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 #641 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The office was unimpressive to vistors, littered with ___________ technology and old furniture.

Possible Answers:

obsolete

fashionable

curious

contemporary

modern

Correct answer:

obsolete

Explanation:

The two best words in the sentence to give a clue to the correct answer are "unimpressive" and "old." The use of these two adjectives with the answer blank means that the correct choice will fit with those words; therefore, "obsolete," meaning something that is out of date or ancient, is the correct answer.

Example Question #954 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Suddenly, the children became _____________, shouting and crying over seemingly nothing.

Possible Answers:

histrionic

poised

reserved

recalcitrant

erratic

Correct answer:

histrionic

Explanation:

The shouting and crying of the children is the best clue to the correct answer. The word which will make the sentence complete needs to have the appropriate sense of shouting and crying. "Histrionic," which means exaggerated or affected emotionalism, is the only answer choice that fits appropriately in the sentence.

Example Question #955 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The couple's ______________ spending habits made them broke in a very short amount of time.

Possible Answers:

ascetic

parsimonious

pecunious

lavish

odious

Correct answer:

lavish

Explanation:

The fact the couple became broke quickly means they were spending money at a rapid pace.  The correct answer choice will indicate such an extreme level of spending. "Lavish," meaning wasteful or excessive, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #956 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The man was quite intelligent, but his speech impediment made him seem __________.

Possible Answers:

erratic

obtuse

garrulous

officious

exuberant

Correct answer:

obtuse

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence indicates that the man was not seen as "quite intelligent," even if he really is. The correct answer should be an antonym of "intelligent." "Obtuse," meaning simple or dull, is the right choice.

Example Question #957 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

In order to avoid interactions with people, he used a _____________ manner when he spoke with anyone.

Possible Answers:

brusque

lighthearted

deferent

garrulous

laudatory

Correct answer:

brusque

Explanation:

Since the man is avoiding talking to anyone, it can be inferred that his approach to people was quite short. The correct choice should make it clear the man does not intend to speak much, if at all. "Brusque," meaning blunt or even rude, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #958 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although still meeting occasionally, the organization had become _____________ regarding activities.

Possible Answers:

resplendent

resilient

torpid

officious

adamant

Correct answer:

torpid

Explanation:

The two phrases of the sentence are placed in such a way that they contrast with each other. The habit of meeting occasionally is put against the group's attitude to activitied, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Torpid," meaning stagnant or inactive, is the best choice.

Example Question #642 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The building's _____________ qualities could not outweigh its structural deficiencies.

Possible Answers:

boorish

histrionic

aesthetic

erratic

rigorous

Correct answer:

aesthetic

Explanation:

The "qualities" the answer describes are something at odds with structural issues, and need to reflect the non-structural elements of a building. "Aesthetic," meaning relating to art and beauty, is the only answer choice that fits.

Example Question #712 : Text Completion

The phone number was ______________, and had not been in use for years.

Possible Answers:

inconsistent

portentuous

defunct

undersold

overwhelming

Correct answer:

defunct

Explanation:

The meaning of the correct answer is essentially evident with "had not been in use." This is the exact definition of "defunct."

Example Question #643 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

After reading a variety of racist books, the man's beliefs became particularly __________.

Possible Answers:

serene

equivocal

odious

exuberant

jovial

Correct answer:

odious

Explanation:

The man's beliefs changed after he had read "racist books," giving a strong clue to the correct word. Presumably, the books were hateful and nasty. "Odious," meaning repellent and hateful, is the only answer choice that fits the sentence.

Example Question #644 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

No matter how often the teacher begged for quiet, the students remained quite _____________.

Possible Answers:

impenetrable

docile

reserved

unassuming

voluble

Correct answer:

voluble

Explanation:

The teacher cannot get the students to be quiet, no matter what. The students, therefore, are being loud and boisterous. Only "voluble," meaning talkative or noisy, fits the meaning of the sentence.

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