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 #391 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The entire city block had to be ____________ to make room for the new arena.

Possible Answers:

razed

envisaged

enlivened

coalesced

ratified

Correct answer:

razed

Explanation:

The city block is in the way of the new arena, which is why it has "to make room for the new arena." The correct answer will indicate the block was destroyed for the arena. "Razed," meaning completely destroyed or flattened, is the best choice.

Example Question #392 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Over time, his interest in politics _____________ and eventually he hardly followed it at all.

Possible Answers:

belabored

obviated

waned

goaded

enlarged

Correct answer:

waned

Explanation:

The fact his interest became something "he hardly followed" means the correct answer will show a drop off in interest. "Waned," meaning to fall off or lessen, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #393 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The boy was _____________ by the older girl's stories of college, and desperately wanted to attend her school.

Possible Answers:

jaded

tried

beguiled

besmirched

scarred

Correct answer:

beguiled

Explanation:

The boy's desire to attend the girl's college means he was clearly impressed with her stories. The correct answer will indicate his appreciation for her stories. "Beguiled," which means charmed,or even lured, is the correct answer.

Example Question #394 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The young man's reckless behavior was often the result of being ______________ into action by his friends.

Possible Answers:

goaded

waxed

waned

waived

belied

Correct answer:

goaded

Explanation:

The young man's friends were effectively causing his behavior and the correct answer will indicate their encouragement. "Goaded," meaning prodded or urged, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #395 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His argument was well-received at first, but he _____________ it until the audience wanted him to end.

Possible Answers:

enhanced

belabored

subverted

beknighted

enlivened

Correct answer:

belabored

Explanation:

The final clause of the sentence, "the audience wanted him to end," indicates the speaker went too long. The correct answer will fully bring this meaning to the sentence. "Belabored," meaning to explain an argument in too much detail, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #396 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The professor's sharp voice ________________ on her, and she was unsure if she could remain in the class.

Possible Answers:

grated

piqued

waxed

soothed

jaded

Correct answer:

grated

Explanation:

The "professor's sharp voice," and the subject's desire to leave the class mean the voice bothered her, and the best choice will show this. "Grated," meaning to aggravate or annoy, is the correct answer.

Example Question #397 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The girl's love of dogs ______________ until her parents had no choice but to buy her a puppy.

Possible Answers:

jaded

goaded

waxed

strutted

waived

Correct answer:

waxed

Explanation:

The parents' feeling that they had to buy a puppy indicates the "girl's love of dogs" was strong. The correct answer will indicate the growth or strength of that love. "Waxed," meaning to grow or increase, is the best choice.

Example Question #398 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The self-centered girl did not understand that being _____________ by potential boyfriends was a problem many of her peers envied.

Possible Answers:

negated

petrified

belied

beleaguered

begrudged

Correct answer:

beleaguered

Explanation:

The fact the girl's "problem" is desired by others means she was receiving attention from "potential boyfriends." The correct answer will infer this and keep the sarcastic tone of the sentence. "Beleaguered," meaning annoyed or badgered, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #399 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The ship was _______________ in the typical naval manner, with the captain smashing a champagne bottle across its bow.

Possible Answers:

congealed

broached

recanted

consecrated

eulogized

Correct answer:

consecrated

Explanation:

The sentence indicates the action was a "typical naval" ceremony. The appropriate word will indicate both the ceremony and the official, traditional nature of it. "Consecrated," meaning dedicated or inaugurated, is the correct answer.

Example Question #400 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The general attempted to _____________ his opponent's numerical advantage with a better defensive position.

Possible Answers:

obviate

advocate

approve

enforce

negate

Correct answer:

negate

Explanation:

The general is trying to overcome the advantage his opponent brings to the battlefield. The correct answer will be a word that indicates he is trying to change the circumstances. "Negate," meaning to cancel or deny, is the best choice among the answers.

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