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 #835 : One Blank Texts
The old captain was a __________ presence who never showed any signs of having fun.
staid
excitable
ebullient
verbose
zany
staid
The sentence notes the "old captain" rarely exhibited "signs of having fun." The correct answer must therefore mean extremely serious and sober, the definition of "staid."
Example Question #836 : One Blank Texts
In its current dilapidated state, the ruins remained a __________ presence of the city's former glory.
histrionic
germinal
transgressive
beleaguered
vestigial
vestigial
The ruins are a sign of "the city's former glory," which is now long past. The correct answer will indicate that the ruins are a relic and reminder of that past. "Vestigial," meaning a useless or shrunken element that remains, is the best choice.
Example Question #837 : One Blank Texts
Her __________ notions on marriage meant she was mocked by her more progressive friends.
antiquated
transgressive
idiosyncratic
prudent
contemporary
antiquated
The sentence contrasts the subject's "notions on marriage" with the "progressive" notions of her friends. The correct answer must stand opposed to "progressive." "Antiquated," meaning old fashioned or outdated, is the best fit.
Example Question #838 : One Blank Texts
The first warning interns received was to avoid upsetting the boss, as he was known for a(n) __________ temperament.
choleric
placid
languid
sanguine
ebullient
choleric
The boss must be treated carefully, because of his "temperament," described by the missing word. The correct answer must mean easily upset or angered, the definition of "choleric."
Example Question #839 : One Blank Texts
The obtuse boy's mind proved much more __________ when asked to describe fantastical stories.
fecund
vacuous
inimical
discerning
egalitarian
fecund
The "obtuse," or slow and dimwitted, boy had a different capability when discussing "fantastical stories." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "obtuse." "Fecund," meaning fertile and productive, is the best choice.
Example Question #840 : One Blank Texts
The teenager's eulogy for his grandfather was exceptionally __________, moving many people to tears.
vacuous
profound
inane
mundane
petulant
profound
The eulogy moved "many people to tears," making it a touching moment. The correct answer should mean deeply moving and with a great deal of meaning, the definition of "profound."
Example Question #841 : One Blank Texts
Her __________ younger brother would follow behind her and do anything she asked.
zealous
petulant
servile
maverick
transgressive
servile
The brother would "do anything she asked." This means he was obedient to his sister, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Servile," meaning overly submissive or groveling, is the correct answer.
Example Question #842 : One Blank Texts
He was notably __________ about his job, and his boss thought he wanted to be fired.
apathetic
enthusiastic
sagacious
rigorous
ebullient
apathetic
The fact "his boss thought he wanted to be fired" means he is not doing his job well. The correct answer will show his poor performance and attitude. "Apathetic," meaning indifferent or uninterested, is the best choice.
Example Question #843 : One Blank Texts
His delay was __________, as it meant he missed seeing the accident firsthand.
supercilious
immoderate
prolific
inappropriate
felicitous
felicitous
Missing "seeing the accident firsthand" is a good thing. This means the subject's delay was a positive development. "Fortuitous," meaning lucky or fortunate, is the correct answer.
Example Question #844 : One Blank Texts
The poet considered true love __________, and pointedly refused to write about it.
subtle
lucid
ineffable
cogent
succinct
ineffable
If the poet "refused to write about it," then it can safely be assumed the poet finds it difficult to write about. The correct answer must explain why it is difficult to write about. "Ineffable," meaning hard to put into words, is the best choice.
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