What the question looks like
A sentence has two blanks, and each option gives a pair of words (for example raised, attract). The pair must fit both blanks grammatically and logically. Some papers offer two separate columns of words and ask you to pick the pair; the method is the same.
Step-by-step approach
- Start with the easier blank. Often one blank is decided by grammar alone (a verb form, an agreement), which eliminates two or three pairs at once.
- Use the relationship between the blanks. If the sentence says Although ______ on paper, it proved ______ in practice, the two words must contrast. If it says ______ the risk, the bank ______ collateral, they must agree in purpose.
- Test the surviving pairs in the whole sentence. Read the sentence aloud in your head with each pair. Only one should sound fully natural.
Clues that link the two blanks
| Clue | Relationship | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although, though, but, yet, despite | Contrast | promising ... disappointing |
| because, so, therefore, as a result | Cause and effect | reduced yields ... forcing farmers to switch |
| and, also, moreover | Same direction | abrupt resignation ... fuelled speculation |
| instead of, rather than | Replacement | instead of addressing ... chose to sidestep |
Grammar checks for each blank
- A participle phrase after a comma usually needs the -ing form: have reduced crop yields, forcing farmers...
- Agreement: Experts warn, banks strengthen, a transaction that appears.
- Passive voice needs be + past participle: was performed, is aimed at.
- Prepositions and fixed phrases: came to light, awaiting compensation (no for), waiting for compensation.
Worked example
"______ the company reported record profits, it ______ hundreds of employees, citing automation." The two clauses contrast (profits up, jobs cut), so the first blank needs a contrast word that can introduce a clause: Although. Despite cannot be followed by a full clause. The second blank needs laid off (dismissed). The answer is Although, laid off.
Common traps
- Checking only the first word of each pair. A pair with the perfect first word may carry a wrong second word.
- Pairs that are individually correct but contradict each other (abrupt ... quelled speculation).
- Look-alike nouns: construction/constriction, adoption/adaptation, contribution/distribution.
Time target: 30-40 seconds per question. Eliminate on the easier blank first; you rarely need to read all five pairs fully.