Quite a challenging and one of the unique components of GRE is sentence equivalence. In this section, you need to select two answers from a bunch of six options, to complete the meaning of the sentence. The most important thing to be remembered is, that each of the answer should independently be able to complete the meaning of the sentence, while keeping its original meaning intact. So, basically your vocabulary, comprehension skills, and ability to spot the difference in the text is put to test.
In verbal section, there are approximately 4-5 questions on sentence equivalence. Only when both the options are right, the credit is being given to the student. Beware! There is no partial credit given, so you need to make both your answers right.
The common mistake which the student tends to make is, that they do not emphasize on the particular context, and only look for actual meaning. Let’s discuss some strategies which can help you to tackle this part of GRE.
- Search for the pair of synonyms
After reading the GRE question, don’t jump on the options instantly. Just try to fill the space with shadow word first. The shadow word is the word that completes the sense of the sentence, roughly based on your supposition and not from the options provided. After guessing the word, go for the options. In most cases, the words always stand in a pair. Its possible that two words, with a slight difference in meaning can be called as the near synonyms. So, by finding the paired word among the options provided, you can narrow down the choices been given to you. Try to create synonym pair at start while evaluating the answers in the blank.
- Whether the sentence requires positive or negative answer
Identify the tone of the statement, and ask yourself if the sentence needs a positive word or negative to complete the meaning of the statement.
Let’s take a supposition you are looking for a negative word, then the knowledge of prefixes and the root words can help you decode the right answer.
- Understand the contextual clues:
The hints in the question statement helps to narrow down the choices. Understand the function of the word in the blank that sentence wants to serve. Pay attention to the complete statement of the sentence, only by reading the words near the blank won’t solve the complete purpose.
- Look for important adverb in the statement:
Adverbs establish relationship between clauses and help in understanding the statement better. Conversely, however, secondly, furthermore, nevertheless, although etc. to make you understand better, the sentence which has although in it, a contrast is being presented by it. One part of statement highlighting positive meaning and the other one the negative or vice versa.
Example:
- “while the professor first achieved renown for the theory he devised single handedly during the early days of his career, his later contributions were achieved in a more ____ manner.
- Solitary
- Collaborative
- Synergetic
- Exegetic
- Unilateral
- Collusive
Explanation: While is there, so the blank would carry opposite of single handedly i.e. in collaboration with others. The answer choices will be: collaborative and single handedly. “
- Now read the final sentence with your selected word:
Do not miss this important step, in order to save your time. Read the blank filled with your choice, which you help you not to miss the error in logic that was not noticeable when looking only at piecemeal of the sentence. I repeat! read the statement with the blank filled in for answer choices.
The sessions of Yourpedia Global are of great help. The mentors provide one to one session, where you can actually learn the tricks and ace your practice by practicing a list of questions. You can also master the tips and tricks, which will help you in solving the question in shortest time interval. Start your preparation with Yourpedia Gobal, to get your dream score, and the choice of university you always dreamt for.
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