GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #1011 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The man was not very ____________ for a dancer, with a stiff body and mechanical movements.
rigid
demure
lithe
torpid
languid
lithe
The missing word is contrasted with "stiff body and mechanical movements." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "stiff" and "mechanical." "Lithe," which means supple of flexible, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #1012 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Many authors fell an _______________ narrator is problematic, as it leaves no room for unknown details.
itinerant
expressive
omnipotent
omniscient
egregious
omniscient
The problem with the narrator described by the answer is that "unknown details" are blocked off. The correct answer will indicate the narrator is all knowing or sees everything, which is the definition of omniscient.
Example Question #725 : One Blank Texts
The new CEO was a ________________, and she eliminated all extra costs and programs.
hypochondriac
pragmatist
hypocrite
ruminant
recluse
pragmatist
The "extra costs and programs" being cut is the best clue to the answer. The CEO is concerned with what works and what is doable, and the answer should indicate that. "Pragmatist," meaning a practical person or some one focused on usefulness, is the correct answer.
Example Question #762 : Text Completion
Most critics viewed the novel as overly ____________, but a large number of readers responded to the romantic plotline.
terse
cynical
succinct
saccharin
lethargic
saccharin
The readers view the novel as "romantic," while the critics viewed it as the missing word, meaning the correct answer will be a somewhat negative take on "romantic." "Saccharin," meaning grossly sweet or overly sentimental, is the best choice.
Example Question #763 : Text Completion
The weather at the camp was generally brutal, with pleasant spells being a __________ phenomenon.
transient
congenital
persistent
gratuitous
mundane
transient
The weather is described as "generally brutal," so the "pleasant spells" were not a common feature. The correct answer will indicate that the good weather is short-lived or passing, which is the definition of "transient."
Example Question #1016 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He attempted to remain ______________, and not get close to any of his coworkers.
gregarious
aloof
pertinent
hyperbolic
effusive
aloof
The subject of the sentence is attempting to avoid his coworkers. The correct answer should demonstrate he is not being friendly. "Aloof," meaning distant or detached, is the best choice.
Example Question #728 : One Blank Texts
Teenagers will often use offensive language, but racial slurs are _______________.
exceptionable
idiosyncratic
mundane
condoned
affable
exceptionable
The structure of the sentence indicates that "racial slurs" goes beyond usual "offensive language." The correct answer needs to show how far beyond they truly are. "Exceptionable," meaning something offensive or objectionable, is the best fit among the answer choices.
Example Question #729 : One Blank Texts
The boy's mother was _____________ when he came home from school with an injured hand.
placid
congenial
obtuse
livid
bemused
livid
The boy having an injury could make a mother many things—from confused to angry to sympathetic. The best fit will be one of these words or their synonym. "Livid," meaning angry and upset, is the correct answer.
Example Question #771 : Text Completion
While initially considered a small inconvenience, the new regulations soon proved ____________.
ambiguous
agreeable
inconsequential
onerous
extraneous
onerous
The regulation was already considered "a small inconvenience," and the structure of the sentence indicates it grew worse. The correct answer should mean burdensome or problematic, which is the definition of "onerous."
Example Question #732 : One Blank Texts
The ability to choose a child's school is considered ______________ by reformers, and that priority is placed above everything else.
sacrosanct
malleable
ambiguous
ignominious
execrable
sacrosanct
The choice of schools is "placed above everything else." The correct answer will indicate that it is the ultimate priority and impossible to go against. "Sacrosanct," meaning extremely holy or inviolable, is the best choice.
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