In sentence-completion questions, you fill gaps in several sentences using information from the reading passage. The instructions tell you how many words you may write and whether your answers must come directly from the text.
These questions test reading comprehension and your ability to recognize paraphrases. The passage may express the same idea with different wording from the question.
Paraphrasing and Synonyms
A paraphrase restates an idea in different words. Synonyms are words with the same or a similar meaning.
For example:
- Original: Most workers drive cars to work.
- Paraphrase: The majority of employees travel to their jobs by car.
The wording changes, but the idea remains similar. When searching the passage, look for the meaning the question describes rather than relying only on exact word matches.
Common Mistakes
- Searching for the exact words used in the question instead of considering paraphrases
- Missing the word limit or using a form of the word that the instructions do not allow
- Reading the passage before checking what information the questions ask for
- Filling a gap with a word that does not fit the sentence grammatically
- Spending too long on one answer
Tips
- Read the instructions and note the word limit.
- If the instructions say to use words from the passage, copy the answer as it appears there. Do not change its form.
- Read the incomplete sentences before searching the passage.
- Predict the kind of word each gap needs, such as a noun, verb, or adjective.
- Consider synonyms and paraphrases when locating the relevant information.
- Check that your answer fits the sentence grammar and preserves the passage’s meaning.
- Questions often follow the order of the passage, but use the instructions and text to confirm.
- Check spelling before moving on.
A Step-by-Step Strategy
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Read each incomplete sentence and identify what information it needs.
- Mark key terms and think of possible paraphrases.
- Scan the passage for the relevant section.
- Read that section closely and choose the answer.
- Put the answer into the sentence and check the meaning, grammar, spelling, and word limit.
- If you cannot find an answer quickly, move on and return to it later.