Despite the need for [test:'gre-sentence-completion-sample-questions' an extensive vocabulary], sentence completion can be one of the easier sections of the GRE. Using the three tips below, you can see how you can use logic to narrow the list of possible answers and help eliminate your guess work.
- Answer the question before looking at the choices. Imagine reading this sentence: Frustrated by the failure of his first experiment the chemists confidence was
___________. Before even reading your options, take a look at the rest of the sentence. We know the first experiment was a failure, and the chemist is frustrated, so we can automatically eliminate any positive words (such as bolsters or strengthened) from out list of answers. - Keep your eye peeled for indicator words. Indicator words will also provide clues as to what type of word you should be looking for from the potential answers.
- Contrast indicators (yet, although, but, however) – these indicate the answer will be opposite to the key parts of the sentence. For example: Although most indigenous people were thought to be hostile, many settlers report to have a
___________relationship with the tribe. Because the sentence starts with although, we know to look for a word meaning the opposite of hostile. - Support indicators (and, likewise, furthermore) – these indicate the answer will continue along the tone already set. Be on the look out for synonymous!
- Contrast indicators (yet, although, but, however) – these indicate the answer will be opposite to the key parts of the sentence. For example: Although most indigenous people were thought to be hostile, many settlers report to have a
- Watch for Apposition; an advanced grammatical structure in which words or phrases are placed next to each other, and the first phrase is defined or clarified by the second phrase. Note: the second phrase is often set off from the first by comma, semicolon, hyphen, or parentheses. For example: His novels are
___________, using direct coupling of a simple subject and verb where many others would fall to verbosity. Whatever the missing word is, we know it means to be direct, clear, and succinct.
Read the full article: 3 Sentence Completion Tricks