!