The sentence completion questions ask you to choose the best wat to complete a sentence from which one or two words have been omitted. For this question, you must be able to recognize the logic, style, and tone of the sentence so that you can choose the most reliable answer that makes sense in the context. These sentences cover a wide variety of topics, but you don’t need extra studying for them since they are general reading subjects. The PSAT tends to give less difficult questions when compared to the SAT.

Tip 1

ALWAYS try to figure out the answer even before you see the answer choices. Even before you see the answer choices, you can figure out what the answer should be. This helps your mind get a clearer idea of what to be looking for in the answer choices instead of second guessing every option.

Usually several skunks live together; however, adult male striped skunks are _________ during the summer.

Here, just by looking at the question we can see that the word should related to a quality of an adult male skunk. We can also see that the quality contrast with “together” because the author used the word however.

A) nocturnal

B) solitary

C) predatory

D) cooperative

E) dormant

The only option here that contrasts together and is a quality is answer solitary so the answer is C

Tip 2 & 3

ALWAYS look for phrases that indicate a contrast been one idea and another, words like however, although, despite, or but. In cases like this, an antonym or any contrasting idea may be the correct answer. Its really important to look for word choice in the reading test as it can give essential clues for the answer.

Look for words that indicate support for a concept or backing up an idea in the question. Words such as likewise, similarly, in the same way, in addition, and also typically indicate support. In scenarios like this, you would be thinking about a synonym or any word that supports the writer’s idea.

Although it appeared quite ________, the vase was actually very sturdy; even a fall from the top shelf left it undamaged.

This question is mainly talking about sturdiness of the vase, so we should be thinking the word has something contrasting the word sturdy. A word you may think of could be “fragile” or “weak”.

A) expensive

B) floral

C) capacious

D) ornate

E) fragile

Looking at the answer choices, we can clearly see that one of the answer choices matches up with our idea and contrasts the idea so the correct answer is E, fragile.

After the El Salvadoran rebels ousted President Hernandez Martinez, the revolution spread to Guatemala, whose authoritarian president was similarly ________.

This question is mainly talking about the revolution in Guatemala so we can assume that the answer would relate to this idea.

A) overthrown

B) nominated

C) elected

D) derided

E) astounded

Looking at the answer choices, we can clearly see that one of the answer choices matches up with our idea, so the correct answer is A, overthrown.

Tip 4 & 5

Look for words or phrases that indicate that one thing causes another - words like because, since therefore, or thus. Look for signals that indicate a word is being defined - phrases such as in other words, that is, or which means, and special punctuation clues. Commas, hyphens, and parentheses are all used to set off definitions. The PSAT has many problems that use these techniques so its important to look out for these.

I am a habitual ___________, that is, a person who puts off doing things until another day.

By looking at the word choice in this question, we can see that it is talking about something to do with putting this off until later or procrastination. So we should be looking for similarities with procrastination.

A) miser

B) ingrate

C) proponent

D) procrastinator

E) debunker

Looking at the answer choices, we can clearly see that one of the answer choices matches up with our idea and contrasts the idea so the correct answer is D, procrastinator.

Tip 6

Sometimes if you are struggling with the vocabulary, look for familiar word parts such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots.

After a tragedy, many people claim to have had a ________ of disaster.

After looking at the question, we can determine to use presentiment.

A) deviation

B) proclamation

C) presentiment

D) brink

E) verdict

DERIVATION

The prefix de- means down or away.

The root via means of way or road.

A derivation is a departure from the way, that is, a divergence or difference.

PROCLAMATION

The prefix pro- means forward or in favor of.

The root clam means cry out.

A proclamation is a public statement or announcement, something cried out to the people.

PRESENTIMENT

The prefix pre- means before.

The root sens means feel. A sentiment is a feeling.

A presentiment is a something you feel before it happens, a premonition or foreboding.

Presentiment works in the context so the answer is C.

Tip 7 & 8

Try to identify whether the missing word is positive or negative. Then test the answer choices for their positive or negative sense, eliminating those that don’t work.

In a sentence completion question with two blanks, eliminate answer choices by testing one blank at a time.

When the students were told that the popular class trip to D.C had been cancelled for lack of funds, they predictably were greatly _____.

By looking at the sense we can see that its a negative context.

A) relived

B) accommodated

C) disgruntled

D) emancipated

E) disseminated

Looking at the answer choices, we can clearly see that one of the answer choices is a negative connotation so the correct answer is C, disgruntled.