Paragraph Completion | Tips & Strategies for Competitive Exams
Paragraph Completion | Tips & Strategies for Competitive Exams
Paragraph completion questions are an integral part of competitive exams, testing a candidate’s ability to understand the flow of ideas and logically complete a given passage. These questions assess reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and sentence structuring skills.
Types of Paragraph Completion Questions
1. Missing Last Sentence
In this type, the paragraph is complete except for the final sentence. You need to choose the most logical conclusion that aligns with the context of the passage.
2. Missing Middle Sentence
A sentence from the middle of the paragraph is missing, and your task is to find the correct sentence that maintains logical flow and coherence.
3. Missing First Sentence
The paragraph is missing the introductory sentence, and you must identify the best option that sets the tone and introduces the topic appropriately.
How to Approach Paragraph Completion Questions?
1. Identify the Central Theme
Before selecting the missing sentence, read the paragraph carefully and understand its main theme. Look for the topic being discussed and the overall message conveyed.
2. Understand Logical Flow
Analyze how the sentences are connected. Identify if the paragraph is presenting an argument, explaining a process, describing a scenario, or narrating an event.
3. Use Transition Words
Look for words like however, therefore, consequently, thus, in contrast, etc., as they indicate relationships between sentences and help maintain coherence.
4. Eliminate Irrelevant Options
If an option introduces a new topic or contradicts the main idea, eliminate it. The correct answer will always align with the paragraph’s theme.
5. Check for Pronouns & References
Ensure that pronouns (he, she, it, they, this, that) refer back to something mentioned earlier in the paragraph. If a sentence introduces a pronoun without a clear reference, it may not be the correct answer.
6. Identify Cause-Effect Relationships
Many paragraphs follow a cause-effect structure. Look for sentences that provide explanations, consequences, or solutions to maintain logical progression.
Example Questions with Solutions
Example 1: Missing Last Sentence
Paragraph:
The rapid advancement of technology has changed the way businesses operate. Companies now rely heavily on data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation to improve efficiency. Additionally, digital transformation has allowed businesses to expand globally, reaching customers across different geographical locations.
Which of the following sentences best completes the paragraph?
a) This shift, however, also brings challenges related to cybersecurity and data privacy.
b) Traditional marketing methods remain the most effective for business growth.
c) Employees should focus on increasing manual work to improve efficiency.
d) The development of new agricultural techniques has also contributed to this trend.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The paragraph discusses how technology is reshaping businesses. Option (a) logically follows by highlighting a related concern—cybersecurity and data privacy—making it the best choice.
Example 2: Missing Middle Sentence
Paragraph:
Global warming has led to rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and unpredictable weather patterns. _________. Many countries are now implementing strict environmental policies to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Which sentence best fills the blank?
a) These environmental changes have also resulted in a significant loss of biodiversity.
b) The use of fossil fuels is essential for economic growth and industrialization.
c) Deforestation has increased agricultural productivity in many regions.
d) Advances in artificial intelligence have contributed to economic stability.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The paragraph discusses the effects of global warming. Option (a) logically follows by mentioning the loss of biodiversity as another consequence, maintaining coherence.
Example 3: Missing First Sentence
Paragraph:
These unexpected challenges affected businesses and economies worldwide. The tourism and hospitality industries suffered the most, as travel restrictions led to massive losses. Governments had to implement relief measures to support struggling businesses and individuals.
Which sentence best starts the paragraph?
a) The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe disruptions across multiple sectors.
b) Technological advancements have led to rapid economic growth.
c) Many countries have witnessed an increase in international trade.
d) Governments worldwide are investing heavily in space exploration.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The paragraph discusses challenges faced by businesses due to an external crisis. Option (a) provides the best introduction by mentioning the COVID-19 pandemic as the cause of these disruptions.
Final Tips for Solving Paragraph Completion Questions
✔ Read the Entire Paragraph Carefully – Before choosing an option, understand the theme, tone, and context of the passage.
✔ Look for Logical Connectors – Identify words or phrases that indicate continuity, contrast, or cause-effect relationships.
✔ Ensure Coherence and Consistency – The correct sentence should align with the existing information and maintain logical flow.
✔ Practice Regularly – Exposure to different paragraph structures and themes will improve accuracy and confidence in solving such questions.
By mastering paragraph completion, you can improve your performance in competitive exams that test verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and logical thinking.