GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #441 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
After the main battle, two retreating columns quickly collided in a __________, but with few consequences.
nonentity
subversion
recapitulation
skirmish
juxtaposition
skirmish
The "two retreating columns" collided "after the main battle." This means their encounter was not a serious one, which is why it had "few consequences." "Skirmish," meaning a minor battle or clash, is the correct answer.
Example Question #442 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Many communities were planned as __________, but reality revealed their imperfect nature.
parishes
utopias
metaphors
tomes
paramours
utopias
If reality shows the "imperfect nature" of the communities, then it can be inferred they were planned with different intentions. The correct answer should mean perfect societies or ideal worlds, the definition of "utopias."
Example Question #443 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His __________ was an effort to say a great deal without revealing any information.
recapitulation
circumlocution
skepticism
inanity
discernment
circumlocution
The sentence reveals two key facts: the subject says "a great deal," while also saying little actual information. The correct answer needs to hold the two conflicting notions together. "Circumlocution," meaning using too many words to avoid a subject, is the best choice.
Example Question #444 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The __________ of the legislation was blamed on no parties wishing to move it along.
inertia
ignominy
progress
surreptitiousness
profundity
inertia
The legislation has no one "to move it along," indicating it is stuck in the same place. The correct answer needs to mean inactivity or a lack of motion; "inertia" relates to motion, and can indicate either a lack of progress.
Example Question #445 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Most members of the team thought he volunteered for the unpleasant jobs because he was a __________.
martinet
cliché
masochist
peccadillo
hypochondriac
masochist
The subject is volunteering for "unpleasant jobs" that no one else presumably wants to do. The correct answer must indicate a reason he volunteers for these tasks. "Masochist," meaning someone who enjoys inflicting pain on him- or herself, is the correct answer.
Example Question #446 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The boy had a reputation as a __________, because he was always the last kid in his class to do anything.
hypocrite
sluggard
nonentity
libertarian
chronicler
sluggard
Being "the last kid in his class to do anything," means the boy is either extremely slow or extremely lazy. The correct answer must indicate this aspect of the boy's personality. "Sluggard," meaning a slow moving person, is the best choice.
Example Question #447 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The level of __________ between the siblings meant they could not visit their parents at the same time.
amity
felicity
discord
poignance
profundity
discord
The siblings can not see "their parents at the same time." This means the correct answer needs to mean disagreement or enmity, the definition of "discord."
Example Question #448 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Threading a needle the way she did took a level of __________ most people do not have.
ambivalence
finesse
boorishness
parody
ineffability
finesse
"Threading a needle" in a way other people could not means the subject is particularly talented. The correct answer must corectly reflect her talent. "Finesse," meaning fine skill or subtle movement, is the best choice.
Example Question #449 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The law's __________ began an intense lobbying campaign to get the bill passed.
ascetics
eulogies
adversaries
skeptics
proponents
proponents
The missing word describes people who are attempting "to get the bill passed." The correct answer will indicate people arguing for the law. "Proponents," meaning supporters or advocates, is the best choice.
Example Question #450 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The __________ of screaming children makes teaching preschoolers difficult for most people.
discordancy
notoriety
elucidation
euphony
triviality
discordancy
"Screaming children" create a great deal of noise which makes them difficult to deal with. The correct answer will indicate both the noise and harshness of the screaming. "Discordancy," meaning cacophony or harsh noise, is the best choice.
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