GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #701 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The new CEO was a ________________, and she eliminated all extra costs and programs.

Possible Answers:

hypochondriac

pragmatist

ruminant

hypocrite

recluse

Correct answer:

pragmatist

Explanation:

The "extra costs and programs" being cut is the best clue to the answer. The CEO is concerned with what works and what is doable, and the answer should indicate that. "Pragmatist," meaning a practical person or some one focused on usefulness, is the correct answer.

Example Question #702 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Most critics viewed the novel as overly ____________, but a large number of readers responded to the romantic plotline.

Possible Answers:

terse

succinct

saccharin

cynical

lethargic

Correct answer:

saccharin

Explanation:

The readers view the novel as "romantic," while the critics viewed it as the missing word, meaning the correct answer will be a somewhat negative take on "romantic." "Saccharin," meaning grossly sweet or overly sentimental, is the best choice.

Example Question #703 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The weather at the camp was generally brutal, with pleasant spells being a __________ phenomenon.

Possible Answers:

gratuitous

transient

congenital

mundane

persistent

Correct answer:

transient

Explanation:

The weather is described as "generally brutal," so the "pleasant spells" were not a common feature. The correct answer will indicate that the good weather is short-lived or passing, which is the definition of "transient."

Example Question #728 : One Blank Texts

He attempted to remain ______________, and not get close to any of his coworkers.

Possible Answers:

hyperbolic

pertinent

gregarious

aloof

effusive

Correct answer:

aloof

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is attempting to avoid his coworkers. The correct answer should demonstrate he is not being friendly. "Aloof," meaning distant or detached, is the best choice.

Example Question #704 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Teenagers will often use offensive language, but racial slurs are _______________.

Possible Answers:

mundane

exceptionable

condoned

affable

idiosyncratic

Correct answer:

exceptionable

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence indicates that "racial slurs" goes beyond usual "offensive language." The correct answer needs to show how far beyond they truly are. "Exceptionable," meaning something offensive or objectionable, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #705 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The boy's mother was _____________ when he came home from school with an injured hand.

Possible Answers:

congenial

placid

livid

bemused

obtuse

Correct answer:

livid

Explanation:

The boy having an injury could make a mother many things—from confused to angry to sympathetic. The best fit will be one of these words or their synonym. "Livid," meaning angry and upset, is the correct answer.

Example Question #771 : Text Completion

While initially considered a small inconvenience, the new regulations soon proved ____________.

Possible Answers:

onerous

agreeable

inconsequential

extraneous

ambiguous

Correct answer:

onerous

Explanation:

The regulation was already considered "a small inconvenience," and the structure of the sentence indicates it grew worse. The correct answer should mean burdensome or problematic, which is the definition of "onerous."

Example Question #772 : Text Completion

The ability to choose a child's school is considered ______________ by reformers, and that priority is placed above everything else.

Possible Answers:

sacrosanct

execrable

malleable

ambiguous

ignominious

Correct answer:

sacrosanct

Explanation:

The choice of schools is "placed above everything else." The correct answer will indicate that it is the ultimate priority and impossible to go against. "Sacrosanct," meaning extremely holy or inviolable, is the best choice.

Example Question #773 : Text Completion

The sense of security felt by many in a car is often _______________, and safety advocates urge more caution from drivers.

Possible Answers:

condoned

debilitating

stupefying

supercilious

illusory

Correct answer:

illusory

Explanation:

"Safety advocates" urging "caution" means drivers are not as secure as they believe. The correct answer will mean that drivers are wrong or misguided about their safety. "Illusory," meaning deceptive or fake, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #774 : Text Completion

The storm left the building in a _____________ situation, swaying back and forth with every gust of wind.

Possible Answers:

laudatory

rigorous

precarious

mundane

portentous

Correct answer:

precarious

Explanation:

The building is "swaying back and forth" after a storm. The correct answer will indicate the building's troubling position. "Precarious," meaning unstable or uncertain, is the best fit among the answers.

Tired of practice problems?

Try live online GRE prep today.

1-on-1 Tutoring
Live Online Class
1-on-1 + Class
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors