Suitable Approaches for Sentence Completion

Sentence completion exercises are a common feature in the English language. These exercises test the student’s vocabulary and ability to comprehend sentence structure and context. A robust vocabulary is essential for tackling such questions but is not the only factor contributing to success. 

In this article, we will explore various suitable approaches students can employ to tackle sentence completion exercises and improve their language skills effectively.

Read the Sentence Thoroughly

The first and most crucial step in sentence completion is carefully reading the entire sentence. The sentence structure may often be complex or contain unfamiliar words, making it challenging to understand the intended meaning. By dissecting the sentence, students can better grasp the context and identify clues that lead to the right word choice.

Pay Attention to Hints

Sentence completion questions often include hints pointing to the word or phrase that should fill the blank. Changing the hint should result in a corresponding change in the answer choice. Students can effectively eliminate incorrect options by inserting the hint into the blank and evaluating its coherence with the sentence.

Use Pluses and Minuses

Employing symbols to indicate positive or negative meanings, synonyms, or antonyms can be highly beneficial. These symbols help students identify the word needed to complete the sentence accurately. For instance, a plus sign (+) may indicate a positive word, while a minus sign (-) may indicate a negative one.

Identify Structure Words

Structure words such as “but,” “although,” “however,” “and,” “while,” and “therefore” offer valuable insights into the organization of the sentence and the relationship between the hint and the blank. Understanding these words can guide students towards the appropriate types of words to look for, streamlining the thought process in sentence completion.

Visualize Possible Words

Before considering the answer choices, encourage students to visualize possible words that fit the blank. This mental exercise can help them avoid falling for deceptive options and effectively narrow their choices. A rough idea of the type of word required can significantly aid the process of elimination.

Master the Art of Elimination

Elimination is a powerful technique in sentence completion exercises. By ruling out incorrect choices, students increase their chances of selecting the right answer. However, they must ensure that the selected word fits seamlessly into the sentence structure and conveys a meaningful message.

Work Backward for Two-Blank Questions

Two-blank questions provide more opportunities for elimination. If students can eliminate a choice based on one word, they need not know the other word. Working backwards from the second blank to the first can be an effective strategy, leading to a higher chance of arriving at the correct response.

Final Thoughts

Mastering sentence completion exercises requires a combination of a strong vocabulary and effective strategies. Students in classes 10 to 12 can significantly improve their performance in English exams by implementing suitable approaches like careful reading, identifying hints and structure words, visualizing possible words, and employing elimination techniques. 

As they practice these approaches, they will excel in sentence completion exercises and enhance their overall understanding of English language usage, leading to improved communication skills and academic success.