GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #155 : One Blank Texts
His __________ was an effort to say a great deal without revealing any information.
inanity
discernment
circumlocution
skepticism
recapitulation
circumlocution
The sentence reveals two key facts: the subject says "a great deal," while also saying little actual information. The correct answer needs to hold the two conflicting notions together. "Circumlocution," meaning using too many words to avoid a subject, is the best choice.
Example Question #156 : One Blank Texts
The __________ of the legislation was blamed on no parties wishing to move it along.
profundity
surreptitiousness
progress
ignominy
inertia
inertia
The legislation has no one "to move it along," indicating it is stuck in the same place. The correct answer needs to mean inactivity or a lack of motion; "inertia" relates to motion, and can indicate either a lack of progress.
Example Question #157 : One Blank Texts
Most members of the team thought he volunteered for the unpleasant jobs because he was a __________.
cliché
masochist
martinet
hypochondriac
peccadillo
masochist
The subject is volunteering for "unpleasant jobs" that no one else presumably wants to do. The correct answer must indicate a reason he volunteers for these tasks. "Masochist," meaning someone who enjoys inflicting pain on him- or herself, is the correct answer.
Example Question #158 : One Blank Texts
The boy had a reputation as a __________, because he was always the last kid in his class to do anything.
libertarian
hypocrite
chronicler
sluggard
nonentity
sluggard
Being "the last kid in his class to do anything," means the boy is either extremely slow or extremely lazy. The correct answer must indicate this aspect of the boy's personality. "Sluggard," meaning a slow moving person, is the best choice.
Example Question #159 : One Blank Texts
The level of __________ between the siblings meant they could not visit their parents at the same time.
amity
profundity
poignance
discord
felicity
discord
The siblings can not see "their parents at the same time." This means the correct answer needs to mean disagreement or enmity, the definition of "discord."
Example Question #160 : One Blank Texts
Threading a needle the way she did took a level of __________ most people do not have.
parody
boorishness
ambivalence
finesse
ineffability
finesse
"Threading a needle" in a way other people could not means the subject is particularly talented. The correct answer must corectly reflect her talent. "Finesse," meaning fine skill or subtle movement, is the best choice.
Example Question #161 : One Blank Texts
The law's __________ began an intense lobbying campaign to get the bill passed.
proponents
eulogies
ascetics
adversaries
skeptics
proponents
The missing word describes people who are attempting "to get the bill passed." The correct answer will indicate people arguing for the law. "Proponents," meaning supporters or advocates, is the best choice.
Example Question #162 : One Blank Texts
The __________ of screaming children makes teaching preschoolers difficult for most people.
elucidation
euphony
notoriety
triviality
discordancy
discordancy
"Screaming children" create a great deal of noise which makes them difficult to deal with. The correct answer will indicate both the noise and harshness of the screaming. "Discordancy," meaning cacophony or harsh noise, is the best choice.
Example Question #163 : One Blank Texts
The teenager liked being seen as a __________, often doing unusual things because they were unpopular.
zealot
portent
sycophant
paragon
maverick
maverick
If the teenager is doing things "because they were unpopular," then he is trying to be different. The correct answer will indicate a person who tries to stand out. "Maverick," meaning a loner or rebel, is the best choice.
Example Question #164 : One Blank Texts
The office's __________ was best exemplified by its refusal to replace the most weathered chairs.
munificence
disparity
benevolence
parity
parsimony
parsimony
The office will not replace even "the most weathered chairs." This means they are refusing to buy new ones, and this will be reflected in the correct answer. "Parsimony," meaning frugality and stinginess, is the best fit.
All GRE Verbal Resources
