GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #361 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His use of pseudonyms in ______________ allowed readers to think the magazine was written by more than one person.
cudgels
euphemisms
bylines
edifices
eulogies
bylines
The reference to magazine writing is the best clue to finding the answer. The correct choice will have something to do with magazines or writing. "Bylines," the line indicating the author of an article, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #362 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He immediately sought a ______________ for his sunburn when he woke up in the morning.
calcification
liniment
subpoena
portent
trinket
liniment
The subject of the sentence is trying to find something for a sunburn, which is painful. The correct answer will indicate help for the sunburn. "Liniment," a soothing lotion or cream, is the best choice.
Example Question #363 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her history of thievery and robbery made many think her plan was just a __________.
neologism
detour
paragon
portent
ruse
ruse
The "thievery and robbery" would make people think she would do it again. The correct answer will then mean something or criminal or devious. "Ruse," meaning trick or deception, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #364 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The poor acoustics and open floor plan made the office produce a general _____________ when everyone was present
cacophony
subpoena
negligence
omniscience
pragmatism
cacophony
The sentence refers to "poor acoustics" as a source of the problem described by the missing word. The correct answer will therefore have to do with acoustics or sound. "Cacophony," meaning loud or discordant noises, is the best choice.
Example Question #365 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The ________________ of being the only redhead in a family of blondes made her want to change her hair color.
ignominy
transience
reticence
negligence
sagacity
ignominy
The fact she wanted "to change her hair color" indicate she was somehow embarassed. The correct answer will need to mean shame or embarassment, which is the definition of "ignominy."
Example Question #366 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
To explain many of the book's oddities, the author snuck in a brief _____________ at the front as a guide.
tome
precedent
recantation
digression
preamble
preamble
The indication the missing word is at the front of the book is the best clue to finding the answer. A "preamble" is a word for brief introductory material at the front of a text, and is the correct answer.
Example Question #367 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
While the millionaire believed it best to announce his charitable giving, many critics thought he wanted to advertise his ______________ too much.
cynicism
recalcitrance
pragmatism
altruism
parsimoniousness
altruism
The entire issue of the sentence is the millionaire's "charitable giving," and the missing word follows this. The correct answer will mean giving to others or putting others first, the definition of "altruism."
Example Question #120 : Text Completion
To be truly authentic, stews at the Renaissance Fair were cooked in giant _____________.
bulwarks
cauldrons
trinkets
tagines
ceramics
cauldrons
The two best keys to the answer are "stews" and "giant." The answer will therefore mean a large cooking pot, which is the definition of "cauldron."
Example Question #81 : One Blank Texts
The coach had decided to become the chief ________________ for his player's Most Valuable Player campaign.
therapist
lobbyist
bane
portent
connoisseur
lobbyist
A coach has a vested interest in his player doing well in award voting. The correct answer should indicate his support and enthusiasm. "Lobbyist," meaning someone who argues for a particular cause, is the correct choice.
Example Question #82 : One Blank Texts
The prospect of high school made her nervous, and she approached the first day with _________________.
candor
rigor
cynicism
trepidation
poise
trepidation
The sentence notes the subject was "nervous," and that nervousness would carry over to the first day. The correct answer should mean fear or hesitation, the definition of "trepidation."
All GRE Verbal Resources
