Sentence Completion Strategies

1. Sentence Completion Strategies

2. Tip #1: “Blank” Before you look at the answer choices, read the sentence, substituting the word “blank” for the missing word Think of words that might make sense in the sentence

3. Example for Tip #1 • Now, look at the answer choices: • (a) nocturnal (c) predatory • (b) solitary (d) cooperative Usually several skunks live together; however, adult striped skunks are __________ during the summer. Think of a word or phrase that would fit in this sentence and write it down.

4. Considering your word, which answer is correct? (b) Solitary Meaning alone, without companions

5. Tip #2: Contrast Look for words or phrases that indicate a contrast between one idea and another Words like although, however, despite, and but

6. Example for Tip #2 • Although it appeared quite _____, the vase was actually very sturdy; even a fall from the top shelf left it undamaged • What word signifies a contrast in this sentence? With this in mind, what choice would be best? (a) expensive (c) floral (b) ornate (d) fragile

7. And the winner is… (d) Fragile because it means the opposite of sturdy or durable

8. Tip #3: Support Look for words or phrases that indicate support for a concept---such as: likewise, similarly, in the same way, and, in addition to, additionally, and also

9. Example for Tip #3 • Studies have shown that women are faster than men at certain manual tasks; moreover, they also ______ men in arithmetic calculation and in recalling landmarks from a route. • What word signifies we are looking for a similar concept? With that in mind, what choice would be best? (a) outnumber (c) outperform (b) conspire against (d) acknowledge

10. Tip #4: Cause Look for words or phrases that indicate that one thing causes another: Words like because, since, therefore, or thus

11. Example for Tip #4 • Because her delivery was ____, the effect of her speech on the audience was nonexistent. • Here, because signals cause and effect • What sort of delivery would cause a speech to have no effect?

12. So then… • With this in mind, which word would complete this sentence? • (a) halting (c) moving • (b) respectable (d) audible (a) Halting would be the correct answer

13. Tip #5: Definitions Look for signals that indicate a word is being defined--- Phrases such as in other words, that is, or which means Also look for punctuation clues

14. Example for Tip #5 • In her old age, Miss Emily became ____; in other words, she grew to shun society, preferring to live alone in her decaying home. • What phrase signals there is a definition within the sentence? • What kind of person stays in their home and does not interact with other people in society?

15. Bravo! • Then out of these choices: • (a) forgetful (c) reclusive • (b) ironic (d) absentminded • (c) reclusive (meaning someone who shuns or avoids society) would be the correct answer

16. Tip #6: Familiar Word Parts If you’re having vocabulary trouble, look for familiar word parts---prefixes, suffixes, and roots---in unfamiliar words

17. Common Prefixes and Suffixes

18. A Review of Tips “Blank” Contrast Support Cause Definitions Familiar Word Parts