GRE Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #655 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Her desire to read was ________________, and she had read half the library in the summer.

Possible Answers:

voracious

underwhelming

perspicacious

munificent

ambivalent

Correct answer:

voracious

Explanation:

The amount the subject of the sentence read means she had a very strong desire to read.  The correct answer will mean extreme desire. "Voracious," meaning rapacious or extremely hungry, is the correct answer.

Example Question #31 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The crowd became _____________ when it was announced the headline band would not appear.

Possible Answers:

raucous

subservient

mundane

gracious

acquiescent

Correct answer:

raucous

Explanation:

The crowd would be upset when the cancellation was announced, and would show it. The correct answer will indicate both the crowd's displeasure and how they are showing it. "Raucous," meaning upset and noisy, is the best choice.

Example Question #722 : Text Completion

The scout tried to remain professional, but he could not help being _____________ about the prospect's once in a generation abilities.

Possible Answers:

rancourous

effusive

underwhelming

irascible

subtle

Correct answer:

effusive

Explanation:

The prospect's "once in a generation abilities" indicate the scout would be quite excited, and the fact he could not "remain professional" means he was demonstrating that excitement. "Effusive," meaning gushing and demonstrative, is the correct answer.

Example Question #723 : Text Completion

Despite widespread public support and politicians' desire to speed up the bill's passage, the legislation's progress was ___________.

Possible Answers:

glacial

portentuous

voluble

pertinent

mundane

Correct answer:

glacial

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the "politicians' desire to speed up" with the correct answer choice. therefore, the correct word will mean extremely slow, which is the definition of glacial.

Example Question #974 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His hatred of horses was _______________, and had a basis in nothing.

Possible Answers:

irrational

deferential

responsible

succinct

munificent

Correct answer:

irrational

Explanation:

The key to finding this answer is the phrase "a basis in nothing."  The correct answer will demonstrate the subject's lack of reasons for his hatred. "Irrational," meaning unreasonable or without logic, is the best choice.

Example Question #724 : Text Completion

Although a convenient passageway for ships at high tide, the river was barely ___________ at low tide.

Possible Answers:

voluble

navigable

personable

combustible

affable

Correct answer:

navigable

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the river at high tide and low tide, and says the river was "a convenient passageway . . . at high tide." The correct answer, modified by "barely," will mean passable or suitable to get through, the definition of "navigable."

Example Question #725 : Text Completion

His constantly surly demeanor made many wonder if it was a ______________ condition.

Possible Answers:

congenital

transient

succinct

gratuitous

temporary

Correct answer:

congenital

Explanation:

The word "constantly" is the best clue in the sentence to find the answer.  The correct word will indicate the ever present nature of his "surly demeanor." "Congenital," meaning present since birth, is the correct answer.

Example Question #726 : Text Completion

The evangelist decided to avoid the scandals of his predecessors, making sure to live life ___________.

Possible Answers:

officiously

egregiously

lasciviously

negligently

irreproachably

Correct answer:

irreproachably

Explanation:

The evangelist is actively trying to avoid scandals, so he needs to live his life in a way that does that. The correct answer will indicate he is trying to live perfectly or without criticism, which is the definition of "irreproachably."

Example Question #727 : Text Completion

The prosecutor was accused of covering up ______________ evidence that would exonerate the defendants he tried.

Possible Answers:

defunct

irksome

pertinent

irrational

trivial

Correct answer:

pertinent

Explanation:

The fact the prosecutor is charged with a cover up and that the evidence would exonerate defendants indicates the seriousness of the evidence. The correct answer will demonstrate that seriousness. "Pertinent," meaning relevant, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #31 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

After being a victim of identity theft, the woman was ________________ of giving out her credit card information.

Possible Answers:

negigent

subversive

irksome

effusive

wary

Correct answer:

wary

Explanation:

The "identity theft" changed the woman's attacks outlook on using her credit card, and the correct answer will reflect her reaction to the identity theft. "Wary," meaning hesitant or cautious, is the best fit among the answer choices.

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