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 #613 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Her remarkable _________ vanished as illness made her quite reserved in her old age.

Possible Answers:

indifference

stolidity

phenomenology

vivacity

seemliness

Correct answer:

vivacity

Explanation:

The sentence notes the missing word "vanished" and the subject became "quite reserved." This means the correct answer will indicate a sense of action or energy. "Vivacity," meaning liveliness or animation, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #614 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

New evidence contradicted his sworn statement, and proved he committed __________.

Possible Answers:

indigence

perjury

insurgency

larceny

duplicity

Correct answer:

perjury

Explanation:

The contradiction of a "sworn statement," indicates the subject was not just lying, but doing so in a legally proscribed manner, and the correct answer must reflect all of these facts. "Perjery," meaning lying under oath, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #301 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The old man had a number of __________ that made him quite peculiar.

Possible Answers:

quarries

gimmicks

quirks

stratagems

pleasantries

Correct answer:

quirks

Explanation:

The missing word, which the "old man had a number of," contributes to the subject being "quite peculiar." The correct answer not only needs to indicate something he does, but that it is strange. "Quirks," meaning oddities or unique behaviors, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #302 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Her current __________ was more complicated but not more clever than her previous tricks.

Possible Answers:

prattle

stratagem

compromise

waffling

balk

Correct answer:

stratagem

Explanation:

The sentence compares the missing word to "previous tricks," and notes the word as being "complicated;" therefore, the correct answer should essentially mean a complicated trick. "Stratagem," meaning a plot or ploy, is the best choice.

Example Question #303 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Many politicians cannot resist the __________ of running for a higher office and holding more power.

Possible Answers:

intermittence

revulsion

allure

malevolence

imposition

Correct answer:

allure

Explanation:

The sentence notes politicans "cannot resist" the chance to run "for a higher office." This strong pull must be reflected in the correct answer. "Allure," meaning attraction or appeal, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #301 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Medieval armies were built largely on the back of unwilling __________, most of whom were only barely paid.

Possible Answers:

galleons

saboteurs

mercenaries

emollients

conscripts

Correct answer:

conscripts

Explanation:

The sentence describes the missing word with the adjective "unwilling," while also noting they made up "medieval armies." The correct answer must reflect both of these points. "Conscripts," meaning persons enlisted compulsorily into armed service, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #302 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

After months of one-sided fighting, the government regained __________ over formerly rebel held territory.

Possible Answers:

hegemony

derision

atrophy

indifference

dormancy

Correct answer:

hegemony

Explanation:

The sentence describes the missing word developing "after months of one sided fighting." This means the government was dominating the "formerly held rebel territory." "Hegemony," meaning complete authority and domination, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #303 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

His extreme __________ made him lose once close allies with every deceitful action.

Possible Answers:

improbity

integrity

propensity

irreproachability

intransigence

Correct answer:

improbity

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly refers to the subject's "every deceitful action." The missing word has to match up with this deceit. "Improbity," meaning a lack of integrity and honesty, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #621 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

He had unnecessary __________ about the extremely safe and routine procedure.

Possible Answers:

drosses

fulminations

wags

pundits

qualms

Correct answer:

qualms

Explanation:

The sentence describes the procedure as "extremely safe and routine;" nonetheless, the subject of the sentence still has the missing word about it. "Qualms," meaning hesitations or fears, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #622 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The general was always convinced of his actions and never revealed a __________ of doubt about his plans.

Possible Answers:

dearth

modicum

lacuna

complacence

privation

Correct answer:

modicum

Explanation:

The sentence describes the general as "always convinced of his actions," meaning that the general rarely showed doubt. The correct answer needs to indicate this general avoidance of doubt. "Modicum," meaning a very small amount, is the best choice among the answers.

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