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 #43 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The girl was too _________________ for her own good, as her cleverness often got her in trouble with teachers.

Possible Answers:

perspicacious

obsequious

personable

affable

nefarious

Correct answer:

perspicacious

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence effectively pairs the correct answer with "cleverness." The correct answer will therefore be a synonym of "cleverness" or wit. "Perspicacious," meaning insightful or sharp, is the best choice.

Example Question #44 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The pilot was alarmed by the development, as the self-destruct button was ___________.

Possible Answers:

subversive

torpid

itinerant

irrevocable

inconsequential

Correct answer:

irrevocable

Explanation:

The "self-destruct button" and the pilot being alarmed indicate the seriousness of the situation. The correct answer will need to appropriately fit this context in the sentence.  "Irrevocable," meaning unchangeable or unable to be cancelled, is the best fit among the choices.

Example Question #45 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The man was seen as so ______________, he could never truly be generous in the eyes of most people.

Possible Answers:

nebulous

nefarious

perspicacious

personable

obstreperous

Correct answer:

nefarious

Explanation:

The contrasting of the missing word with "generous" indicates the correct answer will be a highly negative word. "Nefarious," meaning wicked or immoral, is the best choice.

Example Question #46 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The family friendly veneer of the show hid how ___________ its message truly was.

Possible Answers:

subversive

personable

hoary

affable

mundane

Correct answer:

subversive

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the "family friendly veneer of the show" with the missing word.  The best fit will be a word indicating something not "family friendly."  "Subversive," meaning undermining or rebellious, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #47 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The cheap man liked the restaurant because the bread and drink refills were ___________.

Possible Answers:

exorbitant

gratis

lavish

egregious

excessive

Correct answer:

gratis

Explanation:

The key to the sentence is that the subject is a "cheap man." The correct answer choice will mean it suited the subject's cheapness. "Gratis," meaning free or without payment, is the correct answer.

Example Question #48 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

He began his career as a(n) _______________ teacher, moving between schools in three different small towns.

Possible Answers:

irreproachable

egalitarian

intemperate

itinerant

tenant

Correct answer:

itinerant

Explanation:

The fact the teacher moved between town is the key to finding the answer. The correct answer will indicate the teacher's travels. "Itinerant," meaning nomadic or moving around, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #671 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The survey found the once isolated belief now to be __________________.

Possible Answers:

pervasive

perspicacious

unheralded

gratuitous

defunct

Correct answer:

pervasive

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the "once isolated" status of the belief with missing word. The correct answer will therefore mean ever present or widespread, which is the definition of "pervasive."

Example Question #981 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Audiences were always appreciative of the _______________ way the physicist summed up complex arguments.

Possible Answers:

succinct

belabored

nebulous

bellicose

obscure

Correct answer:

succinct

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the "complex arguments" with the way the physicist presents them. The correct answer will show the appreciated manner. "Succinct," meaning concise or short, is the best choice.

Example Question #672 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Many critics believed the book's final chapter was ______________, and added nothing to the work overall.

Possible Answers:

pertinent

gratuitous

reticent

succinct

gratis

Correct answer:

gratuitous

Explanation:

The sentence states the final chapter "added nothing." The correct answer will indicate the extra element of the chapter. "Gratuitous," meaning unwarranted and unnecessary, correctly completes the sentence.

Example Question #673 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The secretary grew _____________ with her job, and was actively looking for other work.

Possible Answers:

feigned

jaded

waived

goaded

razed

Correct answer:

jaded

Explanation:

The fact the secretary was "looking for other work" indicates she is unsatisfied with her current job. The correct answer will mean bored or worn down, the exact definition of "jaded."

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