GRE Sentence Equivalence: Sample Questions with Solutions & Strategies

GRE Sentence Equivalence questions are part of the GRE Verbal Reasoning section. Sentence equivalence questions are unique as they require two correct answers for one blank of a single sentence. Select two from six choices that should be synonyms, similar in meaning, and fit the sentence's context. Sentence equivalence questions account for approximately 20% of the total Verbal Section with four questions per section, totalling eight on the GRE. Each question typically takes one minute to complete. These questions are tricky and choosing partially correct answers yields no credit and tests your vocabulary prowess and ability to interpret context. Check this article for practice questions, solutions, and strategies to help you tackle fill in the blank sentences and excel in this section.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Practice Questions with Solutions

Here are some GRE Sentence Equivalence sample questions. Utilise these to practise and strengthen your preparation for the exam.

1. Although it does contain some pioneering ideas, one would hardly characterise the work as ___________________.

A. orthodox
B. eccentric
C. original
D. trifling
E. conventional
F. innovative

Answers:

C) original
F) innovative

Explanation: The word "Although" serves as an important signal in this context. The text includes some groundbreaking ideas, yet it is not considered an entirely pioneering work. Therefore, the two words that best complete the blank are "original" and "innovative." In contrast, while "orthodox" and "conventional" are similar in meaning, they do not fit the sentence appropriately.

2. It was her view that the country’s problems had been ________________ by foreign technocrats, so to ask for such assistance again would be counterproductive.

A. ameliorated
B. ascertained
C. diagnosed
D. exacerbated
E. overlooked
F. worsened

Answers:

D) exacerbated
F) worsened

Explanation: The sentence presents a line of reasoning, signalled by the phrase “so that.” It suggests that seeking help from foreign technocrats would be counterproductive due to the negative impact they have already had. This implies that the technocrats must have made the situation worse; in other words, they must have "exacerbated" or "worsened" the country’s problems.

3. Despite his reputation for being _________, the author’s new novel is surprisingly accessible and engaging.

A) reclusive
B) verbose
C) obscure
D) prolific
E) clear
F) concise

Answers:

B) verbose
C) obscure

Explanation: The sentence contrasts the author's reputation with the accessibility of his new novel. "Verbose" and "obscure" both imply that the author is known for being difficult to understand or long-winded, which is the opposite of "accessible and engaging."

4. The scientist’s approach was deemed ___________, as it ignored crucial variables that were later proven to be significant.

A) innovative
B) flawed
C) brilliant
D) careless
E) methodical
F) thoughtful

Answers:

B) flawed
D) careless

Explanation: The sentence indicates that the scientist's approach was problematic because it ignored important variables. "Flawed" and "careless" both fit the context, as they suggest a lack of thoroughness or consideration.

5. The politician’s speech was so ______________ that even his supporters found it difficult to follow.

A) persuasive
B) confusing
C) tedious
D) inspiring
E) obscure
F) eloquent

Answers:

B) confusing
E) obscure

Explanation: The sentence suggests that the speech was hard to understand, even for supporters. "Confusing" and "obscure" both describe something that is difficult to follow or unclear.

6. Her attempts to negotiate the deal were ______________; she lacked the necessary experience and finesse.

A) fruitful
B) unsuccessful
C) awkward
D) promising
E) clumsy
F) strategic

Answers:

C) awkward
E) clumsy

Explanation: The sentence implies that her negotiation attempts failed due to a lack of skill. "Awkward" and "clumsy" both indicate a lack of smoothness or competence, making them the correct choices.

7. The novel’s plot was so ________________ that many readers struggled to understand its progression.

A) intricate
B) convoluted
C) straightforward
D) simple
E) confusing
F) innovative

Answers:

B) convoluted
E) confusing

Explanation:The sentence indicates that the plot was difficult to follow. "Convoluted" and "confusing" both describe something that is complex and hard to understand, matching the context of the sentence.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Practice PDF

GRE Sentence Equivalence: Tips and Strategies 

To crack the GRE Sentence Equivalence questions, one requires a strategic approach to accurately fill in the blanks with the right pair of words.

• Read the Sentence Carefully: Start by carefully reading the sentence to understand its overall meaning. Use your vocabulary knowledge to predict the word that best fits the blank before checking the answer choices.
• Test Each Option: Place each answer choice in the blank one at a time. Evaluate how well each option fits the sentence’s context and consider the nuances of each option. Use contextual analysis to determine which pair of synonyms aligns best with the sentence’s meaning.
• Paraphrase for Clarity: If you're struggling, try to rephrase the sentence in your own words. This can help clarify the sentence’s meaning and guide you toward the correct answer.
• Avoid Relying Solely on Synonyms: Don't automatically pick answer choices just because they are synonyms. They might not fit the context of the sentence. Always ensure that the words make sense within the sentence.
• Break Down Complex Words: If you don’t understand a word, break it down into its prefix, suffix, and root. This can give you clues about its meaning and help you choose the correct answer.
• Use Flashcards for Vocabulary: Regularly review vocabulary flashcards to support your understanding of synonyms and context. This practice helps improve your ability to quickly identify correct answers.
• Prioritise Time: Don’t spend too much time on one choice if it seems complicated. Move on to other options and use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices.
• Look for a Matching Pair: If you find two words that both fit the blank and convey a similar meaning, that’s likely your correct answer. If you identify only one word, compare it with the other choices and select the one that best matches its meaning.

GRE Sentence Equivalence vs GRE Text Completion Questions

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section comprises Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions. Although Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion may seem similar since both assess your vocabulary, they differ in their approach and structure. Below, we’ll clarify how these two question types are distinct from one another.

Features	GRE Sentence Equivalence	GRE Text Completion
Question structure	Sentence Equivalence question has a single sentence with one blank.	Text completion questions are passages with one to five sentences.
Number of blanks	One blank	One to three blanks
choices	Sentence Equivalence questions contain six choices.	GRE text completion questions have three answer choices per blank. And, five answer choices if there is a single blank.
Skills assessed	GRE Sentence Equivalence assesses vocabulary skills and the ability to identify meaning in logical sentences.	GRE Text Completion tests your ability to comprehend the logic and complex sentence structure and to identify the author’s intent.
Focus	Completing the sentence to maintain the meaning Identifying the synonyms	Understanding the context of the passage Choosing the correct answers for every blank
Scoring	Full score only two correct answers filled in the sentence.	Partial score if some blanks are filled with correct answers

Conclusion

GRE Sentence Equivalence questions can be tricky and challenging, but don’t let them shake your confidence. With consistent practice, like working through the sample questions provided, you can master this question type. Focused and regular practice will enhance your skills and deepen your understanding. We hope this blog has clarified the differences between Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, and provided useful tips and sample practice questions for tackling these questions in the actual GRE verbal test.