1. GRE VERBAL REASONING
TEXT COMPLETION

2. Text Completion - Overview
Asked to select one entry for each blank from a column of choices
Question may have 1, 2, or 3 blanks
6 Text Completion questions in each Verbal Reasoning section
Tests your ability to recognize point of the sentence
Tests your ability to find best word(s) to fit point of the sentence
GRE Test Completion Directions:
Each sentence below has one or more blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentence are five words for one-blank questions and sets of three words for each blank for two-and three-blank questions. Choose the word or set of words for each blank that best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

3. Text Completion - 3 Types
1. 1 Blank 2. 2 Blank 3. 3 Blank

4. Text Completion – Steps for 1 Blank
#1 Read the sentence & look for clues or road signs*
Straight Ahead: and, since, also, thus, because, ; (semicolon), etc.
Detour: but, despite, yet, however, unless, rather, although, while, etc.
#2 Predict an answer
Prediction should be a logical fit in the sentence
#3 Select the Choice that most closely matches your prediction
Eliminate answer choices that do not fit prediction
If no answer choices fit prediction, revisit step 1 and step 2
#4 Check your answer
Double-check that answer choice is correct in sentence context
See slide on Road Signs

5. Text Completion – Steps for 2 & 3 Blank
#1 Read the sentence and look for clues (road signs)
#2 Predict answer for easiest blank
Identify easiest blank to work with
Use road sign and relevant word for easiest blank to predict
#3 Select choice most closely matches prediction
Eliminate answer choices that do not fit prediction
If no answer choices fit prediction, revisit step 1 and step 2
#4 Predict and select for remaining blanks
For 2 blanks, use context to help choose answer for 2nd blank
For 3 blanks, repeat steps 2 and 3 for easiest blank and then use context to help choose answer for 3rd blank
*See slide on Road Signs

6. Road Signs – Looking for Clues
Words that signal connection between ideas & determine direction of relationship
Can be “straight ahead” or “detour” road signs
Straight Ahead Road Signs
Used to make one part of sentence support or elaborate on another part
Continues the sentence in the same direction
Examples: and, since, also, thus, because, likewise, moreover, ; semicolon
Detour Road Signs
Change the direction of the sentence
Makes one part of sentence contradict or qualify another part
Examples: but, despite, yet, however, unless, rather, although, nonetheless

7. Text Completion - Tips
Look for what’s directly implied & not ambiguous interpretation
Correct answer is the one most directly implied by meaning of words in sentence
Don’t be too creative
Read literally & do not use your imagination
Paraphrase long or complex sentences
Put difficult sentences in your own words
Use word roots
Use Greek or Latin roots to help figure out word meaning