Equivalent sentences
THIS WEEK, I will be focusing on another part of the multiple-choice paper – equivalent sentences. Definition: An equivalent sentence is similar in meaning to the original, even though the structure and words are different. Engaging in identifying equivalent sentences is an important activity that can be used to improve your paraphrasing skills and, by extension, summary writing.
In this section of the multiple-choice paper, each original sentence is followed by four sentences. You are expected to choose the sentence (the equivalent) that is nearest in meaning to the original. Read the options very carefully before making your selection.
Note the example below. His books are interesting and provocative. a. His books are most exciting. b. His books tend to make the reader angry. c. His books are appealing and stimulating. d. His books are concerned with trivial topics. The answer is C because it is closest in meaning to the original sentence. Instruction: For each item below, choose the one NEAREST in meaning to the original sentence. 1. If Mr Jones plans to stay overnight in Kingston, his secretary will reserve a hotel room for him.
A. Mr Jones’ secretary will reserve a hotel room for him when he stays overnight in Kingston.
B. Unless Mr Jones plans to stay overnight in Kingston, his secretary will reserve a hotel room for him.
C. Since Mr Jones plans to stay overnight in Kingston, his secretary will reserve a hotel room for him.
D. Mr Jones’ secretary will reserve a hotel room for him should he plan to stay overnight. 2. According to the witness, he did not see the accused man near the scene of the crime.
A. The witness testified that he did not see the accused man commit the crime.
B. The witness testified that the accused man was not seen by him near the place where the crime was committed.
C. The witness testified to seeing no evidence that the accused man had committed the crime.
D. The witness testified that the accused man was far from the location where the crime was committed. 3. Fewer people read novels nowadays because viewing television takes less effort than reading.
A. Reading is now subordinated to television viewing because of people’s change of interest.
B. Television captures the interest of people more than reading does.
C. People’s love for television has caused a decline in reading.
D. Since reading novels requires so much effort, more people prefer viewing television nowadays. 4. You have become tardy in your preparations for your examination during the last two months, so you must burn the candle at both ends during this week if you want to succeed.
A. Since you have not done much preparations for your examinations during the last two months, this week you must work doubly hard if you want to succeed.
B. During this week if, you want to succeed you must burn two candles in preparing for your examination, since you were tardy during the last two months.
C. If you want to pass your examination during this week, you must work doubly hard, since you were tardy during the last two months.
D. If the candles are not burnt at both ends, as you prepare for your examinations this week, you will fail because you became tardy during the last two months. 5. When James returned from New York, his accent had changed, although he was there for only three months.
A. For three months, James changed his accent when he returned from New York.
B. James changed his accent when he returned from New York because he was only there for three months.
C. Despite being in New York for only three months, James’ accent had changed upon his return.
D. James’ accent had not changed for three months although he had returned from New York. 6. The call for longer prison sentences is based, in part, on the hope that fear of prison will deter people from committing crime.
A. Criminals require longer penalties for fear that they will commit more crimes.
B. It is hoped that people committing crime will go to prison for a longer period.
C. Partly because there is hope that the fear of prison will prevent criminal acts, there is a plea for longer prison terms.
D. Prison imposes fear on criminals and that’s why longer prison sentences is a cure for crime.
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S ITEMS:
1. D2. A 3. B 4. C 5. C. 6. C 7. D 8. A 9. B 10. D
Work through these equivalent sentences carefully. If one challenges you, eliminate the two that are most unlikely and focus on choosing the most equivalent sentence. Next week, you will be given the answers. I will see you on the other side of this week.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“English language matters. It shapes thoughts.” – Unknown