GRE Sentence Equivalence Tips: Practice Questions, Format, and Resources

The GRE has a variety of questions, and sentence equivalence is no exception. Here, you’ll come across a single sentence with a blank and six answer choices offering potential pairs to fill it. Your task is to select two words that, when plugged in, create two grammatically correct sentences with essentially the same meaning. Unlike other sections, sentence equivalence offers no partial credit. Both chosen words must be spot on.

So, why this format? Much like text completion, sentence equivalence problems are all about gauging your vocabulary prowess in context. However, there’s a subtle difference. Text completion hones your ability to interpret incomplete information and infer the missing piece that flawlessly completes the sentence. Sentence equivalence, on the other hand, demands you grasp the entire sentence’s meaning and identify two words that, when used together, replicate that meaning perfectly.

Keep reading, as we’ll provide you with practice questions, essential tips and tricks, and a guide to the best resources for mastering GRE sentence equivalence.

Importance of the GRE Sentence Equivalence

The GRE Sentence Equivalence section holds significant weight in the GRE verbal reasoning portion. These questions go beyond simply testing your GRE vocabulary knowledge. By presenting a sentence with a blank and asking you to choose two words that create equivalent meanings, they assess your understanding of nuanced differences between words and your ability to grasp the overall tone and intent of the sentence.

Effectively answering these questions requires you to analyse the context of the sentence, identify the relationship between words, and select synonyms that accurately capture the intended meaning. Simply put, mastering Sentence Equivalence shows your proficiency in critical reading and using precise language.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Exam Format

The GRE Sentence Equivalence section tests your vocabulary and understanding of nuances in language. It presents you with a single sentence containing a blank. Your job is to select two answer choices out of six that, when inserted in the blank, create sentences with essentially the same meaning.

However, don’t be carried away by the seemingly straightforward format. The challenge lies in identifying synonyms that perfectly capture the intended meaning within the context of the sentence. Some answer choices might be synonyms, but only a select two will convey the exact weight and connotation of the original sentence. Remember that you get no partial credit, so strategically analysing all your choices is important to ace this section.

Read also: GRE Exam Pattern 2024

GRE Sentence Equivalence Practice Problems

The GRE sentence equivalence questions test your vocabulary and ability to understand nuanced differences in word meaning. Here, we’ll discuss some of the examples and explanations of these practice questions to prepare you for the real exam.

This section will provide you with not only sample questions but also detailed explanations for each answer choice. By understanding the reasoning behind the correct answers and the flaws in the incorrect ones, you’ll gain a deeper grasp of the nuances of vocabulary and sentence construction that the GRE relies on.

Question 1: Despite her _______ to avoid conflicts, Sarah found herself embroiled in yet another argument with her colleague.

1. propensity

2. aversion

3. predilection

4. inclination

5. reluctance

Explanation: The sentence suggests that Sarah tried to avoid conflicts but still ended up in an argument. So, the missing word should indicate her attempt to avoid conflicts. Both “aversion” and “reluctance” fit the context, indicating a dislike or unwillingness to engage in conflict.

Answer: The correct answer is (b) aversion and (e) reluctance.

Question 2: The film’s intricate plot and _______ dialogue kept the audience engaged from beginning to end.

1. trite

2. banal

3. captivating

4. mundane

5. fascinating

Explanation: The sentence implies that the dialogue in the film was interesting and engaging. Therefore, the missing word should convey a positive or stimulating quality. “Captivating” and “fascinating” best fit this description, as they mean holding one’s interest or attention.

Answer: The correct answer is (c) captivating and (e) fascinating.

Question 3: The artist’s latest exhibition received _______ reviews from art critics, with many praising the innovative use of colour and form.

1. scathing

2. disparaging

3. laudatory

4. compliments

5. vitriolic

Explanation: The phrase ‘praising the innovative use of colour and form” suggests that the reviews were positive. “Laudatory” and “compliments” mean expressing praise and admiration, which fits the context.

Answer: The correct answer is (c) laudatory and (d) compliments.

Question 4: The company’s decision to downsize was met with _______ from employees who feared losing their jobs.

1. jubilation

2. dismay

3. elation

4. distress

5. exhilaration

Explanation: The word “fear” indicates a negative reaction to the company’s decision. Among the options, “dismay” and “distress” best fit the context, as they mean a feeling of disappointment or distress.

Answer: The correct answer is (b) dismay and (d) distress.

Question 5: The politician’s ambiguous statement failed to clarify his stance on the issue and only served to _______ public confusion.

1. dissipate

2. elucidate

3. exacerbate

4. worsen

5. mitigate

Explanation: The sentence suggests that the politician's statement made the public confusion worse. "Exacerbate" means to make a problem or situation worse, which fits the context.

Answer: The correct answer is (c) exacerbate and (d) worsen.

Read also: 15 GRE Verbal Practice Questions and Answers

GRE Sentence Equivalence Tips and Tricks

Acing the GRE Sentence Equivalence requires a strategic approach that combines several key techniques. Here’s a breakdown of these methods to help you ace this section.

1. Identifying synonyms

The core principle of Sentence Equivalence is finding two words that create essentially the same meaning for the incomplete sentence. While synonyms are your target, focus on broad categories rather than perfect matches.

Identify pairs of words in the answer choices that seem to convey similar ideas. However, be cautious of “dummy pairs.” These are ETS’s way of tricking you. Don’t stop at just finding a synonym pair; ensure both words fit seamlessly within the sentence’s context.

2. Filling in the blanks yourself

Before selecting answer choices, take a moment to predict what word(s) you would use to complete the sentence. Look through the options and see if any closely resemble your prediction. This proactive approach can significantly improve your answer selection efficiency.

3. Understanding grammatical structure

A solid foundation in grammatical structures can be an additional help. Look for patterns like parallel construction, where the sentence uses a repeated grammatical form. Recognising these patterns can provide valuable clues about the missing word’s function and meaning.

4. Assessing word positivity/negativity

The overall tone of the sentence often dictates whether a positive or negative word belongs in the blank. Even if you’re unsure of the exact definition, analyse the context to determine the word’s emotional valence (positive or negative). This technique can help you eliminate options that clearly clash with the sentence’s mood.

Read also: How to Improve My GRE Verbal Score

GRE Sentence Equivalence Preparation Books

In addition to mastering GRE sentence equivalence, here are some of the best preparation books to prepare you for the GRE verbal section:

1. Barron’s Verbal Workbook, Second Edition

This workbook is widely considered a top choice for GRE verbal prep. It offers a comprehensive approach, strengthening your vocabulary and boosting your confidence for the exam. By working through the exercises, you’ll gain a strong foundation in key concepts and essential verbal skills.

2. Manhattan Prep’s Complete Verbal Set, 4th Edition

If you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of the GRE verbal section, Manhattan Prep’s Complete Verbal Set is an excellent resource. It provides a thorough breakdown of the different question types you’ll come across on the test, allowing you to develop targeted strategies for each one. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re prepared for anything on the GRE verbal section test.

3. Verbal Workout for the New GRE by The Princeton Review, 6th Edition

Rounding out our list is The Princeton Review’s Verbal Workout for the New GRE. This popular workbook is packed with effective strategies designed to help you achieve a high score on the GRE verbal section. By following their guidance and practising the included exercises, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel on the GRE exam.

Read also: 10 Best GRE Prep Books for 2024

From the Desk of Yocket

The GRE Sentence Equivalence section on the surface seems straightforward—fill in the blank with two synonymous words. However, the challenge lies in understanding the nuanced meaning within the context of the sentence. Simply choosing synonyms isn’t enough. You need to identify words that fit grammatically but also capture the exact weight and tone of the original sentence. To sharpen your skills and boost your confidence, consider taking a GRE practice test with Yocket Prep.

This focus on context can be both rewarding and frustrating. It pushes you to build a strong vocabulary that goes beyond basic definitions and explores the subtle variations in word usage. Acing a GRE sentence equivalence question gives you a sense of satisfaction, knowing you’ve truly grasped the essence of a word. However, the potential for answer choices to appear similar can be deceiving. It requires careful examination of each option in the context of the sentence to avoid picking misleading synonyms. To enhance your preparation and improve your chances of success, consider using Yocket Prep Premium.