GRE Verbal

A comprehensive guide to mastering the verbal reasoning section of the GRE, including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and analytical writing.

Building a Powerful VocabularyReading Comprehension SkillsAnalytical Writing Foundations
Mastering Text CompletionSentence Equivalence TechniquesArgument Analysis and Logical Reasoning
Professional Communication SkillsAcademic Success with Verbal ReasoningEveryday Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
Time Management on Test DayElimination and Smart Guessing
Building a Powerful ...Reading Comprehensio...Analytical Writing F...Mastering Text Compl...Sentence Equivalence...Argument Analysis an...Professional Communi...Academic Success wit...Everyday Decision-Ma...Time Management on T...Elimination and Smar...
Advanced Topics

Sentence Equivalence Techniques

Doubling Down on Meaning

Sentence equivalence questions require you to select two words that create sentences with the same meaning and are both grammatically correct.

Best Practices

  • Find the Core Idea: Before looking at choices, get a sense of what the sentence is really saying.
  • Check for Synonyms: The correct pair must produce sentences with similar meanings.
  • Test All Pairings: Plug in both choices to be sure they truly fit.

Real-World Value

This skill is great for editing and revising your own work, making sure your words convey exactly the meaning you intend.

Examples

  • Given a sentence about a 'trivial' issue, you choose 'insignificant' and 'minor' as correct answers.

  • You spot that two answer choices, 'despondent' and 'disheartened,' both fit a sentence about sadness.

In a Nutshell

Sentence equivalence is about finding two words that keep a sentence's meaning and tone the same.

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Argument Analysis and Logical Reasoning