Understand the question type
Choose two of six options for one blank. Each option must complete the sentence on its own, and the two completed sentences must have essentially the same meaning. Both choices must be correct to earn the mark.
Skills to develop
- Read the sentence as a whole and identify its main idea.
- Predict the missing meaning in a short, familiar phrase.
- Read each option in the blank on its own and compare the two complete sentences.
Best strategy
- Read before looking at the options. Find the words that determine what the blank must mean.
- Predict the missing idea. Keep a short phrase in mind, such as ‘too early to decide’.
- Test the two choices separately. Read the sentence with the first choice, then read it again with the second. Both versions must fit the evidence and say essentially the same thing.
Pro tip. If you recognise only one suitable choice at first, keep its meaning in mind and look for a second choice that works in the same sentence.
Common mistakes
- Selecting two similar words before checking whether either fits the sentence.
- Choosing one fitting word and a second word that changes the point of the sentence.
- Reading the two choices together as if they both went into the blank at once.
Two worked examples
Example 1 · Predict a simple meaning
With the chief witness still waiting to speak, the chair judged any decision at that point to be ______.
A. reversible · B. premature · C. unpopular · D. hasty · E. unanimous · F. inevitable
Show worked answer
Choose B and D. The witness has yet to speak, so the missing idea is ‘too early’. Both premature and hasty express that judgement here.
With the chief witness still waiting to speak, the chair judged any decision at that point to be premature.
With the chief witness still waiting to speak, the chair judged any decision at that point to be hasty.
Example 2 · Check both complete sentences
Because any reader can download the files without charge or registration, the records are freely ______ to the public.
A. restricted · B. concealed · C. available · D. attributed · E. irrelevant · F. accessible
Show worked answer
Choose C and F. Available and accessible both say that the public can obtain the records. Free downloads without registration are the decisive clue.
Because any reader can download the files without charge or registration, the records are freely available to the public.
Because any reader can download the files without charge or registration, the records are freely accessible to the public.
Practice timer
Use the optional 25-minute practice target or set your own time. You can pause and submit whenever you’re ready.
Ready.
Use the question numbers to move between items. Select both choices before submitting to earn credit for a correct pair.
Choose two options that produce sentences with the same meaning.
Sentence
Answer key and rationales
Open a question to see the evidence and why each option fits or falls short.