- Words that indicate the correct word to fill in the blank will go along the same train of thought include: and, also, consequently, therefore, accordingly, as a result, thus, hence, so, for this reason
- Words that indicate the correct word to fill in the blank is a shift in direction include: but, yet, although, however, on the other hand, in contrast, differently, nevertheless, still, though, nonetheless, conversely, on the contrary
Trick 2) Chose a word
Before you look at the answer choices, try to come up with a word you would use to complete the sentence. When you’re doing this, you can try to use a big, fancy word, but it’s much preferable to use the first simple word that comes to mind. Once you think of a word that would complete the sentence, you can then check the answer choices to see if there’s either that exact word or one with a similar meaning. (If you have a dual-blank sentence completion question, try to come up with words for both blanks. If you cannot, coming up with a word for one of the blanks will help you then use process of elimination.)
Trick 3) Positive or Negative connotation
3) If you can’t figure out a word to put in the blank, determine if the correct word has a positive or negative connotation. Look at the example below to see how this would work:
John used to be so obsequious to anyone he felt threatened by, but now that he stands up for himself people think he’s ____________.
If you knew the definition of obsequious, you’d known it means “excessively eager to please or obey.” It’s a negative word, and the word but in the sentence means there’s a shift in direction in the sentence. Even if you didn’t know the definition of obsequious, you should be able to figure out that it’s a negative word by the context in which it’s used.
Trick 4) Word Choice Fit
Never choose an answer in a dual-blank question just because one of the word choices fits. The test-makers deliberately put in an answer choice where one of the word choices fits perfectly while the other one is incorrect. Make sure both words fit and don’t fall into this trap.
Trick 5) Consider all Choice
Make sure you check all of the answer choices before you choose an answer. Sometimes the test-makers provide an answer choice that could be correct, that is, if there were no better choices. Most of the time, though, there will be a choice that’s perfect, not just OK.
If you follow these five tips, you’ll do quite well on the sentence completion portion of the any test. Get plenty of test prep by answering as many sample questions.
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