GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #241 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Despite being a complete __________, he outplayed many experienced members of the team.

Possible Answers:

ringer

neophyte

analogue

platitude

dissident

Correct answer:

neophyte

Explanation:

The sentence notes that the subject "outplayed many experienced members." This indicates the missing word means not experienced. "Neophyte," meaning a beginner or a new convert, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #242 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The speech was promised to be somber, but quickly moved into a joyous __________.

Possible Answers:

liturgy

eulogy

panegyric

commingling

aberration

Correct answer:

panegyric

Explanation:

The sentence specifically notes the missing word is "joyous." The sentence also contrasts the missing word with its intended "somber" tone. "Panegyric," meaning a praising and laudatory speech, is the best choice anong the answers.

Example Question #251 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The __________ on the glass gave the boy's hand a large cut.

Possible Answers:

calibration

equivocation

serration

mastication

evisceration

Correct answer:

serration

Explanation:

The boy in the sentence received a "large cut" due to the missing word being on the glass. This means the correct answer will indicate something sharp and able to cut a hand. "Serration," meaning a jagged edge, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #252 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The poor test score was a complete __________ for the straight-A student.

Possible Answers:

pith

veneration

aberration

palpitation

coda

Correct answer:

aberration

Explanation:

The sentence notes the "straight A student" got a "poor test score." The correct answer must therefore indicate the fact this score was unexpected. "Aberration," meaning a deviation from the normal, is the best choice among the answer.

Example Question #253 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The gunslinger attempted to put up a brave __________, but his posse knew he was actually quite scared.

Possible Answers:

facade

analogue

archetype

receptacle

quibble

Correct answer:

facade

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the fact the "posse" knew he was "quite scared," with the "brave" missing word. The correct answer must indicate an appearance or look of bravery. "Facade," meaning the front facing of a building, here used metaphorically, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #254 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

In the face of further government crackdowns, the different groups now formed a _________ of opposition to the regime.

Possible Answers:

cacophony

monolith

dilettante

monogamous

morbid

Correct answer:

monolith

Explanation:

The sentence notes that "different groups" came together against the government. The correct answer needs to indicate a unification. "Monolith," meaning a united force or singular front, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #255 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Many hopeful members of the political party believed this campaign was an __________ to earlier successes.

Possible Answers:

archetype

exigent

equivocation

atavism

analogue

Correct answer:

analogue

Explanation:

The "hopeful members of the political party" are seeing earlier successes in this new campaign.  This means the correct answer will show they see the earlier campaigns are a model. "Analogue," meaning something similar or a corresponding happenstance, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #256 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The coach's brief return from retirement served as a __________ to his distinguished career.

Possible Answers:

stanch

comma

coda

sully

sap

Correct answer:

coda

Explanation:

The sentence notes the coach has made a "return from retirement," which is necessarily at the end of his "distinguished career." The correct answer will indicate an extra part of his career. "Coda," meaning the last part of a musical work, and used generally to mean a finale, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #257 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Many elementary school teachers find a good portion of their day is spent as __________ between children who are fighting.

Possible Answers:

muses

disruptors

arbitrators

instigators

ringleaders

Correct answer:

arbitrators

Explanation:

The sentence describes teachers being placed between "children who are fighting." Since they are teachers, it is safe to assume they are attempting to stop the fights. "Arbitrators," meaning a mediator or the judge of a dispute, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #258 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The __________ of terrorist groups throughout the country had law enforcement highly concerned.

Possible Answers:

sublimation

proliferation

veneration

enervation

evisceration

Correct answer:

proliferation

Explanation:

The sentence notes two key facts, that the groups are "throughout the country" and that they have made "law enforcement highly concerned." The correct answer needs to indicate that the "terrorist groups" are spreading and disseminating, the definition of "proliferation."

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