Question

The human race is a very (i)___________________ species, as the facade of calm that covers our anxiety and (ii) ______________ is flimsy and effortlessly ruptured. Blank (i) a. fragile b. purposeful c. daring Blank (ii) a. terror b. vulnerability c. humor

Short answer

Blank (i) is 'fragile' and blank (ii) is 'vulnerability'

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the sentence and the given options

First, read the sentence carefully and understand that the context indicates a flaw or weakness in the human race. Then look at the options for both blanks i and ii. Determine which words could potentially fit into the context of the sentence.

Choose the correct word for blank (i)

Considering the overall tone of the sentence, the word 'fragile' is the most fitting option for blank (i). The words 'purposeful' and 'daring' do not align with the context of the sentence.

Choose the correct word for blank (ii)

Looking at the options for blank (ii), 'vulnerability' appears to be the best fit. The words 'terror' and 'humor' do not appropriately fit into the context of the sentence.

Key concepts

Enhancing Vocabulary Skills

Expanding your vocabulary is crucial when tackling sentence completion exercises like the one in this GRE problem. You need to know diverse words and their meanings to choose the most precise option.
To improve your vocabulary skills, here are some practical tips:

• Read widely and regularly in various genres to expose yourself to new words and contexts.
• Use flashcards or apps designed to teach vocabulary, maximizing learning through regular practice.
• Engage in word games or puzzles, such as crosswords or Scrabble, to make learning fun.
• Maintain a vocabulary journal, jot down unfamiliar words and research their meanings.

By adopting these strategies, you'll be better equipped to understand and complete sentences accurately using the most appropriate vocabulary.

Mastering Sentence Analysis

Analyzing a sentence involves breaking it down to understand its structure and meaning. In the context of the GRE sentence completion exercise, this entails identifying key words and evaluating the overall tone and nuance of the sentence to find the most suitable word options.
First, identify pivotal context clues, which are usually adjectives or verbs that establish the tone. In our example, the phrase "facade of calm" hints at fragility or superficiality. This helps to infer that the human race might have a hidden vulnerability.
Additionally, note transition words or contrast indicators that could affect the meaning and choice of words. By practicing sentence analysis, you develop an understanding of language structures, enhancing your skills to interpret and complete sentences effectively.

• Determine the purpose of parts of speech in the sentence.
• Look for clues in surrounding sentences for context.
• Practice regularly with diverse and complex sentence structures.

Developing Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is essential for making informed decisions when selecting the best word for each blank. This involves applying logic and reasoning to evaluate word choices, especially in exercises where multiple options might seem correct.
Developing critical thinking skills requires:

• Asking questions to understand all possible meanings and implications of the sentence.
• Comparing and contrasting word choices by scrutinizing potential synonyms and antonyms.
• Reflecting on past experiences with similar exercises to identify patterns in reasoning.
• Practicing exercises that challenge assumptions and encourage open-mindedness.

Through enhancing critical thinking, you become adept at solving sentence completions by discerning subtle differences between words, ensuring the word you pick fits seamlessly within the context.