To tackle GRE Sentence Equivalence Questions effectively, you don’t need to just memorize vocabulary. Instead, focus on grasping what the author means and the context of the missing word in the sentence. By figuring out the overall meaning and then carefully considering each answer choice, you can more easily identify the correct options. This approach, which emphasizes understanding and context over rote learning, can make a big difference in your performance.

It’s About Understanding, Not Just Words!

A lot of students think the Sentence Equivalence section of the GRE is all about having a huge vocabulary—like the student with the most words wins. Although knowing a lot of words can be helpful, the real challenge is understanding and interpreting the sentence as the author intended. It’s more about analyzing the sentence and grasping its meaning than just memorizing word lists.

Is Relying on Word Lists the Best Approach?

Relying solely on vocabulary flashcards might not be the best strategy for mastering sentence equivalence questions. There are simply too many words in English to memorize them all effectively. Instead of trying to learn every word, it’s more practical to concentrate on improving your reading comprehension and logical analysis skills. This way, you’ll be better equipped to understand the context of sentences and choose the right answers.

How to Tackle GRE Sentence Equivalence Questions

• Understand the Sentence: Start by carefully reading the entire sentence to grasp the author’s intended meaning. Pay attention to the role the blank plays in the sentence.
• Analyze the Blank: Figure out how the blank fits into the sentence. Consider whether it should convey a positive or negative tone and how it interacts with the rest of the sentence.
• Use the Process of Elimination:First, discard any answer choices that don’t fit the context. Then, ensure that the two words you select not only fit in the blank but also make sense together in conveying the sentence’s meaning.

Strategies Applied

For example:

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

1. Parse the Sentence: The blank should describe how the foreign technocrats’ actions made the country’s problems worse, making further assistance unhelpful.
2. Check Options:
   • A) “ameliorated” means “improved,” which would contradict the idea that asking for help again would be unproductive. This doesn’t fit the context.
   • B) “ascertained” means “determined,” which doesn’t address the effect of the technocrats’ actions on the problems. It’s not suitable here.
   • C) “diagnosed” means “identified” or “understood” the problems, but it doesn’t imply that their actions had a negative impact. This choice doesn’t work.
   • D) “exacerbated” means “worsened,” which fits perfectly because it implies that the technocrats made the problems worse, supporting the idea that seeking help again would be counterproductive.
   • E) “overlooked” means “ignored,” which could potentially explain why further assistance might be unhelpful. However, it doesn’t directly suggest that the problems got worse.
   • F) “worsened” fits similarly to “exacerbated” because it also means “made worse,” which aligns with the sentence’s implication about the counterproductive nature of seeking help again.

Conclusion: Both D) “exacerbated” and F) “worsened” are valid, but “exacerbated” is slightly more specific in context.

Handling Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Avoid Overanalyzing: When faced with many unknown words, don’t get bogged down trying to understand each one. Concentrate on the words you know and use them to narrow down your choices.
• Leverage Context: If you know the meanings of two words but are uncertain about one, select the pair that has the most similar meanings. Context can guide you to the most appropriate option for the sentence.

Stick to Authentic GRE Practice

For the best preparation, use only official GRE practice questions. Questions from unofficial sources might not reflect the true complexity and style of the GRE, potentially leading to inaccurate preparation. Official questions offer the most reliable insight into the test’s format and difficulty.

Conclusion

Excelling in GRE Sentence Equivalence involves understanding the sentence’s structure and meaning rather than just memorizing vocabulary. Concentrate on the logic and context of the sentence, and focus on how the blank functions within it. This approach will help you select the two words that best fit and convey a coherent meaning. For personalized guidance and expert GRE preparation, consider Westford Education, the best GRE consultancy in Nepal, located in Putalisadak, Kathmandu. Join us today to enhance your preparation!