GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #129 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
After the main battle, two retreating columns quickly collided in a __________, but with few consequences.
nonentity
skirmish
recapitulation
subversion
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 #130 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Many communities were planned as __________, but reality revealed their imperfect nature.
metaphors
parishes
utopias
paramours
tomes
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 #131 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
His __________ was an effort to say a great deal without revealing any information.
circumlocution
inanity
skepticism
recapitulation
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 #132 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The __________ of the legislation was blamed on no parties wishing to move it along.
inertia
profundity
surreptitiousness
ignominy
progress
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 #133 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Most members of the team thought he volunteered for the unpleasant jobs because he was a __________.
cliché
masochist
peccadillo
martinet
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 #191 : Text Completion
The boy had a reputation as a __________, because he was always the last kid in his class to do anything.
chronicler
sluggard
libertarian
nonentity
hypocrite
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 #134 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The level of __________ between the siblings meant they could not visit their parents at the same time.
amity
profundity
poignance
discord
felicity
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 #135 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Threading a needle the way she did took a level of __________ most people do not have.
finesse
boorishness
parody
ambivalence
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 #137 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
The law's __________ began an intense lobbying campaign to get the bill passed.
eulogies
adversaries
ascetics
proponents
skeptics
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 #136 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The __________ of screaming children makes teaching preschoolers difficult for most people.
euphony
triviality
notoriety
discordancy
elucidation
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.
All GRE Verbal Resources
