Sentence Completions

The sentence completions form the most straightforward part of the test, and most students do well on them. You will get about 6 sentence completions on the test.Word That “Fits” The SentenceExample :Crestfallen by having done poorly on the GRE, Susan began to question her abilities. Her self confidence was ______________.(A) appeased(B) destroyed(C) placated(D) elevated(E) sustainedIf somebody is crestfallen (despairing) and has begun to question herself, then her self-confidence would be destroyed. Hence, the answer is (B).If a Sentence Has Two Blanks, Plug in the First Word in After eliminating the answer-choices that don't make sense with the first word plugged in, turn to the remaining answer-choices and plug in the second word.Example :The plane had been redesigned so many times before it reached the assembly line that its conception was no longer.(A) appropriate . . visible(B) dilapidated . . relevant(C) original . . recognizable(D) initial . . understandable(E) promised . . viableAn “appropriate conception” does not make sense in this context, eliminate (A). A “dilapidated conception” probably does not make sense in any context, eliminate (B). A “promised conception” is an odd construction, probably eliminate. Now, “original” and “initial” both work in the first blank. However, “understandable” does not make sense in the second blank. A redesign could clarify the original design, but it's hard to imagine how it would make the

original design unintelligible, eliminate (D). Finally, “recognizable” does make sense. Since the plane was redesigned many times, is it likely to look quite different from its original design. The answer is (C).Most often the answer-choices to sentence completion problems are not simple or common words, that is, words we use in daily speech. Nevertheless, don’t hesitate to use a common word. Although an everyday word is unlikely to be the answer, it will help guide you to the answer. Further, it will help eliminate wrong answer-choices.Be Alert to Transitional WordsTransitional words tell you what is coming up. They indicate that the author is now going to draw a contrast with something stated previously, or support something stated previously.Contrast IndicatorsTo contrast two things is to point out how they differ. In this type of sentence completion problem, we look for a word that has the opposite meaning (an antonym) of some key word or phrase in the sentence.Following are some of the most common contrast indicators:

BUT YETDESPITE ALTHOUGHHOWEVER NEVERTHELESSWHEREAS IN CONTRAST

Example :Although the warring parties had settled a number of disputes, past experience made them ________to express optimism that the talks would be a success.(A) rash (B) ambivalent (C) scornful (D) overjoyed (E) reticent“Although” sets up a contrast between what has occurred—success on some issues—and what can be

expected to occur—success for the whole talks. Hence, the parties are reluctant to express optimism. Thecommon word “reluctant” is not offered as an answer-choice, but a synonym—reticent—is. The answer is(E).Example :Rather than increasing its security by developing nuclear weapons, a nascent nuclear power is viewedas a by its enemies.(A) benefactor (B) protector (C) target (D) patron (E) non entityThe phrase “rather than” sets up a contrast between what a country hopes to achieve by developing nuclearweapons (increased security) and what it actually achieves (becoming a target). The answer is (C).Support IndicatorsSupporting words support or further explain what has already been said. These words often introducesynonyms for words elsewhere in the sentence. Following are some common supporting words:AND ALSO INDEEDFURTHERMORE LIKEWISE SIMILARLYIN ADDITION FOR TRULYExample :Davis is an opprobrious and speaker, equally caustic toward friend or foe—a truecurmudgeon.(A) lofty (B) vituperative (C) unstinting (D) retiring (E) laudatory“And” in the sentence indicates that the missing adjective is similar in meaning to “opprobrious,” which isvery negative. Now, vituperative—the only negative word—means “abusive.” Hence, the answer is (B).Example :The belief that sanctions and tactical military strikes can turn the people of a country against a dictator

is folly; indeed, as we are witnessing in the Balkans, this causes the population to rallyaround the dictator.(A) sometimes (B) rarely (C) invariably (D) never (E) occasionally“Indeed” in the sentence indicates that the second clause supports and emphasizes what is stated in the firstclause: that sanctions and tactical military strikes will not work. Now, something that will not work willinvariably (always) fail. The answer is (C).448 GRE Prep CourseCause And Effect IndicatorsThese words indicate that one thing causes another to occur. Some of the most common cause and effectindicators areBECAUSE FOR ACCORDINGLYTHUS HENCE CONSEQUENTLYTHEREFORE IF , THEN . DUE TOExample :Because the Senate has the votes to override a presidential veto, the President has no choice but to.(A) object(B) abdicate(C) abstain(D) capitulate(E) compromiseSince the Senate has the votes to pass the bill or motion, the President would be wise to compromise andmake the best of the situation. The answer is (E).AppositionThis rather advanced grammatical structure is very common on the GRE. (Don’t confuse “apposition” with“opposition”: they have opposite meanings.)Words or phrases in apposition are placed next to each other, and the second word or phrase defines,

clarifies, or gives evidence to the first word or phrase. The second word or phrase will be set off from thefirst by a comma, semicolon, hyphen, or parentheses. Note: If a comma is not followed by a linkingword—such as and, for, yet—then the following phrase is probably appositional.Identifying an appositional structure, can greatly simplify a sentence completion problem since theappositional word, phrase, or clause will define the missing word.Example :His novels are ; he uses a long circumlocution when a direct coupling of a simplesubject and verb would be best.(A) prolix(B) pedestrian(C) succinct(D) vapid(E) risquéThe sentence has no linking words (such as because, although, etc.). Hence, the phrase following thesemicolon is in apposition to the missing word—it defines or further clarifies the missing word. Now,writing filled with circumlocutions is aptly described as prolix. The answer is (A).Example :Robert Williams’ style of writing has an air of : just when you think the story line ispredictable, he suddenly takes a different direction. Although this is often the mark of a beginner,Williams pulls it off masterfully.(A) ineptness(B) indignation(C) reserve(D) jollity(E) capriciousnessThere is no connecting word following the colon. Hence, the description, “just when you think the story

line is predictable, he suddenly takes a different direction,” defines the missing word. Now, something thatis unpredictable because it’s continually changing direction is capricious. Thus, the answer is (E).S entence Completions 449Problem Set A: Answers and solutions begin on page 454.1. Because of his success as a comedian,directors were loath to consider him for___________ roles.(A) supporting(B) leading(C) dramatic(D) comedic(E) musical2. The aspiring candidate’s performance in thedebate all but any hope he mayhave had of winning the election.(A) nullifies(B) encourages(C) guarantees(D) accentuates(E) contains3. She is the most person I haveever met, seemingly with an endless reserveof energy.(A) jejune(B) vivacious(C) solicitous(D) impudent(E) indolent4. Despite all its , a stint in thediplomatic core is invariably an upliftingexperience.(A) merits(B) compensation(C) effectiveness(D) rigors(E) mediocrity5. Liharev talks about being both a nihilist andan atheist during his life, yet he never does

___________ faith in God.(A) affirm(B) lose(C) scorn(D) aver(E) supplicate6. Existentialism can be used to rationalizeevil: if one does not like the rules of societyand has no conscience, he may use existentialismas a means of ___________ a setof beliefs that are advantageous to him butinjurious to others.(A) thwarting(B) proving(C) promoting(D) justifying(E) impugning7. These categories amply point out thefundamental desire that people have toexpress themselves and the cleverness theydisplay in that expression; who would havebelieved that the drab, mundane DMVwould become the ___________ suchcreativity?(A) catalyst for(B) inhibitor of(C) disabler of(D) referee of(E) censor of8. This argues well that Erikson exercised lessfree will than Warner; for even thoughErikson was aware that he was misdirected,he was still unable to ___________ freewill.(A) defer(B) facilitate(C) proscribe(D) prevent(E) exert9. Man has no choice but to seek truth, he ismade uncomfortable and frustrated withouttruth—thus, the quest for truth is part of

what makes us ___________ .(A) noble(B) different(C) human(D) intelligent(E) aggressive10. Though most explicitly sexist words havebeen replaced by gender-neutral terms,sexism thrives in the ___________ ofmany words.(A) indistinctness(B) similitude(C) loquacity(D) implications(E) obscurity11. Though a small man, J. Egar Hooverappeared to be much larger behind his desk;for, having skillfully designed his office, hewas ___________ by the perspective.(A) augmented(B) comforted(C) apprehended(D) lessened(E) disconcerted450 GRE Prep Course12. Man is violent and therefore any theory ofconflict resolution between nations that___________ to account for this is___________ flawed.(A) declines . . supposedly(B) refuses . . pejoratively(C) fails . . . inherently(D) consents . . manifestly(E) flinches . . innately13. Ironically, the foreign affairs policies ofdemocracies are more likely to met withprotests than similar policies of totalitarianregimes because a democracy is___________ protest; whereas in a totalitarianregime, no one is listening.(A) impassive to(B) indifferent to

(C) imperiled by(D) sensitive to(E) inured to14. Although the buildings and streets of thissmall beach town appear , theproperty values are quite .(A) expensive . . steep(B) dilapidated . . high(C) artistic . . pedestrian(D) refurbished . . low(E) quaint . . reasonable15. Though he claimed the business was___________, his irritability ___________that claim.(A) sound . . belied(B) expanding . . supported(C) downsizing . . vindicated(D) static . . contradicted(E) booming. . affirmed16. The rules of engagement for UnitedNations troops stationed in Bosnia prohibitdeadly force unless all ___________actions have be exhausted.(A) comparable(B) menacing(C) alternative(D) augmented(E) extraordinary17. Despite its lofty goal—truth—many scholarsmaintain that law as ___________ is ahighly regulated street fight.(A) a dogma(B) a study(C) a profession(D) a philosophy(E) a lifestyle18. The vigorous dispute over where to place acomma in the Republican platform wasmotivated not by any ___________ changein meaning but by a desire not to show anydeference to the other side.(A) specific(B) discredited

(C) tarnished(D) petulant(E) infinite19. The citizenry had become so bythe presidents that the latestfinancial scandal did not even make thefront page of the newspapers.(A) fascinated . . impropriety(B) disgusted . . peccadilloes(C) distraught . . magnanimity(D) regretful . . personification(E) jaded . . indiscretions20. In these politically correct times, it hasbecome ___________ to discuss certainsubjects at all.(A) safe(B) eccentric(C) precarious(D) efficacious(E) effortless21. Although the stock market has experiencedstrong in the past two years,there have been short periods in which themarket has precipitously.(A) expansion . . stagnated(B) growth . . fallen(C) augmentation. . steadied(D) extension . . stabilized(E) development . . increased22. Her stern attitude toward the child wascomplemented with plenty of .(A) love(B) spite(C) indifference(D) malice(E) ambivalence23. The interviewer was startled to hear theotherwise gracious author make the___________ remark: “My novels are toosophisticated for the American public.”(A) apt(B) enigmatic(C) lofty(D) vacuous(E) insightful

S entence Completions 45124. The judge openly associated with racistorganizations; nevertheless, he showed noin his decisions during his career.(A) favoritism(B) benevolence(C) openness(D) prejudice(E) altruism25. The condemnatory drivel of critics directedtoward Steven Spielberg’s latest film atteststo the fact that the pretentious critics havelost sight of the purpose of movies: .(A) to exalt(B) to correct(C) to mislead(D) to convert(E) to entertain26. Though in acting circles he has a reputationof being a consummate professional, attimes he can be quite on the stage.(A) stern(B) efficient(C) playful(D) adept(E) aloof27. Because a comprehensive has yetto be done on the effects of radiation fromcomputer monitors, we don’t even knowthe amount of time the typical officeworker spends at a computer monitor.(A) theory(B) strategy(C) solution(D) illness(E) study28. The general accused the senator of naivetéfor that air strikes alone couldstop the aggressors.(A) advocating(B) denying(C) obfuscating

(D) mishandling(E) disallowing29. Hundreds of citizens showed up to___________ the planning commission’smaster plan for regional centers, claimingthat adding 800,000 additional people to themetro area by the year 2010 would causeovercrowding and gridlock.(A) vote on(B) protest(C) celebrate(D) view(E) stop30. Though toward his own needs, hewas always magnanimous toward others.(A) miserly(B) charitable(C) profligate(D) improvident(E) condemnatory31. The intelligence community should not befor not foreseeing the fall of theSoviet Union; even Hedrick Smith, author ofThe Russians, stated in 1986 that the SovietUnion is the world’s most stable society.(A) applauded(B) contradicted(C) faulted(D) preempted(E) engendered32. Although prices ___________ during thefuel shortage, the suppliers actually saw___________ in profits.(A) increased . . a loss(B) stabilized . . a boon(C) shot up . . an expansion(D) fluctuated . . a deprivation(E) decreased . . a windfall33. In the 1950s, integration was ___________to most Americans; now, however, mostAmericans accept it as ___________ .(A) welcome . . normal

(B) an anathema . . desirable(C) voluntary . . mandatory(D) common . . sporadic(E) an abhorrence. . unusual34. A more admirable character would havebeen one who overcame his ___________impulses and became good; rather than onewho merely lacked the to be bad.(A) forbearing . . patience(B) ire . . drama(C) baser . . intensity(D) depraved . . goodness(E) evil . . sophistication35. Although World War II ended more thanhalf a century ago, Russia and Japan stillhave not signed a formal peace treaty; andboth countries have been ___________ todevelop more ___________ relations.(A) reticent . . amiable(B) inhibited . . colder(C) loath . . hostile(D) averse . . controversial(E) inimical . . blasé452 GRE Prep Course36. The editor found the articles so _______that he hesitated to print them.(A) positive(B) comical(C) improbable(D) indecisive(E) interesting37. Children not only provide cheap labor, butthey are also _______, as they do notcomplain about menial chores given tothem or about harsh treatment meted out.(A) impertinent(B) facile(C) presumptuous(D) hesitant(E) docile38. Despite its _______ and safety in treatingsome of the most incapacitating forms ofdepression and anxiety, it has not been

widely _______.(A) security . . renounced(B) potency . . repudiated(C) ineffectuality . . overtaken(D) productivity . . commenced(E) usefulness . . accepted39. Despite her age, she has a silly and_______ sense of humor.(A) mature(B) trivial(C) adolescent(D) asinine(E) youthful40. There are different and ________ versionsabout what happened in the city, but onething is certain: it a dastardly act that mustbe condemned ________.(A) dissimilar . . concertedly(B) contrary . . in unison(C) unique . . without conflict(D) conflicting . . unequivocally(E) complementary . . unanimously41. By ________ celebrities from the sports,entertainment, or business arenas, the shownarrates the stories of the ________ newsmakersfrom all walks of life.(A) displaying . . pedestrian(B) profiling . . influential(C) parading . . effective(D) narrating . . dominating(E) setting forth . . ordinary42. Behind their strange appearance and________ for carrion, which has longsingled them out for fear and loathing,hyenas present a ________ society inwhich females dominate.(A) longing . . contrastive(B) penchant . . realistic(C) proclivity . . virtual(D) appetite . . matriarchal(E) yearning . . monarchal43. At the cutting edge of research, scientists

are developing new sunscreens of both________ and internal varieties.(A) polar(B) tropical(C) territorial(D) atmospheric(E) regional44. Although the AIDS epidemic is in thelimelight, there is a silent killer _______through India, killing more people thanAIDS itself. The _______ is that, unlikeAIDS, this disease is easily cured.(A) storming . . satire(B) flaming . . ridicule(C) raging . . parody(D) rampaging . . irony(E) traducing . . sarcasm45. Knowing Julian was overshadowed bymany other actors, she knew she wasindulging in a bit of _______ when shewondered whether Julian was the greatestliving actor ever.(A) irony(B) overemphasis(C) understatement(D) hyperbole(E) injustice46. Their courage is only _______, and a smallshow of strength is enough to call theirbluff.(A) ostentation(B) fortitude(C) temperament(D) exhibition(E) bravadoS entence Completions 45347. Life, as the film demonstrates, is too complexfor _______ endings.(A) facile(B) intricate(C) straight(D) occult(E) recognizable

48. Today, plastic has proved to be a _______to the environment; the world over, stepsare being taken to ban the _______ andnon-recyclable material, which has silentlytaken over our lives.(A) boon . . ominous(B) threat . . jeopardizing(C) menace . . non-ecofriendly(D) inauspicious . . disastrous(E) perquisite . . deleterious49. While environmentalists and NGO’s havewelcomed the move, there has been strong_______ from many a quarter.(A) opposition(B) rivalry(C) approval(D) defiance(E) acceptance50. Suicide is the outcome of man’s difficultyto _______ himself in society, so he doesnot feel isolated.(A) materialize(B) isolate(C) homogenize(D) secure(E) integrate51. Some are born with a _______ to commitsuicide, whereas some commit suicidebecause they are unable to bear _______changes in their lives.(A) sentiment . . inimical(B) resolution. . adverse(C) predisposition. . cataclysmic(D) prognosis. . miserable(E) prodigy. . abrupt52. It is a situation with a hard, practical edgewhich raises issues of life-threatening_______ and therefore demands to beaddressed with cool, clear-headed _______.(A) existence . . involvement(B) incidents . . erudition(C) evidence . . cognizance

(D) illustrations . . expedience(E) immediacy . . pragmatism53. We landed at the airport with _______notions of the country as _______ countrywhere many parents are alleged to havesold their children in exchange for food.(A) paradoxical . . an abounding(B) incongruous . . an opulent(C) preconceived . . an impoverished(D) unwarranted . . an impotent(E) germane . . a prolific54. Located amidst the colossal green hills,what might have otherwise been _______airfield in _______ part of the Northassumed the overtones of the battlefield.(A) an impressive . . an alien(B) a blood-shattered . . an estranged(C) a combatant . . a war torn(D) a picturesque . . an exquisite(E) a reposeful . . a hostile55. In spite of the _______ vista of the countrydismantled by war and its developmentclogged by illiteracy, locals like to _______their nationalism.(A) sickening . . unveil(B) diverse . . exhibit(C) unruly . . curb(D) picturesque . . conceal(E) chaotic . . flaunt454 GRE Prep CourseAnswers and Solutions to Exercise1. C2. A3. B4. D5. B6. D7. A8. E9. C10. D11. A12. C13. D14. B

15. A16. C17. C18. A19. E20. C21. B22. A23. B24. D25. E26. C27. E28. A29. B30. A31. C32. A33. B34. E35. A36. C37. E38. E39. E40. D41. B42. D43. B44. D45. D46. E47. A48. C49. A50. E51. C52. E53. C54. D55. E1. If the public expects a comedian to alwaysmake them laugh, then they might not accept a

comedian in a serious role. Hence, the directorswould be loath (reluctant) to cast a comedian in adramatic role. The answer is (C).2. The phrase “all but” implies that the debatewas a make-or-break event for the candidate.Suppose the candidate did well. Then his spiritswould be high, and we would expect the missingword to be positive. However, a positive word inthe phrase “all but any hope” is awkward.Hence, the candidate must have donepoorly in the debate and had his hopes for electionnixed. So we turn to the answer-choiceslooking for “nixed.” It’s not there, but asynonym—nullifies—is. The answer is (A).3. Since no connecting word—such as and, for,so, etc.—follows the comma, the phrase“seemingly with an endless reserve of energy”defines the missing word. Now, a person with anendless reserve of energy would be lively, whichis the meaning of “vivacious.” The answer is(B).4. “Despite” sets up a contrast between the keyphrase “uplifting experience” and the missingword. The implication is that in spite of therewards, the job is harsh and trying; in otherwords, rigorous. The answer is (D).5. “Yet” draws a contrast between what onewould expect an Atheist to do (renounce faith in

God) and what Liharev did (maintained faith inGod). In other words, he did not lose faith inGod. The answer is (B).6. To rationalize evil is to make excuses forwrong doing. Now, the words following thecolon explain how existentialism can be used toexcuse or justify evil. The answer is (D).7. The phrase “who would have believed”implies that the reality is the opposite of whatone would expect. Now, one would not expectthe drab DMV to be a catalyst for creativity. Theanswer is (A).8. The sentence implies that even whenErikson knows he is taking the wrong path inlife, he still cannot stop. That is, he cannot exertfree will. The answer is (E).9. If man has no choice but to seek truth, thenthis is an essential characteristic of man. In otherwords, it is part of what makes us human. Theanswer is (C).10. The sentence is saying that although a wordmay not be explicitly sexist it may contain sexistconnotations or implications. The answer is (D).11. The passage states that when sitting behindhis desk J. Egar Hoover looked larger than heactually was. So the perspective must haveincreased the appearance of his size. The onlyword that means to increase is “augmented.”

The answer is (A).12. Since man is violent, any useful theory ofconflict resolution must incorporate this fact.The answer is (C).13. The clause “whereas in a totalitarian regime,no one is listening” implies that a democracydoes listen to protests. In other words, it is sensitiveto protests. The answer is (D).14. “Although” sets up a contrast between whatthe property values are (high) and what onewould expect them to be in a dilapidated (rundown) community. The answer is (B).S entence Completions 45515. If the business was not sound, his irritabilitywould belie (contradict) his claim that the businesswas sound. The answer is (A).16. The word “exhausted” implies that all otheractions (alternatives) have been tried. Theanswer is (C).17. The sentence is pointing out that as a practicalmatter the legal profession pursues the truththrough a rough and tumble path. The answer is(C).18. The clause “a desire not to show any deferenceto the other side” implies that the issue waswho would win not who was right. So theplacement of the comma did not affect the specificmeaning of the sentence. The answer is(A).

19. A financial scandal is an indiscretion; and itmay not have made the front page because thepublic was jaded (worn out) by an excess ofscandals. The answer is (E).20. The sentence is suggesting that it is risky todiscuss certain subjects regardless of what yousay. The answer is (C).21. “Although” sets up a contrast between whathappened in the market over a two year period(growth) and what happened in some shorterperiods during that time (no growth). Theanswer is (B).22. A complement is something that makes up awhole, bringing it to perfection. Of the answerchoicesoffered, only “love” could complement“stern” in such a manner. The answer is (A).23. We are told that the author is gracious, yetshe makes the churlish comment: “My novels areto sophisticated for the American public.” Suchan out of character comment is enigmatic. Theanswer is (B).24. “Nevertheless” points out a contrast in howthe judge felt (prejudice) and how he acted(without prejudice). The answer is (D).25. The word “pretentious” indicates that thewriter believes that the critics take themselvesand movies too seriously. That is, the main purposeof a movie is merely to entertain. The

answer is (E).26. “Though” sets up a contrast between thebehavior one would expect from a “consummateprofessional” and the behavior that the actorsometimes displays. Now from a consummateprofessional, one would expect a serious, worklikeattitude, not playfulness. The answer is (C).27. To determine the amount of time the typicaloffice worker spends at a computer monitor, astudy would need to be conducted. The answeris (E).28. The general is accusing the senator of beingnaive (unsophisticated) for believing that airstrikes alone could stop the aggressors. Theanswer is (A).29. People are likely to protest a plan that theybelieve will cause overcrowding and gridlock.The answer is (B).30. “Though” sets up a contrast between“magnanimous” (charitable) and “miserly.” Theanswer is (A).31. The sentence is implying that no one couldhave foreseen the collapse of the Soviet Union.The answer is (C).32. The sentence is pointing out that in spite ofthe higher prices the suppliers lost money. Theanswer is (A).

33. The sentence is pointing out the differencebetween the attitudes of people in the ‘50s andthe attitudes today. The answer is (B).34. The writer is pointing out that one whoovercomes evil is more admirable than one whois born simple but good. The answer is (E).35. If no peace treaty has been signed after 50years, then the countries are probably reticent(reluctant) to develop more amiable (friendly)relations. The answer is (A).456 GRE Prep Course36. Printing something that is untrue wouldreflect negatively on the editor, so he hesitated toprint the articles because they were“improbable.” The answer is (C). “Indecisive”could also be the reason the editor hesitated toprint the articles, but “improbable” is a strongerreason not to publish an article. One of the jobsof an editor is to verify the truth of an article.Publishing false material could subject the editorto ridicule or even legal action.37. The word “as” in the sentence indicates thatthe missing word is explained or defined by theclause that follows it: “they do not complainabout menial chores given to them or about harshtreatment meted out.” This aptly describes a“docile” person. The answer is (E).38. The conjunction “and” in the phrase

“Despite its _______ and safety” indicates thatthe missing word has a positive meaning because“safety” has a positive meaning. Since thesentence is implying that the drug is useful incuring depression and anxiety, it is expected thatthe drug would be widely used. But “despite”implies that the drug is not widely “accepted.”The answer is (E).39. The word “age” in the sentence implies thatthe missing word is characteristic of age.“Youthful” fits well: Despite her advanced age,she has a youthful sense of humor. The answer is(E). “Adolescent” could also work in thesentence, but the phrase “adolescent sense ofhumor” carries a negative connotation, and thesentence does not seem to be critical.40. The word “and” in the phrase “different and________ versions” indicates that the missingword is similar in meaning to the word“different.” Now, different versions of an eventcan be “conflicting.” Further, a dastardly actneeds to be condemned “unequivocally.” Theanswer is (D).41. The show was organized to tell the stories ofsuccessful celebrities. By “profiling” thesecelebrities, the show narrates the stories of the“influential” newsmakers from all walks of life.

The answer is (B).42. Since hyenas eat carrion (decaying flesh),they have an “appetite” for it. A society ruled byfemales is called “matriarchal.” The answer is(D).43. The word “both” in the statement impliesthere are two different types of sunscreen. Sinceone is internal, the other one should be externalor at least of a different type. The choices“territorial,” “atmospheric,” and “regional” donot imply the opposite of internal. “Polar” and“tropical” may indicate other varieties.Sunscreens are not used in polar regions; they areused in tropical regions. Hence, the answer is(B).44. The first sentence describes AIDS as a bigthreat; it also describes another disease that isunreported and is on a greater rampage. Yet, theauthor says there is a cure for this silent killer. Itis ironic that the silent killer causes more harmthan AIDS, yet it is curable. The answer is (D).45. The statement implies that Julian is certainlynot the greatest American actor. To believe himto be the greatest actor would be to indulge in“hyperbole.” The answer is (D).46. The word “only” in the first clause limits the

meaning of courage: They have courage, butonly to a point. The word “bluff” in the secondclause indicates that their courage is merelybluster. This is the meaning of “bravado.” Theanswer is (E).47. The phrase “too complex for” indicates thatthe missing word should have the oppositemeaning of the word “complex.” The opposite ofcomplex is simple. Now, “facile” means simplistic,superficial. The answer is (A).48. The second clause states that worldwidesteps are being taken to ban plastic. The word“and” joining the two clauses of the sentenceindicates that the first clause should provide areason for the worldwide ban of plastic. Thereason is that plastic is proving to be a menace tothe environment. The second blank needs to befilled by a word that supports the statement andshows the negative consequences of plasticusage. The suitable word is “non-ecofriendly.”The answer is (C).49. The word “while” indicates a contrastbetween what is expressed in the first clause(welcoming the move) and what is expressed inthe second clause (opposing the move). Theanswer is (A).S entence Completions 457

50. Man is a social being; and to function properly,he needs to be an integral part of society.When a person fails to integrate himself intosociety, he often feels alienated and incomplete,which, without a social support system, can leadto suicide. The author believes that those whocommit suicide do so because they are unable tointegrate themselves into the society. The answeris (E).51. The author states that some people are bornwith an inclination to commit suicide. Thoughthe remaining people who have committedsuicide do not have such a predisposition, theycommit it because they are unable to bear suddencataclysmic changes that occur in their lives. Theanswer is (C).52. According to the author, the core issueinvolves a hard, practical point that is to be dealtwith a pragmatic approach. Pragmatism means“practical approach.” The author stresses theimmediacy of the situation since it is raising lifethreateningissues. The answer is (E).53. One would reasonably assume (preconceive)that a state where parents are alleged to have soldtheir children in exchange for food is an“impoverished” state. The answer is (C). Note,(D) is the second-best choice. Although an

impoverished state is probably impotent, impoverisheddescribes the situation better. Further, thesentence does not imply that the preconceivednotions of the state were unwarranted (notjustified).54. The sentence implies that the location,though having splendid natural settings, isdistressed by the ongoing battle. We can observefrom the structure of the sentence that bothblanks explain the natural beauty of the location.The author implies that if the location had noovertones of the battlefield, it would have been a“picturesque” airfield in an “exquisite” part ofthe North. The answer is (D).55. The country under consideration has beendismantled by war and its development cloggedby illiteracy. The author describes the overallsituation of the country as “chaotic.” One wouldexpect the citizens to feel disgrace in such a situation.But the locals still “flaunt” their nationalism.The answer is (E).