Pay particular attention to the sentence’s rhetorical structure and to “signpost” words
that show its direction and logical flow. Is it continuing along one line of thought? If so,
you’re looking for a word that supports that thought. Is it changing direction in
midstream? If so, you’re looking for a word that sets up a contrast between the thoughts
in the sentence.
Example
Creative writing is not just a function of _______; understanding how language is
used and how ideas are communicated also requires a certain level of _______.
- the author’s imagination . . awareness
- the writer herself . . discipline
- formal training . . education
- linguistic skill . . fluency
- hard work . . playfulness
Solved Example
Explaination
In this sentence, dual signposts “not just” (in the
first clause) and “also” (in the second clause) signal that the second completion
should complement (supplement but be distinguishable from) the first one.
Choices (B), (C), and (D) don’t provide complementary ideas. But choices (A) and
(E) both do. Is playfulness a fitting word to describe understanding how language
and ideas are used? No. That leaves choice (A), which makes sense in context: To
“understand how language is used and how ideas are communicated” requires
that one be keenly aware of these phenomena—an awareness that complements
imagination.The correct answer is (A).
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Video Lessons and 10 Fully Explained Grand Tests
Large number of solved practice MCQ with explanations. Video Lessons and 10 Fully explained Grand/Full Tests.