SAT: Verbal Sentence Completion (adapted from Barron’s SAT, 24th Edition, Barron’s Educational Series, Inc., 2008)

Sentence Completion This is the first section of the SATs you will take. Focuses on: Using vocabulary. Recognizing how different parts of a sentence fits together.

Sentence Completion Goal: To choose the BEST answer. Need to be cognizant (aware) of the logic, style and tone of the given sentence. You must also be able to understand the different ways in which words are defined/used (vocabulary). Remember: you have to fit the word(s) into the sentence in a way that makes sense. By recognizing these 4 factors, you can then choose the best answer that makes sense in this context.

Sentence Completion The subject of these sentences come from a variety of fields: Music, art, science, literature, history. But remember, you are not test on your general knowledge of these fields (though having general knowledge may help you narrow down the best response). The focus is your understanding of the English language.

Sentence Completion Helpful Tips 

01. BEFORE YOU LOOK AT THE ANSWER CHOICES, THINK OF A WORD THAT MAKES SENSE. Answer the question in your mind before looking at the possible answers. The word you think of may not be the exact word that appears on the test, but it will probably be similar in meaning to the correct answer.

Unlike her gabby brother Bruce, Bea seldom ____. 01. BEFORE YOU LOOK AT THE ANSWER CHOICES, THINK OF A WORD THAT MAKES SENSE. Unlike her gabby brother Bruce, Bea seldom ____. Step 1: Read the sentence. Step 2: Dissect the sentence/look for key words to help you fill in the blank. … gabby brother Bruce… what does that mean? Gabby (syn: talkative, chatty…) Bea seldom ____. Seldom (syn: rarely) Step 3: Fill in your blank without looking at the possible choices.

Unlike her gabby brother Bruce, Bea seldom ____. 01. BEFORE YOU LOOK AT THE ANSWER CHOICES, THINK OF A WORD THAT MAKES SENSE. Unlike her gabby brother Bruce, Bea seldom ____. Unlike her gabby brother Bruce, Bea seldom gabs. Gabs = talks. Eureka! I’ve got it! The answer must be: Unlike her gabby brother Bruce, Bea seldom talks. Step 4: Take a look at your options, and pick the best choice (be sure to read through all of your options). A. Eats B. Sleeps C. Speaks D. Dances E. Exercises

02. SPOT CLUES IN THE SENTENCE: SIGNAL WORDS Support Signals Words to look for: and, moreover, in addition and furthermore. For questions like these, you will want to look for a synonym or near-synonym. Words that mean the same. He was habitually so docile and ____ that his friends could not understand his sudden out-burst against his employers. A. Submissive B. Incorrigible C. Contemptuous D. Erratic E. Hasty

02. SPOT CLUES IN THE SENTENCE: SIGNAL WORDS Contrasts Signals Words to look for: but, although, nevertheless, despite, however, even though and on the other hand. For questions like these, you will want to look for a antonym or near-antonym. Words that are the opposite. We expected her to be jubilant over her victory, but she was ____ instead. A. Triumphant B. Adult C. Morose D. Loquacious E. Culpable

02. SPOT CLUES IN THE SENTENCE: SIGNAL WORDS Cause and Effect Signals Words to look for: because, since, therefore, consequently, accordingly, hence, thus and as a result. For questions like these, it’s really about logic. How does A lead to B? Because his delivery was ____, the effect of his speech on the voters was nonexistent. A. Plausible B. Moving C. Audible D. Halting E. Respectable

Words to look for: no, not, none 03. NOTICE NEGATIVES Words to look for: no, not, none Negative prefixes to look for: non-, un-, in- !! Watch out for the word NOT in the sentence; it is a word many students overlook. Madison was not ___ person and thus made few public addresses; but those he made were memorable, filled with noble phrases. A. a reticent B. a stately C. an inspiring D. an introspective E. a communicative

Step 1: Read through the entire sentence. 04. TAKE ONE BLANK AT A TIME The opossum is ____ the venom of snakes in the rattlesnake subfamily and thus views the reptiles not as ____ enemies but as a food source. Step 1: Read through the entire sentence. Insert the first word of each answer pair into the first blank to see whether or not it make sense. If not, you can eliminate the pair. Step 2: Check the second word of the answer pairs that you have not eliminated. NOTE: Be careful!! It is possible to have more than one pair work, so you will have to look at the context of the sentence.

04. TAKE ONE BLANK AT A TIME The opossum is ____ the venom of snakes in the rattlesnake subfamily and thus views the reptiles not as ____ enemies but as a food source. A. vulnerable to … natural B. indicative of … mortal C. impervious to … lethal D. injurious to … deadly E. defenseless against … potential

To sum it up, it’s all about metacognition. (thinking about thinking) Being aware of your thought process and working your way through each question systematically.

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