Sentence Completion Concepts

---

1. Single and Double Blank Fillers

What it means: Choose words that make the sentence both grammatically correct and meaningful.

Remember: First check what type of word is needed — noun, verb, adjective, etc. Then check the meaning.

Example: The ___ of the ancient artifact ___ historians for decades. (mystery / has baffled)

Answer: mystery, has baffled

The mystery of the ancient artifact has baffled historians for decades.

---

2. Contrast Clues

What it means: Words such as but, however, although, nevertheless show a contrast between two ideas.

Remember: When you see a contrast word, look for an idea that is opposite or unexpected.

Example: The weather was ___; however, the picnic continued as planned.

Answer: terrible

The weather was terrible; however, the picnic continued as planned.

The bad weather contrasts with the decision to continue the picnic.

---

3. Cause and Effect

What it means: Some sentences show that one event causes another event.

Remember:

• because → gives a reason
• therefore → shows a result
• consequently → shows a result
• so → shows a result

Example: He practiced daily; ___, his performance improved dramatically.

Answer: consequently

He practiced daily; consequently, his performance improved dramatically.

Practice is the cause, and improved performance is the result.

---

4. Grammar-Based Completion

What it means: Sometimes the blank is tested mainly through grammar rather than vocabulary.

Remember: Look at the tense and structure of the rest of the sentence.

Example: She ___ to the store when it started raining. (was walking)

Answer: was walking

She was walking to the store when it started raining.

The action was already in progress when another action happened.

---

5. Vocabulary and Logical Meaning

What it means: The correct word must fit both the meaning and tone of the sentence.

Remember: Do not choose a word only because its meaning looks possible. Check the complete sentence.

Example: The speaker’s ___ remarks offended everyone in the audience. (acerbic)

Answer: acerbic

The speaker’s acerbic remarks offended everyone in the audience.

Acerbic means sharp, harsh, or cutting in speech, so it fits the negative tone of the sentence.