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 #651 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The man's conversational style featured lots of extraneous points that were not __________ to his main idea.

Possible Answers:

excessive

munificent

germane

exuberant

effusive

Correct answer:

germane

Explanation:

The man's style had "extraneous points," which means he was not staying close to the "main idea." The correct answer will the be a word that indicates staying close to the main idea. "Germane," meaning relevant or on topic, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #652 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Being ______________ appeared to be second nature to her, as she would help anyone who needed assistance.

Possible Answers:

parsimonious

perspicacious

avaricious

munificent

efficient

Correct answer:

munificent

Explanation:

The subject's desire to "help anyone" is the chief descriptor of the correct answer in the sentence. The best choice will mean giving or generous, which is the definition of "munificent."

Example Question #653 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The level of ignorance on display from the crowd was ______________ to the intellectual lecturer.

Possible Answers:

stupefying

gratifying

mundane

salvific

pertinent

Correct answer:

stupefying

Explanation:

All of the given answer choices could complete the sentence in some fashion, but the best option will be correct answer. The contrast between an "intellectual lecturer" and the ignorance of the crowd means the lecturer is at odds with the crowd's views. "Stupefying," meaning shocking or stunning, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #654 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Her children joked that her _______________ purse could hold all the world's riches.

Possible Answers:

impish

voluminous

efficient

mundane

miniscule

Correct answer:

voluminous

Explanation:

The phrase "all the world's riches" makes it clear the children joked about the size of their mother's purse. "Voluminous, meaning extremely large or spacious, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #655 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The political party was ________________ and unable to compete in most elections.

Possible Answers:

vibrant

seminal

robust

vital

germinal

Correct answer:

germinal

Explanation:

The party was "unable to compete," which means it was not a strong or established party.  The correct answer will indicate the party's weakness. "Germinal," meaning undeveloped or immature, is the correct answer.

Example Question #656 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The team became ______________, and soon quit following their coach's instructions.

Possible Answers:

mutinous

agreeable

servile

obsequious

equivocal

Correct answer:

mutinous

Explanation:

The team's action, not following what the coach asked, is a sign they were acting against their coach. The correct answer will indicate rebellion. "Mutinous," meaning to seek to overthrow, is the correct answer.

Example Question #657 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

He had grown from an awkward kid to a _______________ young adult in a matter of just a few years.

Possible Answers:

personable

salacious

reticent

voracious

reclusive

Correct answer:

personable

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence contrasts "awkward kid" with the correct answer. The right choice will be a word meaning the opposite of "awkward." Of the answer choices, only "personable," meaning likable and attractive, fits the sentence.

Example Question #658 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Her desire to read was ________________, and she had read half the library in the summer.

Possible Answers:

underwhelming

ambivalent

perspicacious

munificent

voracious

Correct answer:

voracious

Explanation:

The amount the subject of the sentence read means she had a very strong desire to read.  The correct answer will mean extreme desire. "Voracious," meaning rapacious or extremely hungry, is the correct answer.

Example Question #32 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The crowd became _____________ when it was announced the headline band would not appear.

Possible Answers:

raucous

subservient

acquiescent

mundane

gracious

Correct answer:

raucous

Explanation:

The crowd would be upset when the cancellation was announced, and would show it. The correct answer will indicate both the crowd's displeasure and how they are showing it. "Raucous," meaning upset and noisy, is the best choice.

Example Question #33 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The scout tried to remain professional, but he could not help being _____________ about the prospect's once in a generation abilities.

Possible Answers:

rancourous

effusive

underwhelming

subtle

irascible

Correct answer:

effusive

Explanation:

The prospect's "once in a generation abilities" indicate the scout would be quite excited, and the fact he could not "remain professional" means he was demonstrating that excitement. "Effusive," meaning gushing and demonstrative, is the correct answer.

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