Flashcard Set

GRE Verbal: Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence

14 cards

Reasoning strategy for GRE Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence — signal words, prediction, and trap avoidance.

1
Term
In GRE Text Completion, why is it critical to predict a word for the blank BEFORE looking at the answer choices?
Definition
To avoid 'bias selection,' where tempting trap answers (which sound plausible or sophisticated) distort your understanding of the sentence's actual logic.
2
Term
Every GRE Text Completion sentence contains a ___; this is a specific word or phrase in the sentence that directly dictates what must go in the blank.
Definition
clue
3
Term
How do contrast transition words like 'although,' 'yet,' 'nevertheless,' or 'despite' affect the relationship between the clue and the blank?
Definition
They indicate that the blank will have the opposite logical direction (charge) of the clue.
4
Term
How do continuation transition words like 'furthermore,' 'indeed,' 'just as,' or semicolons (;) affect the relationship between clauses?
Definition
They indicate a continuation of logic, meaning the blank will have the same logical direction (charge) as the clue.
5
Term
When tackling a 2-blank or 3-blank Text Completion question, why should you avoid automatically solving the blanks in chronological order (1st, then 2nd, then 3rd)?
Definition
You should solve the easiest blank first—the one with the most explicit clue. Its solution then provides the context needed to solve the remaining blanks.
6
Term
In the sentence, 'The curator's approach was far from standard; indeed, she pioneered several unorthodox methodologies,' what role does the semicolon and 'indeed' play?
Definition
They serve as continuation signals, confirming that 'far from standard' must align logically with 'unorthodox.'
7
Term
What is the high-yield secondary meaning of the verb 'qualify' often tested on the GRE Verbal section?
Definition
To limit, modify, or restrict a statement (e.g., 'He qualified his endorsement by listing several conditions').
8
Term
What is the high-yield secondary meaning of the adjective 'arresting' often tested on the GRE Verbal section?
Definition
Striking, eye-catching, or highly attention-grabbing.
9
Term
In GRE Sentence Equivalence, why is finding any two synonyms among the answer choices insufficient to select the correct pair?
Definition
Because the chosen words must not only be synonyms, but must also create two sentences that are logically equivalent in the context of the prompt.
10
Term
A common trap in Sentence Equivalence is a pair of synonyms that fit the general theme of the passage but fail to match the sentence's specific ___.
Definition
clue
11
Term
How does the presence of double negatives (e.g., 'not uncommon' or 'far from unusual') affect your mathematical prediction of the blank's charge?
Definition
The two negative charges cancel out, resulting in a positive/direct relationship to the base clue. You must track and simplify these before predicting.
12
Term
Describe the 'Math Strategy' (assigning positive or negative signs to clauses) used to solve complex GRE sentences with multiple transitions.
Definition
Assign + or - to clues and multiply them by the transition signals (e.g., contrast = -1, continuation = +1) to algebraically determine the required sign of the blank.
13
Term
What is the high-yield secondary meaning of the adjective 'plastic' often tested on the GRE Verbal section?
Definition
Adaptable, moldable, or easily shaped.
14
Term
Once you select your answer(s) in Text Completion, what final step should you perform to ensure accuracy?
Definition
Reread the entire sentence with your selected answer(s) filled in to verify that the overall logical flow and meaning are coherent and precise.