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 #775 : Text Completion

His knowledge of cars and sports made his fellow teenage boys believe he was more _______________ than he was.

Possible Answers:

demure

iconoclastic

nefarious

sagacious

cynical

Correct answer:

sagacious

Explanation:

The sentence ultimately concerns the subject's knowledge, and his peers reaction to it.  The correct answer will indicate his knowledge, or his perceived knowledge. "Sagacious," meaning wise or full of good advice, is the best choice.

Example Question #776 : Text Completion

His preferred method of dumping girlfriends in a text message showed how _____________ he truly was.

Possible Answers:

callow

affable

rigorous

noble

personable

Correct answer:

callow

Explanation:

The subject's preferred method, "text message," is a sign of his indifference to his girlfriends and the correct answer will show this. "Callow," meaning immature and unfeeling, is the best choice.

Example Question #777 : Text Completion

The boys did a particularly ______________ job painting, leaving walls uneven and dripping paint everywhere.

Possible Answers:

execrable

nebulous

condonable

laudatory

salacious

Correct answer:

execrable

Explanation:

The second phrase of the sentence indicates that the painting job was not done well, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Execrable," meaning extremely bad, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #1026 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

He was notably _______________ in his habits, spending too much money and drinking too much alcohol.

Possible Answers:

cynical

temperate

immoderate

altruistic

ominous

Correct answer:

immoderate

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "too much," and it is used twice. The correct answer will mean excessive or extreme, which is the definition of "immoderate."

Example Question #778 : Text Completion

Most religions ask for their followers to live a perfect life, but understand most people cannot achieve such a _____________ goal.

Possible Answers:

haughty

mundane

germane

trivial

lofty

Correct answer:

lofty

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "perfect life." As a goal, this would be a difficult and noble one, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Lofty," meaning high or noble, is the best choice.

Example Question #1028 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The frosting on the windows made them ______________, and no light came into the room.

Possible Answers:

opaque

ominous

obscene

onerous

opulent

Correct answer:

opaque

Explanation:

The fact that "no light came into the room" indicate the frosting on the windows was too strong or thick. The correct answer will mean unable to let light through, the definition of "opaque."

Example Question #1029 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The interview provided a surprisingly _____________ moment that revealed many unknown details.

Possible Answers:

callow

onerous

trite

demure

candid

Correct answer:

candid

Explanation:

The "unknown details" provide the best clue to the answer. The correct answer will there indicate that a revealing moment occurred. "Candid," meaning frank or honest, is the best choice.

Example Question #91 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The teacher had taught so long, many students considered him an essentially _______________ part of the school.

Possible Answers:

transient

inconsequential

volatile

immutable

trivial

Correct answer:

immutable

Explanation:

The teacher has "taught so long," which indicates he was an important part of the school, and the correct answer will show that permanence. "Immutable," meaning unchanging or unmoveable, is the best choice.

Example Question #92 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The design style of the mansion was pure _______________, featuring expensive chandeliers and gold fixtures.

Possible Answers:

mendacity

banality

rustic

archaic

opulence

Correct answer:

opulence

Explanation:

The "expensive chandeliers and gold fixtures" are the best clue to the answer. The correct answer needs to indicate extreme wealth. "Opulence," meaning extremely expensive and gaudy, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #93 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Many romance novels are banned from libraries for their ________________ nature and shocking scenes.

Possible Answers:

exegetical

irreproachable

sagacious

laudatory

salacious

Correct answer:

salacious

Explanation:

Both "romance" and "shocking" are used as descriptors of the banned books, as well as the missing word. The correct answer needs to fit with both  of the other words mentioned.  "Salacious," meaning lecherous or sensational, is the best answer choice.

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