GRE text completion tips and tricks for a high score

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardised test that assesses a student's aptitude in various areas, including verbal reasoning. One challenging section of the GRE verbal reasoning is the text completion questions, where you are required to select the correct words or phrases to complete a given sentence. These questions can be daunting, as they often test not only vocabulary but also the ability to understand sentence structure and context.

However, with the right strategies and techniques, you can improve your performance on GRE text completion questions and achieve a high score.

In this article, we will explore tips and tricks that can help you tackle GRE text completion questions effectively and increase your chances of selecting the correct answers.

GRE text completion questions

GRE text completion is a type of question that appears in the verbal reasoning section of the GRE. In GRE text completion questions, you are given a sentence with one or more blank spaces, and you need to select the correct words or phrases from the provided answer choices to complete the sentence in a way that is grammatically correct and logically coherent.

Also read: Improving your GRE reading comprehension

GRE text completion questions often assess your vocabulary, understanding of sentence structure, context analysis, and logical reasoning skills. They require you to have a good command of English vocabulary and grammar, as well as the ability to comprehend the meaning of the sentence and make informed choices among the answer options.

GRE text completion questions may include clues or hints in the sentence itself that can help you select the correct answer choice. These clues may include synonyms, antonyms, word pairs, or words that provide context or contrast to the sentence. You need to carefully evaluate each option and select the one that best fits the context of the sentence and provides a logical completion.

Also read: GRE sample papers to ace the exam

Tips and tricks for a high score in GRE text completion

Text completion is a challenging question type on the GRE, as it requires you to carefully analyse the given sentence and select the most appropriate words or phrases to complete it. 

Also read: How to prepare for GRE

Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve a high score in GRE text completion:

1. Understand the sentence structure

Start by reading the entire sentence carefully and understanding its structure. Identify the main subject, verb, and any other important components of the sentence. This will help you grasp the context and meaning of the sentence, which is crucial for selecting the correct words or phrases to complete it.

2. Predict the missing words

Before looking at the answer choices, try to predict what words or phrases would logically complete the sentence. Think about the meaning of the sentence and the tone or mood it conveys. Consider the relationships between the words in the sentence and try to anticipate what type of word or phrase would fit logically in the blank space.

3. Evaluate all the options

Once you have a prediction in mind, carefully review all the answer choices provided. Pay attention to the nuances in meaning and connotation of the words or phrases. Eliminate any options that do not make sense or are grammatically incorrect. Consider the context of the sentence and how each answer choice affects the overall meaning and coherence of the sentence.

4. Look for clue words

Many GRE text completion questions contain clue words or phrases that can help you identify the correct answer. These clue words may be synonyms, antonyms, or words that provide context or contrast to the sentence. Pay close attention to such clue words as they can guide you towards the correct answer choice.

5. Use the process of elimination

If you are unsure about the correct answer, use the process of elimination to narrow down your options. Eliminate any answer choices that are clearly incorrect or do not fit the context of the sentence. This increases your chances of selecting the correct answer from the remaining options.

Also Read: GRE Quantitative Section Study Plan

6. Pay attention to word pairs and collocations

Some GRE text completion questions may require you to choose two or more words that form a collocation or a word pair. Collocations are words that frequently occur together in English, such as "make a decision" or "take a risk." Pay attention to such collocations or word pairs in the sentence and select answer choices that form meaningful and grammatically correct combinations.

Also Read: GRE data interpretation

7. Practice with authentic GRE materials

To improve your text completion skills, practice with authentic GRE materials, including official GRE practice tests and sample questions. Familiarise yourself with the types of words and phrases that commonly appear in text completion questions, and learn to identify the subtle nuances in meaning and tone that can help you choose the correct answer.

8. Review your answers

Finally, review your answers before submitting your test. Double-check your selected words or phrases to ensure they fit logically and grammatically in the sentence. Make sure your choices are consistent with the meaning and tone of the sentence. Reviewing your answers can help you catch any careless mistakes and improve your overall accuracy.

Also Read: GRE General vs Subject Test Know which is right for you?

GRE text completion questions are an important component of the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE. Preparing for the GRE with a focus on text completion questions, along with other question types, can greatly contribute to your overall performance on the exam. So, be sure to incorporate text completion practice into your GRE preparation plan and follow the tips and tricks mentioned in this guide to boost your chances of obtaining a high score on the GRE.

Frequently asked questions

What are GRE text completion questions?

GRE text completion questions are a type of question in the verbal reasoning section of the GRE. In these questions, test-takers are given a sentence with one or more blank spaces, and they need to select the correct words or phrases from the provided answer choices to complete the sentence in a way that is grammatically correct and logically coherent.

What skills are tested in GRE text completion questions?

GRE text completion questions test a range of skills, including vocabulary, understanding of sentence structure, context analysis, and logical reasoning. Test-takers need to have a good command of English vocabulary and grammar, as well as the ability to comprehend the meaning of the sentence and make informed choices among the answer options.

How can I improve my performance on GRE text completion questions?

To improve your performance on GRE text completion questions, practice regularly with authentic GRE materials, such as official practice tests and sample questions. Familiarize yourself with the types of words and phrases that commonly appear in text completion questions and develop strategies for understanding sentence structure and context. Additionally, work on expanding your vocabulary and honing your logical reasoning skills to make informed choices among the answer options.

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