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 #61 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

With his years of experience, he was regarded as the ______________ of the office, and always gave advice to younger coworkers.

Possible Answers:

recluse

decoy

sage

cynic

hypochondriac

Correct answer:

sage

Explanation:

The sentence notes both the subject's "years of experience" and his habit of giving advice.  The correct answer should be a word describing his position. "Sage," meaning a very wise person, is the best choice.

Example Question #62 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

He was a natural collector, and had to get some ______________ everywhere he went.

Possible Answers:

tome

omen

trinket

larceny

tirade

Correct answer:

trinket

Explanation:

If the subject is a "natural collector," then he would need to get something to collect. The correct answer will be a word indicating some small item. "Trinket," meaning a knick-knack or something of little value, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #63 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The conflicting advice from his supervisors gave him a lot of _______________ about his job.

Possible Answers:

ebullience

ambiguity

derision

rancor

poise

Correct answer:

ambiguity

Explanation:

The "conflicting advice" provides the key to the sentence, as this causes the feeling described by the missing word. The correct answer wll mean uncertainty or confusion, the definition of "ambiguity."

Example Question #64 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The online journal saw its best work as its _______________ of political speeches that detailed the candidate's policies.

Possible Answers:

recapitulation

exegesis

exculpation

recantation

eulogy

Correct answer:

exegesis

Explanation:

The journal's work is "detailed" and comments on speeches. The correct answer will therefore indicate analysis or explanation. "Exegesis," meaning a lengthy explanation and interpretation, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #65 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The residents of the village were noted for their _______________, and they outlived the average life expectancy for the nation.

Possible Answers:

depravity

longevity

debility

irreproachability

negativity

Correct answer:

longevity

Explanation:

The sentence outright discusses "life expectancy" and notes that the residents outperform the rest of the country. The correct answer is "longevity," which means a long life or long lasting.

Example Question #66 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The elderly man attributed his long life to living by three simple ____________.

Possible Answers:

rants

neologisms

precepts

ambiguities

polemics

Correct answer:

precepts

Explanation:

The man lived by the missing answer in order to live a long life. The correct answer will mean guiding principles or general instructions, which is the definition of "precepts."

Example Question #67 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The                   of all the negotiation between team owners and players was that player salaries would go down the next year, but the season would be played.

Possible Answers:

serendipity

malefactor

dilemma

artifice

upshot

Correct answer:

upshot

Explanation:

The negotiations have ended, so this was the outcome or result. "Upshot" is the only answer that means this.

Example Question #68 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The actor was a _________________, with people waiting hours just to see him leave the theater.

Possible Answers:

polemicist

phenomenon

neologism

nonentity

philistine

Correct answer:

phenomenon

Explanation:

"People waiting hours" for a brief glimpse of the actor means he was extremely popular and exciting. The correct answer needs to indicate the sensationalism surrounding the actor. "Phenomenon," meaning a big event or occasion, is the best choice.

Example Question #69 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The celebrated author coined many ___________________ that have sprung into use as common phrases.

Possible Answers:

decoys

paragons

preambles

neologisms

derisions

Correct answer:

neologisms

Explanation:

The author "coined" some "common phrases," so the missing word will indicate new language. The correct answer will mean a newly coined word or phrase, the definition of "neologism."

Example Question #70 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The _______ from the back of the room was disquieting to the nervous boy, who hated being laughed at.

Possible Answers:

guffaw

candor

nonchalance

jaunt

placebo

Correct answer:

guffaw

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "being laughed at." As that phrase refers back to the missing word, the correct answer must mean a big or notable laugh, the definition of guffaw.

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