Sentence Completions

Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole. 

Use the same method for every sentence completion question.  First, cover the answers. Then make a prediction for the easier blank.  Eliminate any answer choices that do not match your prediction for that blank.  Next, use the same method for the second blank.  Check each remaining answer choice until you have eliminated all but the correct answer.

Even those who do not ------- Robinson’s views ------- him as a candidate who has courageously refused to compromise his convictions.

Start with the second blank if it seems easier than the first.  How are people going to feel about a candidate who is described as “courageous?”  They are definitely going to respond positively.  The verb in the second blank must be positive.  You can start with a vague prediction.  Look down at the second part of each answer choice.

(A) shrink from . . condemn

(B) concur with . . recognize

(C) profit from . . dismiss

(D) disagree with . . envision

(E) dissent from . . remember

(A) is negative; eliminate it.  (B) is positive, keep it.  (C) is negative; eliminate it.  (D) is positive; keep it.  (E) is neutral.  Normally you can eliminate words that are neutral, but if you are not sure about a word you can always keep it.

Now look at the first blank.  The sentence starts with the words “even those.”  This is setting up a contrast with the second part of the sentence.  It makes sense that people who agree with this candidate would point out his courage.  However, the “even those” phrase tells you that it is surprising that certain people think that the candidate is courageous.  Do people who disagree with a candidate often point out his strengths?  No!  So it would be surprising if people who did not agree with Robinson pointed out his courage.  Use “agree with” as your prediction and look down at the answer choices that remain.

(B) concur with . . recognize

(D) disagree with . . envision

(E) dissent from . . remember

(B) matches your prediction.  (C) is the opposite of your prediction, and it creates a double negative in the original sentence.  (E) is also the opposite of your prediction.

The correct answer is (B).

Words used in this SC:

Condemn: to pronounce guilty, convict

Concur: to unite or agree (in action or opinion)

Dismiss: to order to leave, or to reject

Envision: imagine

Dissent: to disagree, to differ from

On sat.collegeboard.org, 50% of the responses were correct.

For more help with SAT vocabulary, visit www.myknowsys.com!