GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #1061 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The peacock's main method of attracting a mate is by spreading his ________ tail feathers.
languid
brawny
resplendent
torpid
dull
resplendent
The peacock's tail feathers need to attract a mate and therefore must be something attractive. Torpid, languid, and dull do not have such a meaning, while brawny, meaning "muscular," does not fit the sentence at all.
Example Question #1062 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
While the student attempted to make his essays evenhanded, the result was usually quite __________.
subtle
polemical
understated
assured
fair
polemical
The structure of the sentence indicates that the correct answer will be an antonym for "evenhanded." While none of the choices are true synonyms, only "polemical," meaning argumentative and causing debates, is an antonym.
Example Question #1063 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Despite his parents' attempts to push him towards another career path, the young man was ____________ about joining the Marines.
ambivalent
languid
equivocal
indifferent
adamant
adamant
The young man is staying focused on the Marines despite his parents' wishes, which means he is excited about joining and is remaining vigilant. "Adamant," meaning inflexible and determined, is the only answer choice that would give such a meaning to the sentence.
Example Question #1064 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The politician saw himself as a gifted public speaker, but his aides knew he was actually a _______________ orator.
resplendent
polemical
ponderous
lighthearted
compelling
ponderous
The structure of the sentence indicates the aides have a very different view of the politician's abilities than he does. The correct answer choice needs to mean the opposite of "gifted public speaker." "Ponderous," meaning slow and weighty, is the only answer choice that truly stands in opposition.
Example Question #1065 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
While the suspect never revealed anything, the detective was suspicious of his ________ manner.
vociferous
reticent
exuberant
assured
poised
reticent
While there are many reasons a suspect can seem suspicious, the sentence mentions that "the suspect never revealed anything." "Vociferous" and "exuberant" would make the suspect say too much, while "poised" and "assured" would make the suspect confidently reveal some facts. "Reticent," meaning to be restrained and withholding, is the correct answer.
Example Question #1062 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The head injury was worrying to the doctors, as the patient was losing his memory and his actions had become _____________.
unassuming
subtle
satisfying
erratic
assured
erratic
The patient was drawing concern from his doctors after a head injury and had memory problems. All of these facts indicate that the patient's behavior was strange and problematic. "Erratic," meaning inconsistent and irregular, is the only answer choice that gives the appropriate meaning to the sentence.
Example Question #1091 : One Blank Texts
Studies have shown young people increasingly view religious laws as ______________ and unnecessary.
odious
esoteric
exempt
contemporary
crucial
esoteric
"Religious laws" is a phrase inserted as a trap, as the real clue to the answer is the pairing of the blank with "unnecessary." "Contempt" and "crucial" are antonyms of "unnecessary," while "exempt" and "odious" are not sensible when paired with "unnecessary." "Esoteric," meaning hard to understand, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1380 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The old home looked like it had not been cleaned in years, with dust on the mantle and a ___________ sofa in the corner.
vibrant
portentuous
decoy
hoary
lavish
hoary
"The old home," as well as the other adjectives, indicate the sofa itself was old and dirty. "Hoary," which means old and shabby, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1063 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The band's influences were hard to pin down, and they admitted to having an ____________ album collection.
simplistic
atavistic
confounding
eclectic
substantial
eclectic
The intimation of the sentence's first clause is that the band has many influences, and this should be supported by their collection. Words like "substantial" and "confounding" may work, but "eclectic," meaning wide ranging and different, is the correct answer.
Example Question #1093 : One Blank Texts
Her love of cats was ______________, considering she was highly allergic to them.
erratic
officious
ironic
perspicacious
perpetual
ironic
The "love of cats" is an off trait for someone who is allergic to cats. The correct answer will indicate the strangeness of that love for cats. "Ironic," meaning surprising or unexpected, is the best choice.
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