Para Completion: How to Solve, Rules & Tips

Para Completion or Para Fillers means completing the missing paragraphs. Para Completion is majorly asked in Competitive Exams. In Banking examinations, we have seen different trends, especially in the English section. It is one of the major subjects where many changes have been observed. In this article, we will be helping out with the different variations in the topic “Para-Completion” so that you get to know all the types of fillers which can be asked in the upcoming Banking & Insurance exams.

For more details on the Para Jumbles, refer to the linked article.

Steps to Solve Para Completion

Follow the steps given below to solve Para Completion accurately and within time.

Step #1: Read the given statement carefully and try filling in the missing word without the help of the options given.

Step #2: Now match/replace the word with the one which you have thought of initially.

Step #3: Read the sentence again by filling the blank with the word that you have picked/chosen.

NOTE: Ensure that the word you have picked, must go with the sentence smoothly and correctly.

Step #4: Read the sentence one last time to ensure no grammatical errors in the sentence by filling the blank. Also, check if the sentence after filling up the blank is making some sense or not.

Rules to Remember while Solving Para Fillers

Following are the important rules to keep in mind while solving Para Completion.

Rule #1: It is very important to read the sentence in a question carefully. In most cases, you will find a relevant clue to identify the correct answer. For instance, the grammatical structure of the sentence will determine the grammatical structure of the word/phrase to be put in the blank. In Para Completion, the context will facilitate the elimination of the irrelevant options and the selection of the correct one.

Rule #2: You should keep a close watch on grammar rules and have good command over Parts of Speech, for instance, if the article, “an” comes before the blank, then it implies that the answer must begin with a vowel. Such grammatical rules can be of great help in deciding the answers.

Rule #3: It is necessary to understand the context of the sentence. While reading the sentence and the options given in the question, you must try to determine the tone of the missing sentence whether the required sentence is positive or negative in the meaning it implies.

Attempt the Banking and Insurance para completion quiz set here and ace the examination.

Example:

Q) His defending ability has been criticised but he is a solid centre back and is excellent ____________.

• • On the ball.
  • Wrap your head around something.
  • Time flies when you are having fun.
  • The best of both worlds.
  • Go on a wild goose chase.

Ans.  The correct answer is Option 1 The Sentence is having a positive tone, hence we search for a phrase that reflects a positive tone. ‘On the ball’ means ‘doing a good job’ Rule #4: In certain questions, your knowledge and understanding of Common idioms and phrases in the English Language may be tested. Hence, be sure to have a good skill set of such phrases. Example:

Q) The past five years have been _____________ of low-interest rates, easy credit, and rising household costs.

• • Don’t give up your day job
  • Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
  • Every cloud has a silver lining
  • A perfect storm
  • Get a taste of your own medicine

Ans: The correct answer is ‘A perfect storm’ refers to ‘the worst possible situation’ Rule #5: Ensure that the meaning of the sentence is intact. Once you have placed the likely option, do check that the sentence gives out a plausible meaning. Rule #6: In case you are confused between two or more options, you can also apply the hit & trial method – one by one place each of the likely options in place of the missing word in the sentence. The option which credits maximum meaning to the sentence should be the correct answer. Rule #7: Do not spend a lot of time on one question. If you are unable to spot the correct answer, despite repeated efforts, leave the question and move forward.

Now, go through all types of Fillers questions. It covers each and every pattern which has been asked in the banking exams.

Types of Para Completions Based on Structure:

There are different types of conclusions and sets of ‘Para-Completion’ based on structure. Let’s have a close look:

1. Last line conclusion.
2. Last line as the continuation of an idea.
3. Startline conclusion (missing info).
4. Middle line conclusion (missing info).

If the last line is a conclusion, then:

1. The last line should bring the paragraph to a smooth end. The ending should not be abrupt.
2. The conclusion should be logically derivable, including all the pieces of the ideas expressed earlier. The conclusion should not leave any idea, instead, gather all information given in the paragraph.
3. The outcome should focus on the main idea.

Example:

Q) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the main constituent of the Opposition Jatiya Oikya Front, claims that 9,200 of its activists ………………….

1. has been arrested since the election schedule was announced.
2. have been arrested since the election schedule was announced.
3. having been arrested since the election schedule was announced.
4. have arrested since the election schedule was announced.
5. None of these

Ans: The correct answer choice is option 2 “have been arrested since the election schedule was announced.” is grammatically and contextually correct. If the last line is a continuation of an idea, then:

1. The line must not have any new element
2. The structure and order should be very similar to the preceding ideas.
3. It should have a very smooth transition from the preceding ideas without conflicting them.

Example:

Q) The political steps taken in Kashmir indicate a willingness to take courageous decisions    __________________________________.

1. that would providing equal opportunity for all.
2. which provides equality of opportunity among all.
3. that provided equality of opportunity for all.
4. which provide equality of opportunity for all.
5. None of these.

Ans: The correct answer choice is option (d) “which provide equality of opportunity for all” which is grammatically and contextually correct. If the middle line is missing the information, then:

1. Should be a preceding of the continued information.
2. Should either support or contradict the continued information or  idea, depending on the context (or transitional words)
3. Should have nothing new but continued information.

Example:

Q) The government must urgently ___________________________ improving the quality of expenditure.

1. shifted focus by increasing tax rates for
2. shifts focus towards the increasing tax rates to
3. shifting focus on increasing tax rates into
4. shift focus from increasing tax rates to
5. None of these.

Ans: The correct answer choice is option (d) “shift focus from increasing tax rates to” is grammatically and contextually correct.