Question

The mule, ____________ the donkey, is a close relative of the horse.

Short answer

like

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Context of the Sentence

Note that the sentence is comparing a mule and a donkey, in relation to a horse. So, we are looking for a term that can establish a relevant comparison.

Understand the Relevant Vocabulary

Knowing the meanings and uses of comparative conjunctions like 'like', 'unlike' is crucial. 'Like' means similar to, 'unlike' means different from. Now we need to know if a mule is similar or different to a donkey in relation to being a close relative of a horse.

Apply Factual Knowledge

A mule is a hybrid animal, a cross between a female horse and a male donkey. So, a mule is 'like' a donkey in being a close relative of a horse. Therefore, 'like' is the correct word to fill the blank.

Key concepts

Comparative Conjunctions

When constructing sentences, especially in exams like the GMAT, comparative conjunctions play a pivotal role. These conjunctions are used to draw comparisons or contrasts between two or more entities. Common examples include "like," "unlike," and "as." Understanding how to use these words accurately can greatly impact the clarity and meaning of your sentences.

In the sample exercise, the sentence compares a mule to a donkey regarding their relationship to a horse. By choosing the correct conjunction "like," we clarify that a mule shares similar close ties with horses as donkeys do. It's crucial to grasp these nuances as they guide the reader's understanding. For instance:

• Like: Suggests similarity. It implies that the entities are comparable in a specific way.
• Unlike: Indicates a difference, contrasting the entities.
• As: Often used with verbs to compare actions or roles.

Mastering comparative conjunctions ensures precise communication of relationships, which is key in many verbal reasoning tests.

Sentence Completion Techniques

Sentence completion on tests like the GMAT requires both logic and language skills. The key is understanding the context of the sentence and what each part contributes to the overall meaning. Here are some steps and techniques you can employ to excel in these tasks:

• Read the entire sentence first: Get a comprehensive view of the sentence structure and what parts might be missing.
• Identify keywords: Look for words that give clues about the context, such as comparatives or hints of relationships.
• Consider the logical relationship: Ensure that the word or phrase you choose logically fits with what is essentially being compared or described.

By practicing these techniques, you will become more proficient at quickly narrowing down options to find the one that best completes the sentence. In the given exercise, recognizing the comparison between a mule and a donkey was key to selecting the correct word, "like." This ensured the sentence retained its logical and correct relationship description. Remember, the choice should maintain the sentence's logic, clarity, and contextual meaning.

Vocabulary in GMAT

Mastering vocabulary is essential for success on the GMAT's verbal section. The exam assesses your ability to choose words that fit contextually and grammatically. Here are some ways to enhance your vocabulary for the GMAT:

• Know your conjunctions and connectors: Words like "like," "unlike," "besides," etc., often appear in questions that test relationships or comparisons.
• Learn common idioms and phrases: Understanding these can help in interpreting complex sentence structures and nuances.
• Use flashcards: A tried and tested method for memorizing new words and their meanings.

It's also beneficial to read widely, exposing yourself to diverse sentence structures and vocabulary usage. The more familiar you are with the way words function in context, the better you'll perform on the test. For example, knowing the specific meanings of comparative conjunctions helped to solve the exercise accurately by understanding whether a mule is considered 'like' or 'unlike' a donkey.