GRE Verbal : Nouns in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #362 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her history of thievery and robbery made many think her plan was just a __________.
paragon
portent
neologism
detour
ruse
ruse
The "thievery and robbery" would make people think she would do it again. The correct answer will then mean something or criminal or devious. "Ruse," meaning trick or deception, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #363 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The poor acoustics and open floor plan made the office produce a general _____________ when everyone was present
negligence
omniscience
pragmatism
subpoena
cacophony
cacophony
The sentence refers to "poor acoustics" as a source of the problem described by the missing word. The correct answer will therefore have to do with acoustics or sound. "Cacophony," meaning loud or discordant noises, is the best choice.
Example Question #364 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The ________________ of being the only redhead in a family of blondes made her want to change her hair color.
ignominy
sagacity
negligence
transience
reticence
ignominy
The fact she wanted "to change her hair color" indicate she was somehow embarassed. The correct answer will need to mean shame or embarassment, which is the definition of "ignominy."
Example Question #365 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
To explain many of the book's oddities, the author snuck in a brief _____________ at the front as a guide.
tome
recantation
precedent
digression
preamble
preamble
The indication the missing word is at the front of the book is the best clue to finding the answer. A "preamble" is a word for brief introductory material at the front of a text, and is the correct answer.
Example Question #366 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
While the millionaire believed it best to announce his charitable giving, many critics thought he wanted to advertise his ______________ too much.
altruism
parsimoniousness
recalcitrance
pragmatism
cynicism
altruism
The entire issue of the sentence is the millionaire's "charitable giving," and the missing word follows this. The correct answer will mean giving to others or putting others first, the definition of "altruism."
Example Question #120 : Text Completion
To be truly authentic, stews at the Renaissance Fair were cooked in giant _____________.
bulwarks
cauldrons
trinkets
tagines
ceramics
cauldrons
The two best keys to the answer are "stews" and "giant." The answer will therefore mean a large cooking pot, which is the definition of "cauldron."
Example Question #367 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The coach had decided to become the chief ________________ for his player's Most Valuable Player campaign.
connoisseur
portent
therapist
bane
lobbyist
lobbyist
A coach has a vested interest in his player doing well in award voting. The correct answer should indicate his support and enthusiasm. "Lobbyist," meaning someone who argues for a particular cause, is the correct choice.
Example Question #368 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The prospect of high school made her nervous, and she approached the first day with _________________.
rigor
poise
candor
trepidation
cynicism
trepidation
The sentence notes the subject was "nervous," and that nervousness would carry over to the first day. The correct answer should mean fear or hesitation, the definition of "trepidation."
Example Question #51 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
The _________________ of foreign cultures has often been held as a justification for colonialism and imperialism.
sacrality
depravity
sagacity
alacrity
congeniality
depravity
"Colonialism and imperialism" are methods of dominating other cultures and would be justified by looking down on other cultures. The correct answer will then insult or demean "foreign cultures." "Depravity," meaning moral corruption, is the best choice.
Example Question #52 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
She felt better as her second year on the job approached, because she decided to use her first year as a ______________.
omen
opulence
precedent
paragon
preamble
precedent
The sentence indicates the subject will be able to better do her job thanks to her first year and the guidance it will provide her. "Precedent," meaning an event used as a model, is the best choice.
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