Course:
Sentence Completion
Sentence Completion Introduction
Sentence Completion is a common test item in most competitive exams. A sentence contains one or two blanks (usually), to be filled in using the choices. These questions test your vocabulary and knowledge of the finer distinctions among words. A good vocabulary can be a great help here. But you can use many strategies for these questions, even without knowing all the choices.
Strategies for Sentence Completion:
1. Read the Sentence
Use the sentence clues by reading the sentence thoroughly. Two things make a question difficult: difficult words and sentence structure. If you cannot divide a sentence to figure out what fits best, you CANNOT crack the question, though you know the word meanings.
2. Make educated guesses
Educated guesses should help indicate what should go into the blank for the sentence to make sense. If you change your guess, the choice in the blank MUST be changed. Often, you can use the hint by putting that word or phrase into the blank itself.
3. Activate Pluses and Minuses
Once you find the word clues, indicate the kind of word you’re looking for with a + (positive meaning) or – (negative) sign. Also, to indicate synonyms or antonyms, you can use these symbols.
4. Locate Structure Words
Look for words like but, rather, although, however, while, and therefore
They reveal the sentence organization and the hint-blank relationship. They tell you what kinds of words to look for as they change the thought process in the sentence.
5. Visualize
Before you go to the choices, think of the possible words for the blanks. It will save you from wrong choices. If you know roughly the KIND of words needed, the elimination is much easier. The word you visualize doesn’t have to be fancy; a general idea is fine.
This is better than trying out the choices to find out “what sounds good.” It is faster and less prone to errors.
6. Eliminate
Ruling out the wrong choices should be easy now. But remember, BOTH the words have to fit in the given ORDER for the right answer. If one word is a perfect choice but the other one doesn’t make sense, the answer is WRONG. DO NOT rule out choices if you don’t know their meanings, and unless you are sure they do not work. If you have doubts, leave and return after checking the other choices.
7. Improve Your Vocabulary
Improving your vocabulary and usage can help you do better, as the meaning helps you find the right answer.
8. Work Backwards
The two-blank questions can be easier as you have more opportunities to eliminate wrong choices. If you can eliminate a choice based on one word, you don’t need to know the other word. Often, working BACKWARDS, i.e., picking the second blank choice first, works better.
Keep the above points in mind while tackling sentence completion questions.
As you practice sentence completions, you may discover signal words and phrases—clues that help you choose the correct answer. Here are common signal words and an example for each kind of question:
a. Restatement: namely, in other words, in fact, that is
Example: The pickpocket was a trickster, in other words, a ——-.
(The answer, which restates “trickster,” might be knave or rogue.)
b. Comparison and Similar Ideas: likewise, similarly, and, just as, additionally, also, furthermore, moreover, and too.
Example: Anna was cleared of all charges; similarly, Sam was ———-.
The answer compares to being “cleared of all charges,” so perhaps Sam was supported.
c. Contrast: though, although, however, despite, yet; on the other hand, but despite, or on the contrary
Example: Although the tiger is a solitary beast, its cousin, the lion, is a ——– animal.
The answer is something that contrasts with “solitary,” such as outgoing or sociable.
d. Cause and effect: thus, therefore, consequently, and because, and phrases such as due to, as a result, lead to
Example: A truck stole her parking spot; consequently, Sally’s ———— expression showed her displeasure.
The answer would be a look caused by someone stealing Sally’s parking spot, maybe angry or hostile.
