Strategies for Sentence Completion:

1. Read the Sentence. Use the sentence clues by reading

the sentence thoroughly. ...
2. Hints. The hints indicate what should go into the blank for the sentence to make
sense. ...
3. Pluses and Minuses. ...
4. Structure Words. ...
5. Visualize. ...
6. Elimination. ...
7. Improve Your Vocabulary. ...
8. Working Backwards.
5 Tips for Answering SAT Sentence Completion Questions
1. Fill in your own answers first. As you read the sentence, think about
potential answers using only the context clues located in the sentence. ...
2. If you must guess, do so wisely. ...
3. Look for tricky words. ...
4. Don't be afraid to take notes. ...
5. Learn common suffixes and prefixes.

Tips to Ace Sentence Completion Test

Published on 06 Mar 2020
Sentence completion questions test the test-taker's capability in the domains of verbal
ability, reasoning, and usage. These questions measure how skilled an individual is in
determining the flow of thought, applying the elements of grammar and using
appropriate words for the given context.

Structure of Sentence Completion Questions

The common sentence completion question types include:

1. Fill in the blank (single blank)

2. Fill in the blanks (double blanks)
 3. Cloze Test

The first two types are single sentences with single or double blanks to be filled
respectively. In the case of paired blanks, there are two words in each option and both
should fit into the theme of the sentence. A cloze test requires the test taker to fill in
multiple blanks in an entire paragraph.
 

Approaches and Strategies for solving Sentence

Completion Questions

Before looking at the choices, take a look at the sentence and think of (a) word/words
that can complete the sentence. This helps in understanding what the sentence is
about, to a certain extent.
Look at all the possible choices before deciding upon a final answer. In double-blank
sentences, try filling in one of the blanks and eliminate the answer choices based on
that.
Signal words can play a key role in identifying the right choice. These can include

1. Cause and effect signals – accordingly, so... that. Thus, when...then,

etc.
2. Support signals – furthermore, also, likewise, etc.
3. Contrast signals – although, despite, in spite of, rather than, etc.

 
Examples of Sentence Completion

Single Blank Example

1. As a commerce graduate, Vivekananda had a healthy apprehension of anything
remotely technical. He let his wife handle all the _________ .
(a) Ideas (b) TV antennas (c) Gadgets and Gizmos (d) Cellular phones
 
Solution: It is mentioned that Vivekanandan had an apprehension of ANYTHING
remotely technical. Although choices (b) and (d) fit in according to the context, the
correct choice is (c) as it encompasses the other options.

Double Blanks Example

1. Despite its ________ and safety in treating some of the most incapacitating forms of
depression and anxiety, it has not been widely _________ .
(a) security, renounced (b) potency, repudiated (c) ineffectuality, overtaken (d)
usefulness, accepted
 
Solution: The signal word 'despite' indicates that there is a contrast in the sentence.
The first blank should be filled with a positive word, as safety (the other keyword) is a
positive term. Accordingly, only 'usefulness' from choice (d) can fill in the first blank. The
second word too agrees to the given context.

Cloze test example

1. The ___(i)___ of rabbits as pets has increased immensely over the last few years.
Their value as companion animals has ___(ii)___ for several reasons. Rabbits make
relatively few demands on an individual’s or a family’s lifestyle. They are quiet and
peaceful animals by nature. They do not bark, they do not disturb neighbors, and they
easily get along with other small pets if introduced with care. Their exercise ___(iii)___
are few and they respond beautifully to attention and affection if they are handled
frequently with gentleness and love. Rabbits are very intelligent, and can be ___(iv)___
very easily. In general, rabbits are ___(v)___ and gentle creatures who will fill your
world with more love and joy than you could ever imagine.

(i) (a) fame (b) capabilities (c) popularity (d) incompatibility

(ii) (a) burgeoned (b) waned (c) depreciated (d) descended
(iii) (a) patterns (b) requirements (c) covenant (d) preparation
(iv) (a) habituated (b) subdued (c) reclaimed (d) house-trained
(v) (a) vicious (b) determined (c) docile (d) uncultivated
 
Solutions: (i) c (ii) a (iii) b (iv) d (v) c
Verbal Ability