Medium GRE Sentence Equivalence Practice Test Practice Questions

Concept Explanation

Sentence Equivalence is a specific question type on the GRE Verbal Reasoning section that requires you to select two words from a list of six to complete a single sentence so that the resulting sentences have the same meaning. This task assesses your ability to evaluate how the meaning of a sentence is shaped by its component parts and your precision in identifying synonymous relationships within a specific context. Unlike simple synonym matching, the correct pair must create sentences that are logically and grammatically equivalent in the context of the prompt. According to Wikipedia's overview of the GRE, these questions test both vocabulary and the ability to analyze the provided text for clues about the missing word.

To succeed at a medium difficulty level, you must look for "clue words" or "trigger words" that indicate whether the sentence is continuing a thought (using words like "and" or "furthermore") or shifting direction (using words like "however" or "despite"). Success involves a three-step process: identifying the context, predicting a word for the blank, and then finding two choices that maintain the sentence's integrity. For those looking to broaden their study materials, exploring GRE Prep resources can provide a solid foundation for these verbal strategies.

Solved Examples

1. Example 1: Although the CEO was known for his ________ nature in the boardroom, he was surprisingly gentle and approachable when spending time with his family.
   • (A) pugnacious
   • (B) conciliatory
   • (C) truculent
   • (D) benign
   • (E) complaisant
   • (F) cautious
   Solution:
   1. Analyze the context: The word "Although" indicates a contrast between his boardroom behavior and his "gentle" family behavior.
   2. Predict a word: We need a word that means aggressive or argumentative.
   3. Evaluate choices: "Pugnacious" and "truculent" both mean eager to fight or aggressive. "Conciliatory" and "complaisant" are the opposite.
   4. Final Answer: (A) and (C).
2. Example 2: The researcher’s findings were so ________ that even the most skeptical members of the committee found it impossible to dispute the data.
   • (A) questionable
   • (B) incontrovertible
   • (C) dubious
   • (D) irrefutable
   • (E) precarious
   • (F) peripheral
   Solution:
   1. Analyze the context: The phrase "impossible to dispute" suggests the findings were certain and undeniable.
   2. Predict a word: Undeniable or solid.
   3. Evaluate choices: "Incontrovertible" and "irrefutable" both mean impossible to deny or disprove.
   4. Final Answer: (B) and (D).
3. Example 3: While the author's early works were marked by a certain ________, her later novels displayed a newfound complexity and depth.
   • (A) sophistication
   • (B) naivety
   • (C) artlessness
   • (D) brilliance
   • (E) intricacy
   • (F) urbanity
   Solution:
   1. Analyze the context: The word "While" signals a contrast between the early works and the "complexity" of the later works.
   2. Predict a word: Simple or lacking complexity.
   3. Evaluate choices: "Naivety" and "artlessness" both suggest a lack of sophistication or simplicity.
   4. Final Answer: (B) and (C).

Practice Questions

1. Despite the professor's reputation for being ________, her students found her surprisingly willing to listen to their concerns and adjust the syllabus accordingly.

• (A) flexible
• (B) dogmatic
• (C) adamant
• (D) yielding
• (E) empathetic
• (F) tractable

2. The diplomat was known for his ________ style, often using subtle hints and indirect language rather than making blunt demands.

• (A) tortuous
• (B) circuitous
• (C) candid
• (D) forthright
• (E) laconic
• (F) explicit

3. Because the evidence was ________ at best, the prosecutor decided not to bring charges against the suspect, fearing a lack of conviction.

• (A) substantive
• (B) tenuous
• (C) flimsy
• (D) robust
• (E) incontrovertible
• (F) conclusive

4. The new laws were intended to ________ the economic crisis, but many critics argued they would only make the situation worse.

• (A) exacerbate
• (B) alleviate
• (C) mitigate
• (D) aggravate
• (E) intensify
• (F) underscore

5. The artist's use of ________ colors created a sense of calm and tranquility that was highly praised by the gallery visitors.

• (A) vibrant
• (B) muted
• (C) garish
• (D) subdued
• (E) flamboyant
• (F) vivid

6. Critics often complained that the politician's speeches were ________, filled with empty promises and repetitive slogans that lacked any real substance.

• (A) vacuous
• (B) profound
• (C) inane
• (D) insightful
• (E) eloquent
• (F) succinct

7. The desert landscape appeared ________ to the untrained eye, yet it actually teemed with a diverse array of flora and fauna specialized for the harsh environment.

• (A) barren
• (B) desolate
• (C) lush
• (D) fecund
• (E) teeming
• (F) verdant

8. Even though the team had suffered a series of ________ defeats, the coach remained optimistic about their chances in the upcoming tournament.

• (A) consecutive
• (B) successive
• (C) sporadic
• (D) intermittent
• (E) triumphant
• (F) anomalous

Answers & Explanations

1. (B) dogmatic, (C) adamant: The sentence uses "Despite," indicating a contrast. Since she was "willing to listen," the blank needs words meaning stubborn or unwilling to change. Both dogmatic and adamant fit.
2. (A) tortuous, (B) circuitous: The context describes "indirect language" and "subtle hints." Both tortuous and circuitous describe a path or style that is not direct. You can find more examples of this in our GRE Sentence Equivalence Set 1 Practice Questions.
3. (B) tenuous, (C) flimsy: The prosecutor decided not to bring charges because the evidence was weak. Tenuous and flimsy both mean weak or thin in substance.
4. (B) alleviate, (C) mitigate: The laws were "intended to" fix the crisis, but critics said they would make it worse. Therefore, the blank needs words meaning to lessen or improve. Alleviate and mitigate mean to make a problem less severe.
5. (B) muted, (D) subdued: The result was "calm and tranquility." Vivid or vibrant colors would do the opposite. Muted and subdued colors are soft and calming.
6. (A) vacuous, (C) inane: The speeches are described as having "empty promises" and "lacking substance." Vacuous and inane both mean lacking intelligence or significance.
7. (A) barren, (B) desolate: The word "yet" indicates a contrast with "teemed with a diverse array." The blank must mean empty or lifeless. Barren and desolate fit perfectly.
8. (A) consecutive, (B) successive: The phrase "series of" suggests a sequence. Consecutive and successive both mean following each other in order without interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion?

Text Completion requires you to fill in one to three blanks with a single choice per blank, whereas Sentence Equivalence requires choosing two words for one blank to make two identical meanings. Text Completion focuses on overall narrative flow, while Sentence Equivalence emphasizes synonymity and context. You can practice more with GRE Text Completion Practice Questions.

Do the two correct words have to be perfect synonyms?

No, the words do not have to be dictionary synonyms in every case, but they must function as synonyms within the specific context of the sentence. The resulting sentences must convey the same meaning to the reader. For more on this, check out GRE Synonym Questions.

How is Sentence Equivalence scored on the GRE?

Sentence Equivalence is an all-or-nothing question type, meaning you must select both correct words to receive any credit. There is no partial credit for choosing only one of the two correct answers. This makes it vital to use an AI Exam Simulator to get used to the scoring pressure.

How much time should I spend on each Sentence Equivalence question?

Ideally, you should aim to complete each Sentence Equivalence question in about 60 seconds. This allows you more time for the more time-consuming Reading Comprehension passages. Efficiently identifying pairs can be improved by using Unlimited GRE Practice Questions.

Can I use the process of elimination for these questions?

Yes, elimination is a highly effective strategy; you should remove words that clearly don't fit the context or words that don't have a "partner" in the list. If a word has no other word in the list with a similar meaning, it is very unlikely to be the correct answer. You can find more tips in our GRE Practice Questions with Explanations.