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.
euphemisms
cudgels
edifices
eulogies
bylines
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
portent
liniment
trinket
subpoena
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 __________.
portent
paragon
ruse
detour
neologism
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
omniscience
negligence
subpoena
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.
sagacity
ignominy
reticence
transience
negligence
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.
precedent
recantation
digression
tome
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.
parsimoniousness
cynicism
altruism
recalcitrance
pragmatism
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 #78 : One Blank Texts
To be truly authentic, stews at the Renaissance Fair were cooked in giant _____________.
trinkets
cauldrons
tagines
ceramics
bulwarks
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 #368 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The coach had decided to become the chief ________________ for his player's Most Valuable Player campaign.
bane
portent
connoisseur
lobbyist
therapist
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 #369 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The prospect of high school made her nervous, and she approached the first day with _________________.
trepidation
cynicism
rigor
candor
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."
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