Question

GRE Review: Sentence-Completion Tips

Answer 1

\({\bf{Overview:}}\) types of sentence completion questions:
1. fill-the-blank with one blank; you will be given 6 choices, A-F, and asked to pick two words that could both logically complete the sentence.
2. fill-in-the-blank with two blanks: each blank will have a choice of 3 words each, and you will be asked to pick the best out of the three options for each blank to logically complete the sentence
3. fill-in-the-blank with three blanks: each blank will have a choice of 3 words each, and you will be asked to pick the best out of the three options for each blank to logically complete the sentence

note: you must get all the blanks right in a question in order to receive credit. you will not receive partial credit for getting some blanks right and some wrong within a sentence.

Answer 2

\({\bf{Tips:}}\)
1. There really isn't any substitute for just knowing as many common GRE words as you can. Of course this is easier said than done because most people taking the GRE have not formally studied much general vocabulary since the SAT. Flashcards and mnemonics will be your best friend here. Personally I have bought Princeton Review's 500 most common GRE word flashcards but that's jut me.

2. For the single-blank question, the two words will often be synonyms/loose synonyms (not necessarily, though, two words can both logically complete a sentence w/o being synonyms). However, don't just choose the first synonym pair you see unless it actually works w/in the context of the sentence.

3. Remember that words don't just have one meaning; you will have to get used to words being used with their secondary, less common meanings. ex: "affords" can be a synonym of "provides" in the appropriate context ("the shelter affords us protection from the weather")

4. For the multiple-blank questions, try to look for words or phrases that might indicate how the two blanks are related. For example, is it a word like "likewise" that indicates two similar blanks? "therefore" that indicates a cause-and-effect relationship? "as opposed to" which indicates a contrasting idea? etc.

5. You will probably encounter at least one word that you didn't study or you forgot. Don't panic; try to evaluate the words you do know, and narrow down your choices as much as possible. If you can recognize any familiar roots within the word, try to let that guide you. It isn't perfect but will help increase your odds of guessing the right solution.

Answer 3

Adapted from Barron's test prep book for the new GRE, 19th edition