How to Solve GRE Text Completion | Verbal Reasoning for GRE PDF Download

Master GRE Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence – The 3 Steps!

• The Verbal section of the GRE is often viewed as the most challenging by Indian aspirants, akin to facing a formidable opponent. Underestimating it can lead to failure, while approaching it with fear can also hinder success.
• In this section, candidates encounter two types of questions: GRE Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. Each section comprises six Text Completion questions and four Sentence Equivalence questions.
• It's crucial not to confuse GRE Sentence Equivalence questions with GMAT Sentence Completion questions—they are distinctly different tasks, despite both involving filling in blanks.
• In Sentence Equivalence questions, there's only one blank to fill, whereas Text Completion questions may have up to three blanks.

Consider this example Text Completion question:

"While Knapp’s research (i) __________ the fact that traditional houses are (ii) __________ under assault from the market economy, rapid urbanization, and declining craft skills, it fails to address the scope of (iii) __________ tradition within modernity―the fusion of which is the right way to progress―thus portraying a picture of a losing battle."
Try and solve it on your own first.
Ans: (i) A. denigrates (ii) F. beleaguered (iii) H. incorporating
Did you get it right?
Kudos to you if you did—if you didn’t, don’t worry.
Follow the three steps and see how to solve questions like these.

Step 1: Investigate

Before tackling the question directly, it's crucial to identify clues within the given statement.
In this case, pay attention to phrases like:
"…traditional houses are (ii) __________ under assault from the market…"
Here, the phrase "under assault" indicates that the answers will likely involve negative words, which express disagreement or rejection.

Additionally, consider:
"…the scope of (iii) __________ tradition within modernity―the fusion…"
The word "fusion" suggests that we should be on the lookout for words indicating "joining" or "coming together."
These cues serve as guideposts to navigate towards the correct answers. Identifying such clues provides a clearer understanding of the direction the question is pointing towards, bringing us closer to the solution.
Now that we have grasped "The Clue"—the search for negative words—let's proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Break them apart & interpret them

Step 3: Solve the puzzle

Bonus Step: Scan & Confirm

• It's crucial to remember that in GRE Verbal questions with multiple blanks, all blanks must be filled correctly for the answer to be considered correct. There's no room for partial marking—it's either all correct or all incorrect.
• After filling in the blanks, always take a moment to reread the statement and verify that the answers fit appropriately within the context. This step ensures the correctness of your response.
• Maintaining this diligence helps to minimize errors and maximize accuracy when tackling such questions, ultimately enhancing your performance in the GRE Verbal section.

Get Every GRE Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence Question Right—What to Do?

Now that you're equipped with the three essential steps, it's time to implement them in your GRE practice sessions. However, mastering these techniques can be challenging, especially in the time-pressured environment of the GRE test center. The exam questions are intentionally crafted to challenge students, making effective preparation essential.
But fear not! There are two simple yet effective tips provided by SFAs (Study Facilitation Advisors) to sharpen your GRE Verbal skills. Commit these tips to memory and diligently practice them:

• Expand Your Vocabulary: It may seem straightforward, but truly mastering GRE vocabulary is no easy feat. It's not just about learning words; it's about understanding and internalizing them. Visual aids can significantly aid in this process. Consider using the "WordBot" App by AdmitEDGE, which offers visual learning of important GRE words along with ample practice tests to evaluate your progress. Aim to learn 20 to 30 new words daily. However, don't immediately take practice tests after learning. Instead, wait a day or two before testing yourself. This delay ensures better retention of the learned words. If you struggle to recall certain words, revise them again. Regular revision is crucial for reinforcing your vocabulary.For guidance on which words to prioritize, refer to the ebook on "High Priority GRE Words."
• Improve Comprehension Skills: Enhance your comprehension abilities by reading newspaper editorials. Publications like The Hindu, The Times of India, etc., are recommended as they employ similar language and vocabulary to the GRE Verbal test. This practice familiarizes you with the level of language complexity encountered in various GRE Verbal questions.

By diligently following these tips, you can effectively enhance your GRE Verbal skills and approach the exam with confidence.

In Conclusion

• By incorporating these two tips and implementing the three steps consistently in your practice and exam preparation, you'll gradually find the hurdles posed by GRE Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence questions diminishing.
• Had Rohan been aware of these steps and tips, he could have realized his dream of admission. While it may be too late for Rohan, it's certainly not too late for you!
• Preparation for the main event or test day is imperative. Remember, your GRE prep is more akin to a marathon than a sprint.
• Should you encounter any doubts or questions along the way, feel free to leave a comment below, and we'll make sure to address them promptly.