GRE - Text Completion

 

Overview

This problem type includes a sentence with one or more blanks, which you are asked to fill using a column of choices for each blank.  There are two variations:

o    One blank:  There will be five word choices from which to choose

o    Two or three blanks:  In this instance, each blank will have a separate column of three word choices. 

There is no partial credit for getting less-than-all of the words correct for a multi-blank problem type. 

Approach

Read the sentence BEFORE reviewing the answers – you might subconsciously fill-in the word!

Look at the answer choices and see if your subconscious matches.

  • If so, briefly scan the others to make certain another doesn’t sound better, and then answer.

  • If not, keep working through the steps below.

 Look for key words – esp. synonyms and antonyms.

 Look for implications in the sentence, such as “roadsign” words:

  • Straight:  and, similarly, likewise, since, thus, even a semicolon

  • Detour:  but, however, unfortunately, unless

 Use the root words for guidance

Cautions

Don’t create strange sentences that MIGHT work with a bit of imagination.

If it’s a long or complex sentence, paraphrase or simplify but BEWARE – don’t change the meaning.