Sentence Completion
Use context, signal words, tone, and grammar to choose the best fit.
What is sentence completion?
You pick a word or phrase that completes a sentence so it is logical, grammatical, and consistent in tone. Most questions are solved by spotting signal words (contrast, continuation, cause/effect).
| Signal Type | Common Markers | Implication for Blank |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | but, however, although, despite, yet, whereas | Expect an opposite or reversal of tone/idea. |
| Continuation | and, moreover, in addition, also, furthermore | Keep the same tone or add a supporting idea. |
| Cause → Effect | because, since, therefore, thus, consequently | Supply a reason or a result. |
| Example/Restatement | for example, for instance, namely, that is | Give a specific instance or a paraphrase. |
“If a pivot like however appears, the blank likely flips the meaning.”
Key points
- Find the sentence’s logic before checking options.
- Match register and connotation.
- Check grammar slot (noun/verb/adj) and agreement.
- Eliminate true-but-irrelevant choices.
Common Pitfalls
| Pitfall | Awkward / Wrong | Fix / Why |
|---|---|---|
| Number agreement | “The criteria is sound.” | Use plural: “criteria are sound.” |
| Parallelism | “to analyze, testing, and to report” | “to analyze, to test, and to report.” |
| Connotation clash | “a trivial breakthrough” | Choose a positive/neutral word: “notable / significant”. |
| Register mismatch | “commence the chit-chat” | Keep formality consistent. |
Confirm the part of speech and tense/number of the missing word.
Signal Words (Quick Reference)
- Contrast: however, although, despite, yet
- Cause/Effect: because, since, therefore, thus
- Continuation: and, moreover, furthermore, also
- Example: for example, for instance, namely
Let the marker guide what the blank should express.
Practice
A) Multiple Choice
-
Although the scheme was popular, many remained ________ about its long-term costs.
ecstatic skeptical apathetic credulous
-
The memo clarifies onboarding; ________, it removes redundant forms.
conversely furthermore nevertheless however
-
Because the glassware is delicate, pack it with ________ padding.
adequate illusory perfunctory nominal
B) Fill in the Blanks
- She is praised not only for her clarity but also for her ________ to mentor juniors. (willingness / reluctance)
- The projection turned out ________, matching the quarter’s results. (prescient / dubious)
- The startup scaled quickly; ________, policies lagged behind. (however / consequently)
- The report is lengthy yet ________; many pages repeat the same point. (redundant / rigorous)
C) Short Cloze (use the word bank)
Word bank: consequently • nevertheless • exhaustive • tentative • amplify
The preliminary findings are ________, so the team will avoid strong claims; ________, the press release will not ________ the results. The internal memo is more ________, and the rollout plan is delayed; ________, the pilot will begin next month.
D) Tiny code sample (formatting test)
// Heuristic: prefer options that match signal words and tone
const rank = (signal, options) => options.sort(); // placeholder
Short Reading
The training is comprehensive; ________, the assessment remains lenient, which may ________ the programme’s credibility.
Task: Fill the blanks with a suitable connector and verb that signal a negative consequence.
Show Suggested Answers
A) MCQ
- skeptical
- furthermore
- adequate
B) Fill in the Blanks
- willingness
- prescient
- however
- redundant
C) Cloze (one possible)
The preliminary findings are tentative; nevertheless, the press release will not amplify the results. The internal memo is more exhaustive; consequently, the pilot will begin next month.
Reading
Suggested: “however, the assessment remains lenient, which may undermine the programme’s credibility.”
Exam tips
- Underline signal words first.
- Check part of speech & agreement.
- Prefer precise, context-fitting words.
- Eliminate choices that don’t match the logic.
