In this question type, you match sentence beginnings with endings using information from the passage. There are usually more endings than you need, so some options will remain unused.
The task tests whether you understand how ideas in the passage connect. Grammar can help narrow the choices, but the passage must confirm your answer.
Common Mistakes
- Matching beginnings and endings because they sound logical together, without checking the passage
- Choosing an option because it repeats a word from the text, even though the full meaning does not match
- Searching only for exact wording instead of looking for synonyms and paraphrases
- Spending too long comparing every ending before understanding the incomplete sentences
Tips
- Read the incomplete sentences first and identify their main ideas.
- Predict what kind of information each sentence needs.
- Use grammar and meaning to rule out endings that cannot fit.
- Scan the passage for the relevant ideas, including paraphrases and synonyms.
- Check that the complete sentence matches the passage, not just that it sounds natural.
- Follow the question instructions. Do not assume the answers appear in passage order unless the instructions say so.
- Leave difficult matches and return to them after answering easier ones.
A Step-by-Step Strategy
- Read the instructions.
- Read each sentence beginning without looking closely at the endings.
- Mark key terms, dates, or other distinctive details.
- Predict the type of ending each sentence needs.
- Review the options and remove those that do not fit the grammar or meaning.
- Find the relevant part of the passage for each sentence.
- Compare the passage’s meaning with the remaining options and select the best match.
- Read the completed sentence once more to confirm it fits both the passage and the grammar.