GRE Verbal : Nouns in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #222 : One Blank Texts

The General's right hand man was a complete __________ who never challenged any of his decisions.

Possible Answers:

iconoclast

groundbreaker

archetype

toady

pedant

Correct answer:

toady

Explanation:

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 #223 : One Blank Texts

His well-earned reputation for embellishing facts made the __________ of his new claim in doubt.

Possible Answers:

illegitimacy

erudition

rashness

tendentious

veracity

Correct answer:

veracity

Explanation:

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 #224 : One Blank Texts

Her __________ toward the reporter was surprising, as she usally had a friendly relationship with the press.

Possible Answers:

gregariousness

fortitude

patience

tolerance

asperity

Correct answer:

asperity

Explanation:

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 #225 : One Blank Texts

Their grandmother used many __________, and a good number of made up words became a regular part of the family's lexicon.

Possible Answers:

epigrams

metaphors

eruditions

eulogies

malapropisms

Correct answer:

malapropisms

Explanation:

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 #226 : One Blank Texts

The poet celebrated his __________, and often thanked readers when they said they did not understand his work.

Possible Answers:

inscrutability

brevity

verbosity

clarity

erudition

Correct answer:

inscrutability

Explanation:

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 #227 : One Blank Texts

The young puppy showed a great deal of __________ by trying to take on the largest member of his litter.

Possible Answers:

indolent

timidity

torpor

pluck

slothful

Correct answer:

pluck

Explanation:

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 #201 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

He was a noted __________ of the former President, and it was well assumed he would follow similar policies.

Possible Answers:

antagonist

opponent

acolyte

degenerate

cynic

Correct answer:

acolyte

Explanation:

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 #202 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

He had no plan of action, and made decisions based on nothing more than his own __________.

Possible Answers:

caprices

procedures

techniques

strategies

measures

Correct answer:

caprices

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #203 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

After spending a week in the wilderness eating only nuts and berries, the diner''s limited menu was a practical __________.

Possible Answers:

cornucopia

wasteland

haven

quagmire

sanctuary

Correct answer:

cornucopia

Explanation:

The subject had been "eating only nuts and berries," which is what colors his perspective on "the diner's limited menu."  The correct answer will reflect that the menu appeared to be full of options.  "Cornucopia," literally a horn filled with fruit, but used here symbolically, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #204 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Both sides __________ meant that a compromise was never a likely outcome.

Possible Answers:

intractability

affability

orthodoxy

openness

encouragement

Correct answer:

intractability

Explanation:

A "compromise was never a likely outcome," because of the missing word being had by "both sides." The correct answer needs to indicate a hostility or opposition to deal making. "Intractability," meaning stubbornness or difficulty, is the best choice among the answers.

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