GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #511 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her __________ toward screaming and stomping made working with small children difficult.
conciliation
propensity
aversion
monotony
apprehension
propensity
"Screaming and stomping" are not things which help "working with small children." Since the subject has a problem "working with small children," the correct word needs to indicate she is "screaming and stomping." "Propensity," meaning a tendency or inclination, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #512 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Among his many __________ was a tendency to eat too much between meals.
disasters
contempts
credits
debacles
foibles
foibles
"Easting too much between meals" is a problem for the subject, but is not a large problem. The correct answer should reflect this scale (which rules out debacles and debacles). "Foibles," meaning minor weaknesses or tendencies, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #513 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The General's right hand man was a complete __________ who never challenged any of his decisions.
iconoclast
groundbreaker
toady
archetype
pedant
toady
The "General's right hand man" is described as having "never challenged" the General. The correct answer will demonstrate that the right hand man is either unwilling or unable to take on his boss. "Toady," meaning a sycophant or flatterer, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #514 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His well-earned reputation for embellishing facts made the __________ of his new claim in doubt.
veracity
rashness
tendentious
illegitimacy
erudition
veracity
The subject has a "well-earned reputation for embellishing facts." Since the sentence questions the missing word, then the correct answer needs to indicate truthfulness or factuality, the definition of "veracity."
Example Question #515 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her __________ toward the reporter was surprising, as she usally had a friendly relationship with the press.
gregariousness
asperity
fortitude
patience
tolerance
asperity
The sentence comments that the subject "usually had a friendly relationship with the press." Therefore, a "surprising" tone would be unfriendly and even antagonizing to a reporter. "Asperity," meaning harshness or severity, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #516 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Their grandmother used many __________, and a good number of made up words became a regular part of the family's lexicon.
eulogies
metaphors
epigrams
malapropisms
eruditions
malapropisms
The sentence explicitly references "made up words." While all the answer choices deal with words and expressions in some ways, only "malapropisms," meaning incorrect but similar sounding words, will fit appropriately in the sentence.
Example Question #517 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The poet celebrated his __________, and often thanked readers when they said they did not understand his work.
verbosity
brevity
clarity
inscrutability
erudition
inscrutability
The sentence notes the poet appreciates when readers "did not understand his work." This means the correct answer will demonstrate an inability to comprehend or analyze the poet's work. "Inscrutability," meaning mysteriousness or incomprehensibility, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #518 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The young puppy showed a great deal of __________ by trying to take on the largest member of his litter.
indolent
pluck
slothful
torpor
timidity
pluck
The "young puppy" is hoping to "take on the largest member of his litter." This indicates the "young puppy" is doing something foolish, brave, or some combination of both. "Pluck," meaning courage and determination, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #519 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He was a noted __________ of the former President, and it was well assumed he would follow similar policies.
antagonist
degenerate
opponent
acolyte
cynic
acolyte
The subject of the sentence would "follow the same policies" as the "former President." This indicates he supports the "former President," or at the very least agrees strongly with the "former President." "Acolyte," meaning follower and devotee, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #520 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He had no plan of action, and made decisions based on nothing more than his own __________.
procedures
strategies
techniques
caprices
measures
caprices
The fact the subject had "no plan of action" is the best clue to the correct answer. This means the missing word will indicate that the subject has "made decisions" by feel. "Caprices," meaning whimsies or fancies, is the best choice among the answers.
All GRE Verbal Resources
