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 #735 : One Blank Texts
His knowledge of cars and sports made his fellow teenage boys believe he was more _______________ than he was.
cynical
demure
sagacious
iconoclastic
nefarious
sagacious
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 #736 : One Blank Texts
His preferred method of dumping girlfriends in a text message showed how _____________ he truly was.
personable
affable
rigorous
noble
callow
callow
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 #737 : One Blank Texts
The boys did a particularly ______________ job painting, leaving walls uneven and dripping paint everywhere.
condonable
laudatory
salacious
execrable
nebulous
execrable
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.
immoderate
altruistic
cynical
ominous
temperate
immoderate
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 #738 : One Blank Texts
Most religions ask for their followers to live a perfect life, but understand most people cannot achieve such a _____________ goal.
haughty
lofty
trivial
mundane
germane
lofty
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.
ominous
opaque
opulent
onerous
obscene
opaque
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 #741 : One Blank Texts
The interview provided a surprisingly _____________ moment that revealed many unknown details.
demure
onerous
trite
callow
candid
candid
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 #742 : One Blank Texts
The teacher had taught so long, many students considered him an essentially _______________ part of the school.
transient
immutable
volatile
inconsequential
trivial
immutable
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 #743 : One Blank Texts
The design style of the mansion was pure _______________, featuring expensive chandeliers and gold fixtures.
banality
archaic
rustic
opulence
mendacity
opulence
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 #744 : One Blank Texts
Many romance novels are banned from libraries for their ________________ nature and shocking scenes.
irreproachable
sagacious
laudatory
salacious
exegetical
salacious
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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