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 #101 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The old classicist had become a __________ in his old age, having collected many types of ancient currency at archaeological digs, in the course of his long career.

 

Possible Answers:

curator

philanderer

numismatist

bore

spendthrift

Correct answer:

numismatist

Explanation:

The clear choice can be made only by vocabulary knowledge. Otherwise, this question may lead you to choose any of the other answers. The word "numismatic" means relating to currency, and has a long etymology. Deep beneath the surface of the word is the Greek "nomos," which means custom, usage, or law. This last—law—we see in a word like "autonomy," meaning self ("auto-") rule.  

This is related to "numismatics," because in many ways the value of currency is customary (or at least based upon many things that are not of intrinsic value). As Aristotle observed in the Politics, "Others maintain that coined money is a mere sham, a thing not natural, but conventional only, because, if the users substitute another commodity for it, it is worthless, and because it is not useful as a means to any of the necessities of life, and, indeed, he who is rich in coin may often be in want of necessary food."

Example Question #102 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

It is hard to attain __________ even among two people, but this collection of men is particularly divided in their opinions and will never be capable of such perfect agreement.

Possible Answers:

accord

unanimity

termination

friendship

agreement

Correct answer:

unanimity

Explanation:

The key phrase is "perfect agreement." Recognizing this, you can quickly ascertain the correct answer, if you know the meaning of unanimity—complete agreement in a group. It comes from the Latin roots "unus" (one; see "unity," "uniform," "unit," etc.) and "animus" (soul or mind; see "animated," "magnanimous").

Example Question #167 : Text Completion

The company required new marketing to reach a younger _________________.

Possible Answers:

precinct

clientele

vignette

province

refuse

Correct answer:

clientele

Explanation:

The "new marketing" is reaching out to new groups—in this particular case a younger one. The correct answer needs to mean customer base, the definition of "clientele."

Example Question #103 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The ________________ between the groups showed up everywhere—from different test scores to divergent career paths.

Possible Answers:

spontaneity

commonality

gravity

contemporaneity

disparity

Correct answer:

disparity

Explanation:

The key words in the sentence are "different" and "divergent." The correct answer needs to underscore the difference between the groups. "Disparity," meaning an inequality, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #104 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Although he viewed himself as an inspirational leader, his employees viewed their boss as an insufferable ______________.

Possible Answers:

pedant

iconoclast

mercenary

belligerent

bon vivant

Correct answer:

pedant

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts how the employees view their boss with how he views himself, (as "inspirational"). The correct answer will indicate that his employees find him uninspiring and dull. "Pedant," meaning someone who overly explains simple concepts, is the best choice.

Example Question #105 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

He was reprimanded for violating ________________ after he ignored regulations to complete the mission.

Possible Answers:

aesthetics

protocol

forensics

placebo

convention

Correct answer:

protocol

Explanation:

The sentence outright states the subject "ignored regulations." This means he was "reprimanded for violating" something related to "regulations." "Protocol," meaning an official procedure or code of behavior, is the correct answer.

Example Question #106 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The Lieutenant was considered a strange choice to lead, as most officers thought he lacked the __________ to see out the mission.

Possible Answers:

levity

ordination

disinterest

fortitude

nostalgia

Correct answer:

fortitude

Explanation:

The Lieutenant must "see out the mission," and the missing word indicates the ability to do that. "Fortitude," meaning strength and bravery, is the correct answer.

Example Question #107 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The investigation revealed the group's chief method of __________ was to threaten violence against family members.

Possible Answers:

negotiation

innovation

deliberation

veneration

coercion

Correct answer:

coercion

Explanation:

The threat of violence indicates the group was using force as their chief tool. The correct answer needs to mean persuade through violence or force, the definition of "coercion."

Example Question #108 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

There is a long history of __________ being appropriated by those whom they were once used against.

Possible Answers:

pejoratives

portents

rebuttals

vignettes

placebos

Correct answer:

pejoratives

Explanation:

The phrase "once used againt" indicates the missing word is hurtful. The correct answer needs to mean essentially insults. "Pejoratives," meaning derogatory or negative statements, is the best choice.

Example Question #109 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The training exercise was specifically designed to judge the __________ of the new soldiers in dangerous conditions.

Possible Answers:

gratuity

ambivalence

notoriety

mettle

pusillanimity

Correct answer:

mettle

Explanation:

The exercise judges soldiers "in dangerous conditions."  The correct answer will therefore indicate the soldiers' bravery or courage, which is the definition of "mettle."

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