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Content Curator | Updated On - Jun 4, 2024

Highlights:  
Questions numbers: There will be 8 questions for sentence equivalence segment 
Question pattern: You need to select 2 similar-meaning words for a single blank. 
Marking Criteria: Complete credit will be given for both the correct answers. There is no partial credit
Common mistake: Students mostly focused on the meaning of the word rather than the context. 
Best books to practice: Official books of Barron's, Pearson, and McGraw Hill


GRE sentence equivalence questions are single-blank questions with two right answers from six choices. Students will get 8 such questions and get full credit if both the options are correct. There is no partial credit for sentence equivalence.  In most of the cases, students focus on the actual meaning of the words instead of the actual context. GRE sentence equivalence practice questions can help you in testing context interpretation and vocabulary power. You might find the section as tricky and straightforward. Hence, GRE sentence completion practices, preparation books can help you to be prepared for the test. 

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question Structure

Sentence equivalence questions are similar to that of GRE text completion in terms of format. Sentence equivalence GRE questions evaluate candidates' capacity to answer a question using only a portion of the available information. GRE text completion and sentence equivalence is an integral part of GRE verbal reasoning that follow three key components:

  • A single sentence
  • A blank space
  • Six answer choices

To solve GRE sentence equivalence questions, candidates must choose two options to accurately respond. Partially correct answers are not credited with scores GRE text completion and sentence equivalence.

Strategies to Master GRE Sentence Equivalence

GRE sentence equivalence questions are single blanks that require two correct responses out of a possible six.  As per the GRE syllabus, test takers come across 8 equivalence questions. Most test-takers are intimidated by the fact that there is no half-credit. The majority of students frequently make mistakes when answering GRE sentence equivalence questions. Correct response often depends more on usage in a particular context than it does on the real meaning.

  1. Look for synonyms

It is better not to go straight to the answers after reading the GRE Sentence Equivalence question. The first attempt is to determine the word that best fits the blank. Then proceeding to the choices. The words looking for are typically a pair of synonyms. It is conceivable for two slightly dissimilar terms to be suitable options. However, it is better to keep in mind that they always have comparable connotations. Then it can quickly be possible for the options by looking for matched terms among the possible answers. Candidates must be proficient with all the GRE words to complete this task more quickly.

  1. Find the category of the word that is needed

Find whether the term looking for will have a positive or negative tone if it is unsure of how to proceed with the answer options. Selecting a very broad category can reduce options. Understanding of prefixes or root words can help eliminate some answer options if looking for a negative term.

  1. Using context clues

As the purpose of the question statement is to set the context for the blanks, it ought to contain cues that will allow you to focus the search for the best answer. Consider what the sentence's word in the blank does. It will be easier to determine what is needed to complete the meaning.

  1. Pay Attention to Adverbs

Adverbs that create connections between phrases include contrary, but, secondly, additionally, still, however, secondly, furthermore, moreover, nevertheless, etc. For a better understanding, consider these instances.

  1. Now Grammatical Structure

Understanding some fundamental grammatical patterns will help build sentences while attempting GRE sentence completion. The recurrence of a grammatical form within a sentence is known as parallel sentence construction, for instance. It will be to determine the meaning of the word the blank wants to identify because the pattern repeats in this fashion. Due to such minute details, sentence equivalence set a new standard in GRE exam pattern.  

Best Practice Books For GRE Sentence Equivalence

GRE sentence completion practices ensure full credit in this section. You become familiar with strategic approaches such as eliminating unmatched words and word assessments. Below-mentioned are some useful GRE books that will strengthen your sentence equivalence practice. 

  • The Official Guide to the GRE® General Test, Third Edition- Check PDF
  • Kaplan’s GRE Verbal Workbook- Check PDF
  • Manhattan 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems- Check PDF
  • The Vocabulary Builder Workbook- Check PDF
  • The Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test- Check PDF

Tips for GRE Sentence Equivalence

GRE sentence equivalence problems can be answered using a variety of ways, but candidates can also benefit from knowing a few insider secrets. The next piece of advice should be regarded as beneficial for candidates' GRE preparation.

  • Identify A Pair of Words: For the GRE sentence completion question, candidates have six possible answers. Candidates are required to choose a pair of almost synonymous words to finish the statement. The chosen word combination must, however, also make sense in the context of the statement. Candidates can learn to recognise pairs of words for sentence equivalence by practising GRE sentence completion.
  • Eliminate Unmatched Words: Any word from the list of options that don't fit or has no bearing on the sentence should be removed and not even remotely taken into account for the solution.
  • Read the sentence Carefully: Candidates should read the text several times to determine which words could be used to fill in the holes that make sense before answering the question.
  • Assess word positivity & negativity: Candidates must comprehend whether the sentence's context contains hints that are either favourable or unfavourable. Based on it, the GRE phrase may be constructed using the appropriate word choice and get rid of the irrelevant ones. To comprehend the circumstances, candidates might think about using GRE sentence equivalence practice problems.
  • Use Signal Words: There are several terms that serve as transitional words in sentences and can aid candidates in understanding the significance of the various sentence components. This can be mastered by the use of GRE sentence equivalence practice. Signal words could be used to determine whether two sentences are equivalent. For instance, the term instead in a sentence connotes an expected opposing viewpoint in the same sentence.

It is necessary for candidates to undertake practice from GRE sentence equivalence practice test. Undertaking potential practice sentence equivalence GRE will help with scoring good in the GRE AWA section. GRE sentence completion practice is necessary for scoring appropriate marks to get into the desired university. GRE sentence completion practice questions play a key role in developing strategies to solve the same.

FAQs 

Ques: How to do sentence equivalence in GRE?

Ans:  The sentence equivalence is a part of the verbal section. It is a single blank question, that will ask to choose two right answers from the set of six. 

Ques: Does GRE have sentence corrections?

Ans: Yes, the examination includes the sentence correction. Here you need to focus on grammar.  However, in the case of sentence equivalence and text completion questions, you need to pay attention to word meanings.  

Ques: What is the difference between text completion and sentence equivalence in GRE?

Ans:  In a sentence equivalent kind of question, you need to use two words that will make the sentence equivalent and coherent. On the other hand, in sentence completion, you will find 1 to 5 sentences with more than 1 to 3 blanks. You must pick up the correct words to fill in the blanks separately. 

Ques: What is sentence equivalence in ETS?

Ans: In ETS you will find a single sentence with a blank.  However, you will be asked to identify two choices That can lead to completing the sentence and making it coherent while producing a sentence that means the same thing. 

Ques: What is the failed score for GRE?

Ans: There is no hard and first rule for the cut-off section.  Once you complete your examination, you will get your final results and that is it. 

Ques: How do I get better at sentence equivalence in GRE?

Ans:  You need to check and read the question twice before you make your final choice. The answer should fit well in the sentence and closely match your prediction. 

Ques: How many sentence completion questions are there in GRE?

Ans:  Tentatively there will be 8 sentence equivalent questions and the remaining 12 will be sentence completion. In total, there will be 20 questions in the verbal section. 

Ques: How important is grammar in GRE?

Ans: The grammatical section is an utmost priority for the verbal and analytical writing section. You must consider rigorous grammar practice to avoid common mistakes. You need to use appropriate tenses, verbs, and others to make the sentence coherent and error-free. 

Ques: How to improve sentence equivalence?

Ans:   Try to memorize what has multiple meanings. At the same time, try to pay attention to memorizing wars with similar meanings. Pay attention to reading sentences instead of just reading the crucial words. 

Ques: How to score 170 in verbal GRE?

Ans: For that, you need to go very close to the 100% perfect answers. You need to be skilled in answering correctly within the stipulated period. 

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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