Free SAT Preparation Tools

Strategy 2. Many students are stunned to discover that they only need to know the general
meaning of words (rather than exact definitions) for the Sentence Completion section of the SAT.
They are even MORE stunned to learn that the test writers tend to limit their questions to the
same 15 to 20 groups of words…… and their opposites. This is definitely a situation that savvy
students can use to their advantage. If you study sample SATs, you will notice several
similarities in Sentence Completion questions:

1. Most of the sentences are written in a similar manner; the blank(s) are adjectives that describe
a person, mood, place or situation.

2. The clues in the sentence indicate the tone of the word, along with its intensity.

3. With rare exceptions, the test writers focus on the same 20 or 30 word meanings:

Old or new
Happy or sad
Rich or poor
Proud or humble
Courageous or timid
Generous or cheap
To praise someone or insult them
To calm someone or make the situation worse
Pleasant and unpleasant personality traits

4. Further, the four incorrect answer choices nearly ALWAYS include a difficult or unusual word
that means exactly the opposite of the correct word! If the student has not followed the logic of
the question, or, in questions with two blanks, has misinterpreted the relationship between the
two words, these “opposites” represent a classic (and avoidable) trap.

Appendix 2 offers a valuable list of frequently tested words grouped according to their general
meaning. Directly after each group, we have included a similar group of words that mean exactly
the opposite. Read through the groupings carefully, noting that the words in each group are not
perfect synonyms, but similar enough to work in Sentence Completion questions. Also note the
words that mean the opposite of those words. As we’ve said, they are wildly popular answer
choices with the test writers.

Example 1. Jenny had a tendency to be _______ with her friends, always loaning them money
and buying them expensive gifts.

a. parsimonious
b. cogent
c. munificent
d. capricious
e. mendicant

In this case, we are looking for a word that means generous or benevolent. The correct choice is
answer c, munificent.

If you did not know the correct answer, note how helpful the information in Appendix 2 would
have been. Below, I have copied the two lists of words from that Appendix that mean generous
and cheap. Not only was the correct answer choice on the list; one of the words that means the
opposite of generous was also included as an incorrect answer choice as a trap.

Generous: Altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, charitable, effusive, humanitarian, magnanimous, munificent,
philanthropic

Cheap: Frugal, miserly, paltry, parsimonious, penurious, provident, thrifty

Although the 10 words listed under “generous” differ slightly in meaning, the SAT rarely explores
such minor differences. Its focus, inevitably, is whether or not students can distinguish the words
on one of the lists from those on the other.

Example 2. Jane’s __________ attitude at work was particularly impressive, considering her
recent painful injury.

a. nascent
b. assiduous
c. indolent
d. ethereal
e. timorous

Here, we are seeking a positive word that relates to good performance in the workplace. In
Appendix 2, you will find the word “assiduous,” which is the correct answer, under the heading
“hard working.” Likewise, the list of words with the opposite meaning (lazy) includes one of the
incorrect answer choices as a trap.

Hard Working: Assiduous, diligent, persevering, tenacious

Lazy: Apathetic, indolent, insipid, languid, lethargic, torpor,

In recent test preparation classes, we have received incredibly positive feedback from students
on our list of word groupings in Appendix 2. If learning them in this manner is a good fit for your
personal learning style, then by all means do so. We are sure that the technique will help you to
earn several points on the SAT. If not, read on for another strategy that will inevitably come in
handy on the verbal portion of the exam.

We are proud to offer Guerrilla Tactics for the SAT™*: Secrets and Strategies the Test Writers Don’t Want You to Know in both electronic and paperback format.

To order the electronic (PDF) version of the publication for $17.99, please click here. When you place your order, you can immediately download the document and save it to your computer for future use - and print your own copy, if desired.

To order a paperback version of the publication for $17.99 (plus shipping), which will be delivered to your door, please click here. The site accepts all major credit cards.