Text Completion Practice Test 1Question 1A book is your golden ticket into the speaking business. If you had a book published by a "real" publisher within the last 12 months in your hands, you have the calling card you need to get those (1) __________ engagements now. Some authors-to-be and new authors have trouble figuring out precisely how to (2) ___________ that book into speaking. First, when the book is printed, ask the publisher for a few hundred copies of the cover, as "overrun." Usually you can have them free or at cost. They make large-sized, (3) _________ postcards to send to meeting planners to attract their attention.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. busines

s

2. speaking

3. public

1. apply

2. leverage

3. utilize

1. noticeable

2. printed

3. informativ

eCorrect Answer : speaking, leverage, noticeableExplanation:The paragraph is about how a person can get into the speaking business. The suggestion given is that if a person has had a book published, he can take advantage of it and get the desired engagements. For the first blank, the most appropriate word is ‘speaking’. It is not any other ‘business’ that is being discussed and hence we reject that option and ‘speaking’ is more suitable than ‘public’. For the second blank, we reject the option ‘apply’ since the other two options are more suitable. Out of the remaining options, we select ‘leverage’ over ‘utilize’. The word ‘utilize’ means to put to use whereas ‘leverage’ would imply to exert the influence of. The book can influence people and get you the desired engagements. For the last blank, we reject ‘printed’ as it does not add to what is already stated. Out of the other two options, we select ‘noticeable’ because this word is not subjective. We cannot say that the copies shall be informative, but ‘large-sized’ postcards are meant to be ‘noticeable’.

Question 2When Americans imagine communities with (1) __________ homes, barefoot children and starving adults, they might picture Third World countries. But over 23 million U.S. residents live in (2) __________ rural poverty. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson launched his War on Poverty from Appalachia, a 1,000-mile stretch that goes from southern New York to northeast Mississippi. Although some communities have seen improvement since the 1960s, the economic boom of the 1990s did little to improve (3) ___________ conditions.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. dilapidated

2. dingy

3. overcrowde

d

1. pitiabl

e

2. utter

3. deep

1. their

2. poverty

3. living

Correct Answer : dilapidated, deep, livingExplanation:The given paragraph is about the poverty in America. The first blank is related with the condition of homes of poor people. All the three options are suitable. However, a careful analysis shows that the words used to describe the condition of children and adults are related with lack of money. Hence, the most suitable word for the first blank is ‘dilapidated’. We have no reason to choose ‘overcrowded’ and the word ‘dingy’ implies shabby and dismal. The word ‘dilapidated’ is suitable since it is related with poverty, such that the homes cannot be repaired. For the second blank, we reject the word ‘pitiable’ because it is subjective. Besides, it does not add to what is already stated. Out of the other two options, we select ‘deep’ since it shows the extent of poverty, whereas the option ‘utter’ fails to do so. For the last blank, the option ‘living’ is correct. The main issue is the living conditions of the poverty-

stricken people of America. The President launched a program to remove poverty. Some aspects of the impact of poverty were taken care of in the 1960s, but the economic boom of 1990s did not improve the living conditions, which are a result of poverty.

Question 3For example, the perspective of going on vacation while getting an office bonus would not only make us (1) _________, but also make us plan and imagine the holiday. In fact, we would feel the (2) _____________ without actually being on the vacation itself! However, when being on the actual vacation, the excitement tends to settle down as one begins to feel (3) ___________.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. exhilarate

d

2. excited

3. overjoyed

1. bliss

2. relaxation

3. excitemen

t

1. contente

d

2. calm

3. normalCorrect Answer : excited, bliss, contentedExplanation:The writer is continuing a thought and giving an example of something he has already stated. He explains the emotions that we go through when we have to go for a holiday on getting an office bonus. The author is discussing the normal emotions that all of us go through; he is not discussing some exceptional case. Hence, the fills for the blanks are to be selected on this basis. For the first blank, we select the option ‘excited’. The other two options show extreme emotions; besides, the last sentence also mentions excitement. Hence, we deduce that ‘excitement’ is the emotion that we would feel at the perspective of going on a vacation. For the second blank, we reject the option ‘excitement’ as it would lead to repetition. Out of the other two options, we select ‘bliss’ over ‘relaxation’. One cannot feel relaxed without actually being on a vacation since it is the course of a vacation that makes one unwind and relax. However, one can feel supreme happiness in the anticipation of a vacation. For the last blank, we select ‘contented’. The option ‘normal’ is readily rejected. Saying that one is calm is akin to saying that he is not excited. Hence, we do not use the option ‘calm’. When we are on a vacation, we start feeling relaxed and contented and hence the excitement settles down.

Question 4A lot of them get quite (1) ______________ due to their lacking this beauty and (2) ________ similar to others they have met. A better option will be to obtain the liking of others by being smart and good. Ugly people, in reality are those, who do not possess great ideas, or they cannot attract others by their thoughts and feelings. If we see history, we may find a lot of ugly people, but they had been famous and liked by all, since they have done (3) ____________ deeds.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. disgruntl

e

2. depressed

3. envious

1. allure

2. charm

3. thought

s

1. beautiful

2. marvelous

3. thoughtfu

lCorrect Answer : depressed, allure, marvelousExplanation:In the given paragraph, the author is discussing the feelings of people who are not beautiful and he is trying to tell what real ugliness means. In the first sentence, the disposition of the unfortunate is described. He says that they are ‘depressed’. Through the other options, ‘disgruntle’ and ‘envious’ a feeling of resentment is evident, which we do not have any evidence to support. Ugly people get depressed or sad because they do not possess the beauty that they see in people around them. Whether they are envious of others cannot be said for sure and hence we select ‘depressed’ as the correct option. For the second blank, we reject the option ‘thoughts’. The author says that ugly people

in reality are those who do not possess good thoughts. He supports these depressed people in this indirect manner by saying that they have good thoughts and that is real beauty. Thus, these people cannot be depressed because of lacking ‘thoughts’ like beautiful people do. Consequently, we reject the option ‘thoughts’. Out of ‘allure’ and ‘charm’, we select the former. The author says that you should obtain the liking of others by being smart and good. Thus, these people wish to ‘allure’ others and hence we select this option. In the last sentence, the author says that history is witness to the affection that ugly people get from others because of their ‘marvelous’ deeds. This word has a wide scope and encompasses beauty and thoughtfulness. Hence, it is the correct answer option, in the given context.

Question 5One of the best things about being a leader is the privilege to share goals and dreams with members on your team. A leader inspires trust and (1) __________. You can lead others with your words and actions, and earn your members’ trust, and inspire them to build their business and develop their skills. Your own actions inspire your members to believe in themselves and (2) ____________. A leader is also out in the (3) ___________ doing it every day.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. action

2. faith

3. dedicatio

n

1. deliver

2. progress

3. accelerat

e

1. heat

2. trenches

3. fields

Correct Answer : action, progress, trenchesExplanation:The given paragraph is about a leader. For the first blank, we discard the option ‘faith’ since it is synonymous with ‘trust’ in comparison with the other options. In the remaining paragraph, the author is concentrating on action. He says that a leader leads with his words and actions. The author also mentions that a leader’s actions inspire others when they see him doing work every day. The word ‘action’ finds a lot of support in the paragraph. On the other hand, the option ‘dedication’ does not find any justification in the text. Hence, the correct option for the first blank is ‘action’. For the second blank, we select the word ‘progress’. The actions of a leader instill self-confidence in his followers and inspire them to make progress in their field of work. The option ‘accelerate’ is not appropriate since it is closely related to ‘speed’, which is relative to time. There is no sense of hurry indicated in the text. The other option ‘deliver’ is not as suitable as ‘progress’ is and hence we select the latter. For the last blank, we have to choose a word that aptly shows the example that a leader sets for inspiring others. A leader inspires others by the hard work he puts in, in doing the most difficult jobs. We select the word ‘trenches’ since it shows the maximum amount of struggle, as compared with the other options.

Question 6New (1) ____________ innovations like fuel cells are still a long way off from truly becoming substitutes to the fossil fuel powered internal combustion engines that have driven us all this far down the road. (2) __________ looking at all the possible sources of alternate energy and especially renewable, wind and hydroelectric projects are the only two viable long-term sources. Solar power is a (3) _____________ huge alternative source of energy but it has a technological handicap-we do not possess the engineering expertise to make better solar cells. Solar cells are also very costly to produce and are not cost effective - even less so than wind.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. technologica

l

2. scientific

3. technical

1. logicall

y

2. perhaps

3. indeed

1. relatively

2. potentially

3. substantiall

yCorrect Answer : technological, indeed, potentially

Explanation:For the first blank, we reject ‘technical’ right away. The word refers to technique, which can be related with any science or art. Since it is not specific to the topic, we reject the word. ‘Technology’ is a branch of knowledge that deals with the application of principles of science whereas ‘scientific’ means pertaining to science. We thus choose ‘technological’ as the correct answer. Scientific principles are applied to create technological innovations like fuel cells. For the second blank, we select the option ‘indeed’. The sentence contains definite ideas with little scope of doubt; hence, we reject the option ‘perhaps’, which shows uncertainty. There is no reason for us to select the option ‘logically’. The discussion is not based on logic, but on facts. There is nothing in the paragraph to defy logic and hence we do not have to use the word to emphasize on it. The option ‘indeed’ is the correct option. The author says that we are yet to find substitutes to fossil fuels. He further supports wind and hydroelectric projects as the only viable alternatives. He accepts their utility and hence the word ‘indeed’ is the best fit here. For the last blank, we select the option ‘potentially’. Since there is no comparison being drawn, we cannot use ‘relatively’. Out of the remaining options, ‘potentially’ highlights the capability of this alternative source, especially since it is followed by the word ‘huge’.

Question 7A positive attitude not only makes us (1) _________, but it also makes us open to all the opportunities that come our way. Successful people have positivity radiating from them and they never let go of any opportunity. It is these minute opportunities that have made them climb their success ladders. Successful people also value their time. They are well (2) ___________ and planned for the day. Not only that, but they also value the time of others and fulfill their deadlines (3) ___________. When going for a meeting, they are always on time and well planned.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. capable

2. enthusiastic

3. successfu

l

1. prioritize

d

2. punctual

3. focused

1. efficiently

2. accordingly

3. timely

Correct Answer : successful, prioritized, accordinglyExplanation:The first two sentences convey the same meaning. Where the second sentence says that successful people radiate positivity and grab every opportunity, the first says that a positive attitude makes you successful and open to opportunities. In the remaining paragraph also, successful people are being discussed. Hence, the suitable answer for the first blank is ‘successful’. For the second blank, the option ‘focused’ is illogical. The word ‘punctual’ conveys the same sense that the last sentence does and hence we reject it. The option ‘prioritized’ is correct. Successful people value their time and hence set their priorities accordingly and plan for the day. For the last blank, we need to observe the sentence carefully. The author says that successful people value the time of others and fulfill their deadlines. The option ‘timely’ would lead to repetition. The option ‘accordingly’ is more suitable than ‘efficiently’ is. While ‘efficiently’ would support proficiency, ‘accordingly’ supports the notion of their giving value to the time of others. The correct answer is thus ‘accordingly’.

Question 8There are good reasons for (1) ___________. Afghanistan is the most ambitious project that the international community will have ever undertaken. And as a senior American official said, “The one thing that seems to (2) ___________ Afghans over long period of time is they don’t much like foreigners.” But consider what the foreigners were up to in the past. The British and the Russians tried to colonize the place. The Arabs turned it into a base for international terrorism. Maybe now that the foreigners are coming for quite different reasons, the (3) ____________ will be more welcoming.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 3

1. pessimis

m

2. reform

3. anxiety

1. unite

2. disturb

3. frustrat

e

1. Arabs

2. locals

3. citizen

sCorrect Answer : pessimism, unite, localsExplanation:The author is saying that Afghanistan is the most ambitious project of the international community. Earlier foreigners tried to colonize it and they were not much welcome. Afghans were united in their dislike for foreigners. The Arabs gave terrorism to the county and maybe people welcome the international community now for they can bring prosperity to them. The suitable words for the first three blanks are ‘pessimism’, ‘unite’ and ‘locals’. We have reasons to be positive. For long Afghans were united in their dislike for foreigners. Earlier we were not welcome by locals and now they might be more welcoming.

Question 9When your people see you out (1) ____________ doing what you're advising them to do, they will then have more (2) __________ and trust in what you have to say. Lead by example, people believe what they see, not what they hear. A leader offers the team hope and inspiration. Decide today to be the leader that offers a positive (3) _________, and make a great difference in someone's life.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. sincerel

y

2. diligently

3. actually

1. conviction

2. respect

3. assuranc

e

1. experienc

e

2. feedback

3. exampleCorrect Answer : actually, respect, experienceExplanation:For the first blank, we select the option ‘actually’ and for the second, we select ‘respect’. The sentence says that when you give advice to others, they might not trust you, but when you yourself live by your advice, they shall get truly inspired. Leaders are held in high esteem and they are generally not judged. Hence, they are not expected to be at the same level as their followers. However, when they blur the lines of differentiation between themselves and their followers, they win the ‘respect’ and trust of their followers. The word ‘actually’ highlights how the deed is unexpected and hence we select it. The word ‘respect’ brings out the importance of the task by showing its impact on others. For the last blank, the option ‘experience’ is correct. In the preceding sentence, the author says that a leader offers hope and inspiration. In other words, he offers a ‘positive experience’ to people. ‘Feedback’ is clearly wrong and the option ‘example’ does not score over ‘experience’ since the former means instance whereas the latter means occurrence.

Question 10God Went Fishing is the story of Sigmund, an 18-year-old who travels the world in search of his identity. Not unlike Voltaire's Candide, during his journey, he feels as though the negative energy of the universe is deliberately conspiring against him. (1) __________, he follows his mentor Bernie's advice, and lives life thinking that we are all part of a "rational universe and that all was for the best in this best of all possible worlds." Clearly, this is not the case, as heinous acts of cosmic proportions are being committed daily in this (2) __________ world, without regard to any of us. What's worse is that the evildoers of the world are growing increasingly more creative and (3) ___________ in their endeavors. The examples that the author uses in his story will shock and astound readers. It seems that there are no depths to which some perpetrators will not descend to see their evil purposes brought forth.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 3

1. regardles

s

2. nonetheless

3. however

1. imperfec

t

2. regardless

3. evil

1. imaginativ

e

2. ruthless

3. brutalCorrect Answer : regardless, imperfect, ruthlessExplanation:The beginning of the paragraph introduces us to the story of Sigmund. He is in search of his own identity and feels bogged down by the negative energy of the universe. He puts all his doubts aside to follow the advice of his mentor. The options ‘nonetheless’ and ‘however’ for the first blank mean the same thing – in spite of. The option ‘regardless’ highlights the character of Sigmund and the conviction he has in his mentor’s advice. He is unmindful of his own feelings and abides by his mentor’s suggestion. Hence, the option ‘regardless’ is more significant and we select it as the correct answer option. For the second blank, the option ‘regardless’ is trivially incorrect. Out of the other two options, we do not have enough reason to call the world ‘evil’. The author says that there are evildoers in this world and heinous acts are committed daily. However, we cannot take the liberty to call the world ‘evil’. Hence, we select the option ‘imperfect’ for the second blank. For the last blank, we have to make the choice between ‘ruthless’ and ’brutal’. The option ‘imaginative’ does not add to the meaning of the sentence. Moreover, we cannot ignore the succeeding sentences and avoid mentioning about the increasing cruelty. Where ‘ruthless’ means without pity, ‘brutal’ means inhumane or savage. The author mentions about the cruelty in increasing order of intensity. He begins by mentioning that it is on a rise, he goes on to say that the examples shall astound the readers and he concludes by saying that some perpetrators stoop to unimaginable depths. Hence, we shall use the lighter of the two options for the blank, i.e. ‘ruthless’.

Question 11A sound language skill is not enough to ensure success as a public speaker. Choose your words carefully and be sure to (1) _____________ them. Poor articulation and pronunciation weighs much in (2) __________ your presentation. Visual aids are helpful to get your message across. You may use handouts or technical presentations to support your points. But the best visual aids are your facial expressions, hand gestures and body language. When practicing your speech, try to do it in front of a mirror to see how you look. Make sure that you have a solid opening, a good transition and a (3) _________ conclusion.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. rehears

e

2. enunciate

3. verbaliz

e

1. damaging

2. delivering

3. evaluatin

g

1. memorabl

e

2. definite

3. valuable

Correct Answer : enunciate, evaluating, memorableExplanation:The beginning of the paragraph brings our focus on language skills. The importance that articulation and pronunciation hold is mentioned. The options ‘enunciate’ and ‘verbalize’ thus gain more importance over ‘rehearse’. To verbalize means to put in words and to enunciate means to pronounce. The latter option thus is more suitable for the sentence. The next sentence also supports the choice. For the second blank, the clear answer choice is ‘evaluating’. This is clear because of the use of the word ‘weighs’. Towards the middle of the paragraph, the author moves his focus to visual aids for making a presentation. He says that your facial expressions and body language are the best visual aids. In the end, he summarizes how a speech or presentation should be. Your should have a solid opening to make an impressive and interesting start, then move from one idea to the other and have good transition. Lastly, you should have a ‘memorable’ conclusion. There is no point in having a

‘definite’ and ‘valuable’ conclusion if your audience will not remember it. Thus, we give maximum importance to this word and it is the correct answer option.

Question 12Many biodegradable product distributors are strongly committed to environmental (1) _________. Their major focus is the slow decomposition of garbage in landfills and its (2) ___________ effects on the environment. That is why they sell 100% biodegradable, eco-friendly products to speed up the (3) __________ of trash and to reduce our negative effects on the earth.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. causes

2. concerns

3. sustainabilit

y

1. negative

2. devastating

3. gradual

1. breakdown

2. decomposition

3. rotting

Correct Answer : sustainability, negative, decompositionExplanation:The words ‘environmental causes’ and ‘environmental concerns’ refer to all the problems related with environment in general. The concern of the biodegradable product distributors is specific. They aim to reduce our negative effects on the earth to increase environmental ‘sustainability’. Hence, we choose the corresponding option. For the second blank, we select the option ‘negative’. The sentence shows the main area of focus of biodegradable product distributors. They are concerned about the slow decomposition of garbage. We cannot say whether this slow decomposition has a ‘gradual’ effect on the environment, nor can we say that the effect is ‘devastating’. We reject the strong word ‘devastation’ and select the other option, as the effect on environment is certainly ‘negative’. For the last blank, we select the option ‘decomposition’. The author uses this word to explain the issue. He says that the decomposition of garbage in landfills is slow and the distributors sell biodegradable products to speed up the decomposition of trash.

Question 13Guilt can be an effective tool when it comes to keeping us on track. However, guilt feelings when we have nothing to feel guilty about is another matter altogether. When guilt creeps into the time management process, it is usually an indicator that the individual has begun to believe on some level that unless they are not (1) __________ engaged in some task, they are not managing their time well. While it is important to take care of necessary tasks in a timely manner, we also need some time to simply relax and (2) ____________. From this perspective, failing to include time for rest and recreation is actually a breach of good time management policies. By denying your mind and your body of what it needs to be healthy, you are actually defeating the (3) ________ of time management, and setting yourself up to fail at some future point.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. currentl

y

2. entirely

3. actively

1. recharg

e

2. unwind

3. recreate

1. meanin

g

2. objective

3. purposeCorrect Answer : actively, recharge, purposeExplanation:In the given paragraph, the author is explaining how people wrongly become guilty about their time management techniques. He is mainly discussing feeling guilty for no reason at all. The idea put across is that people feel guilty when they rest and recreate, because they are not ‘actively’ engaged in some work. The option ‘entirely’ is not correct for the first blank as it shows an extreme form of the situation. The option ‘currently’ is also incorrect since it does not lend the intended meaning to the

sentence. The correct option for the first blank is ‘actively’. When people are not actively engaged in work and they are taking a break, they feel guilty. In the sentence containing the second blank, the author is bringing our attention to something that is necessary. He says that making some time to simply relax is necessary because it ‘recharges’ us. This sentence contains the gist of the paragraph and hence we choose that option of the three which best explains the point of the author. The correct option for the second blank is ‘recharge’. For the last blank, we reject the option ‘meaning’. Out of the remaining options, we select ‘purpose’ over ‘objective’. ‘Purpose’ means intension whereas ‘objective’ means aim. The objective of time management is to finish the tasks in time and the purpose of time management is to make some time to relax. Hence, ‘purpose’ is the correct answer option.

Question 14On the other hand some are very serious about their relationship and cannot handle the parting as the breakups are different as per the different (1) ___________ and very much depend as to how (2) _________ a person is. Some may take it very easily as a simple life phase. Teens cannot find it easy to part with somebody they love whereas adults may have experienced the same before and learnt how to carry on if such (3) _______ come in life.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 3

1. circumstance

s

2. ages

3. exposure

1. mature

2. experienced

3. intelligent

1. situation

s

2. tragedies

3. instance

sCorrect Answer : ages, mature, instancesExplanation:In the given paragraph, the discussion is around how some people cannot get over a break up while others can. In the third sentence, the author says that teenagers find it difficult to get over a break up as compared with adults. The reason for this is less experience of teenagers of such situations. Since the comparison is based on the ages of teenagers and adults, the correct answers for the first and second blanks are 'ages' and 'mature'. An adult is older than a teenager and hence he is more mature. How people handle parting depends on how old they are as mature people find it easier to part with someone they love as compared with teenagers. For the last blank, we select the option 'instances'. The 'situation' described is of a particular type and hence we can call it an 'instance'. 'Tragedy' is a characteristic of the instance and hence we reject the option. The correct option is 'instances'.

Question 15A perfect balance between exercise, diet, sleep and vacationing should be maintained. This translates into a mental (1) ________ that conceives and organizes subjects well and presents powerfully. This is especially essential from the pulpit so that every sermon goes forth full of energy to revitalize and refresh the souls of the listeners. Last but not least is the power of (2) ___________. Speakers must be trained in the art of voice modulation and pitch. They must practice, practice, practice till their voice comes out clear and strong. The world's greatest orators from time immemorial have all used the power of their voice as a well-honed, (3) ____________ tool to awaken emotions, to change perceptions, to incite, to calm, to feel, to think.

Blank 1 Blank 2 Blank 31. balanc

e

2. strength

3. vigor

1. variation

2. diction

3. elocutio

n

1. persuasiv

e

2. emotional

3. versatileCorrect Answer : vigor, elocution, persuasiveExplanation:

For the first blank, all three options seem correct. Hence, careful analysis is required to arrive at the correct option. The succeeding sentences throw light on the meaning of the author. He says that a balance should be maintained. It shall ultimately lead to a well conceived and organized presentation that revitalizes and refreshes the souls of the listeners. In light of the effect, we select the word ‘vigor’. A perfect ‘balance’ translates into mental energy that leads to a revitalizing and refreshing sermon. For the second blank, we reject the option ‘variation’ as the meaning is conveyed in the next sentence and the other options are more suitable. ‘Diction’ means the style of speaking with respect to the choice of words and ‘elocution’ means the person’s style of speaking. Hence, ‘elocution’ is a more appropriate answer option. For the last blank, the option ‘persuasive’ is the most convincing. The author says that the power of voice can awaken emotions, change perceptions, incite, becalm and invoke thought. These actions are not possible without a ‘persuasive’ voice. The other options are not as strong and the answer choice is pretty clear.