Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion on the GRE: A Complete Guide

Are you preparing for the GRE Verbal section? You’ll want to pay special attention to Text Completion (TC) and Sentence Equivalence (SE) questions – they make up a whopping 50% of your Verbal score! Understanding these question types is crucial for your success on test day.

Quick Overview #

Text Completion questions present you with a sentence or short passage containing one to three blanks. Your task? Select the perfect word or phrase that completes each blank meaningfully. These questions test both your vocabulary and your ability to understand context.

Sentence Equivalence questions follow a different format. You’ll face a single sentence with one blank and six answer choices. The twist? You must select two answers that could fill in the blank while keeping the sentence’s meaning essentially the same.

The Common Thread: Vocabulary in Context #

Both TC and SE questions fall under the category of vocabulary-in-context questions. Gone are the days when memorizing word lists was enough! These questions challenge your ability to:

• Understand how words function within specific contexts
• Recognize subtle differences in meaning
• Apply your vocabulary knowledge in practical situations

The surrounding text provides vital clues about the meaning you’re looking for. Think of it as solving a puzzle where the context gives you the pieces you need to find the perfect fit.

Key Similarities Between TC and SE #

Equal Importance in Scoring #

Expect to encounter approximately seven questions of each type during your test. The first Verbal section typically includes three questions each of TC and SE, while the second section usually contains four of each. This even distribution underscores their equal importance in your preparation strategy.

Preparation Approach #

Your preparation for both question types follows remarkably similar paths. Success hinges on two core skills:

1. Sharp reading comprehension abilities to understand contextual nuances
2. Strong vocabulary knowledge with an emphasis on usage rather than mere definitions

At Wizako, we’ve observed that about 80-90% of the preparation strategies overlap between TC and SE questions. Our curriculum teaches five key strategies that apply to both formats, plus one unique strategy for each type.

The All-or-Nothing Scoring Rule #

Here’s a crucial point: when questions require multiple answers (like double/triple-blank TC or SE questions), there’s no partial credit. You must get all parts correct to earn points. This makes accuracy particularly important in your approach.

Important Differences to Remember #

Structure and Format #

• Text Completion questions vary in complexity with one, two, or three blanks. As the number of blanks increases, so does the length of the context provided. Triple-blank questions often feature paragraph-length contexts.
• Sentence Equivalence questions maintain a consistent format: one blank, one sentence, six options, two correct answers.

Answer Options and Selection #

Text Completion questions adjust their format based on the number of blanks:

• Single blank: Choose one correct answer from five options
• Double/triple blanks: Select one correct answer from three options per blank

Sentence Equivalence questions never vary: you’ll always select two correct answers from six options. This consistent format makes SE questions unique in their approach to testing vocabulary knowledge.

Question Location and Flow #

The test follows a predictable pattern in presenting these questions. Text Completion questions typically appear at the beginning of each Verbal section, followed by Reading Comprehension passages, then Sentence Equivalence questions around the halfway point, before concluding with more Reading Comprehension.

Answer Choice Format #

While Text Completion questions might include both single words and phrases as options, Sentence Equivalence questions almost exclusively use single words. This difference reflects each question type’s distinct approach to testing vocabulary and comprehension.

Practice Makes Perfect #

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? We’ve got you covered with:

• 15 Free Text Completion Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations
• 15 Free Sentence Equivalence Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations

These practice sets come with comprehensive explanations to help you understand not just the correct answers, but the reasoning behind them. Take advantage of these free resources to sharpen your skills!

Boost Your Preparation with Wizako #

At Wizako, we understand that traditional vocabulary learning methods can be monotonous and ineffective. That’s why we’ve developed innovative approaches to help you master these crucial question types:

• AI-enhanced vocabulary learning through visual imagery and storytelling
• Interactive live online classes featuring gamification elements
• Structured practice sets that progressively build your skills

Remember, success in TC and SE questions isn’t just about knowing more words – it’s about understanding how to use them effectively in context. With the right preparation strategy and consistent practice, you can master these question types and boost your GRE Verbal score significantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence #

What size vocabulary do I need for GRE SETC questions? #

While the GRE tests approximately 5000 words, you don’t need to memorize all of them. Focus on about 800-1000 high-frequency GRE words and understand their usage in different contexts. More importantly, develop skills to decipher meaning from context clues.

How do I build vocabulary effectively for SETC questions? #

Instead of mere memorization, use these techniques:

• Learn words in context through reading
• Study word families and related words together
• Practice using words in sentences
• Focus on understanding subtle differences between similar words
• Use visual and story-based learning methods

Should I attempt double/triple blank TC questions differently from single blank ones? #

Yes. For multiple-blank questions:

• Break down the sentence into smaller parts
• Tackle one blank at a time, starting with the one with strongest context clues
• Cross-verify if your choices maintain coherence across all blanks
• Remember there’s no partial credit, so be extra careful with your final choices

How much time should I spend on each SETC question? #

Aim for:

• Single-blank TC: 45-60 seconds
• Double-blank TC: 75-90 seconds
• Triple-blank TC: 90-120 seconds
• SE questions: 60-75 seconds However, these are guidelines – your speed will improve with practice.

Why do the answer choices sometimes feel equally correct in SE questions? #

This is often because:

• You might be focusing on dictionary definitions instead of contextual meaning
• The subtle differences between words matter more than their broad similarities
• The context might require a specific connotation that only two choices properly convey

How can I improve my accuracy in SETC questions? #

• Practice reading complex academic texts regularly
• Analyze how words function in different contexts
• Learn to identify and use sentence structure clues
• Take timed practice tests to improve speed without sacrificing accuracy