Sentence completion questions are a staple in language exams, job aptitude tests, and general assessments of verbal reasoning. They assess your ability to grasp the meaning of a sentence and choose the word or phrase that best completes it. Let’s dive into strategies for tackling these questions effectively and explore practice examples.
Why Sentence Completion Matters
Sentence completion questions test your vocabulary, comprehension skills, and ability to infer meaning from context. They require you to:
- Understand the overall context of the sentence.
- Identify keywords that guide you to the correct choice.
- Evaluate options and select the one that fits best.
Key Strategies for Success
- Read the Sentence Carefully: Focus on the overall meaning and tone of the sentence. Look for clues that signal relationships between ideas.
- Identify Keywords: Words like “but,” “although,” “because,” or “therefore” often indicate contrasts or cause-and-effect relationships.
- Predict Before You Peek: Try to think of a word that could fit the blank before reviewing the options. This prevents you from being influenced by incorrect choices.
- Eliminate Incorrect Options: Narrow down choices by eliminating words that don’t match the tone, context, or grammar of the sentence.
- Double-Check Your Choice: After selecting an answer, reread the sentence to ensure it’s coherent and grammatically correct.
Practice Questions with Explanations
Question 1
The artist’s work was characterized by a __ use of color, evoking both calm and excitement.
- a) monochromatic
- b) haphazard
- c) harmonious
- d) dissonant
Answer: c) harmonious
The sentence suggests that the artist’s use of color creates a balance of calm and excitement, which aligns with the word “harminous.” The other options do not convey the intended meaning.
Question 2
The CEO’s __ demeanor made it difficult for employees to approach her with concerns.
- a) affable
- b) aloof
- c) approachable
- d) jovial
Answer: b) aloof
The sentence highlights difficulty in approaching the CEO, which is best described by the word “aloof.” The other options suggest friendliness or accessibility, which contradicts the context.
Question 3
The lawyer’s argument was so __ that the judge had no choice but to dismiss the case.
- a) flimsy
- b) ambiguous
- c) irrefutable
- d) weak
Answer: c) irrefutable
The judge’s inability to dismiss the case points to an argument that is undeniable or “irrefutable.” “Flimsy” or “weak” would suggest the opposite.
Question 4
The historical text was __ with facts, leaving little room for speculative interpretation.
- a) rife
- b) devoid
- c) fraught
- d) replete
Answer: d) replete
The text is full of facts, making “replete” the correct answer. “Devoid” means lacking, which contradicts the meaning of the sentence.
Question 5
The __ of the proposal became evident when the financial forecast revealed hidden costs.
- a) merit
- b) flaws
- c) consistency
- d) clarity
Answer: b) flaws
Hidden costs reveal weaknesses or “flaws” in the proposal, making this the best choice.
Final Thoughts
Practicing sentence completion questions improves your language skills, enhances your understanding of context, and sharpens critical thinking. Incorporate these strategies into your practice, and you’ll find yourself mastering even the trickiest of blanks!
