Question

If you take the GMAT enough times, you might develop the ability ____________ choose the credited responses without reading the questions.

Short answer

The correct completion of the sentence is: 'If you take the GMAT enough times, you might develop the ability to choose the credited responses without reading the questions.'

Step-by-step solution

- Identify Verb Form Needed

Evaluate the sentence structure to determine the appropriate form of the verb. Given that there is a blank before the verb 'choose', the missing element is likely a function word, such as a preposition or an auxiliary verb.

- Appropriate Auxiliary Verb

Decide on the appropriate word to use before the verb 'choose'. In English, we typically use 'to' before a verb to form the infinitive. The infinitive form 'to choose' fits smoothly into the context of the sentence.

- Insert and Check

Insert the infinitive form 'to choose' into the sentence and read again to check if it makes logical and grammatical sense. 'If you take the GMAT enough times, you might develop the ability to choose the credited responses without reading the questions.' This sentence is grammatically correct and maintains the original intended meaning.

Key concepts

Verb Form Identification

Recognizing the correct form of a verb is a crucial skill when preparing for the GMAT, as it can greatly affect the clarity and structure of a sentence. In our exercise, the verb "choose" follows a blank, indicating that another grammatical element needs to accompany it to complete the sentence properly. Identifying the required verb form ensures that the sentence retains both clarity and correctness.
In GMAT sentences, verbs might appear in different forms:

• Infinitive form: Often the infinitive form makes the sentence smoother and clearer, as seen with "to choose."
• Gerunds/Participles: Used to indicate ongoing actions or describe nouns.
• Modals: Words like can, should, or might that modify the main verb.

By understanding the needed verb form, you can enhance your ability to dissect sentence structures and recognize what verb form is missing.

Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs, often called helping verbs, are crucial components of English sentences as they help the main verb by adding functional or grammatical meaning. In our sentence, "to choose" is formed by the auxiliary verb "to," which turns "choose" into its infinitive form.
Understanding auxiliary verbs is vital for the GMAT since these verbs:

• Support the main verb in expressing time, mood, or voice.
• Include commonly used words like "be," "have," "do," and "will."
• Help form tenses like past or continuous, changing the base verb meaning.

In this context, using "to" as an auxiliary before "choose" provides clarity, helping express an ability that develops over time.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure is highly significant in GMAT preparation as it ensures the logical flow and readability of a text. In the example sentence from the original exercise, notice how the sentence structure drives understanding by logically connecting the parts of the sentence. "If you take the GMAT enough times, you might develop the ability to choose the credited responses without reading the questions." Here’s how each structure component functions:

• Conditional clause: Introduced by "if," it sets up a scenario.
• Main clause: Following the condition, it describes the potential outcome using "you might develop."
• Infinitive phrase: "to choose the credited responses" follows and supports the main clause, explaining more about the newly developed ability.

A solid understanding of sentence structure enhances both comprehension and the ability to express complex ideas clearly and effectively on the GMAT.