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 #845 : One Blank Texts
The creature was baffling to zoologists, who did not know it was a __________, because they could not see its pouch.
relic
amphibian
marsupial
omnivore
invertebrate
marsupial
The sentence notes the "creature" had a "pouch," which makes finding the correct answer fairly straightforward. A "marsupial" is a mammal with a pouch to carry its young.
Example Question #846 : One Blank Texts
The congressman was accused of being __________ and never caring what happened in his colleagues' districts.
parochial
altruistic
generous
egalitarian
munificent
parochial
The congressman's lack of concern for "his colleagues' districts" indicates his interest only in matters that concern his district. "Parochial," meaning narrow minded or obsessed with local concerns, is the best fit.
Example Question #847 : One Blank Texts
She was highly __________ of her sister's boasts, and demanded proof of her achievements.
nostalgic
dispassionate
gullible
skeptical
equivocal
skeptical
Having "demanded proof" of the boasts, it is clear the subject does not believe her sister. The correct answer should mean doubting or disbelieving, the definition of skeptical.
Example Question #848 : One Blank Texts
The gangster took __________ routes to his destinations to make it harder on his enemies to track him.
inexorable
infamous
expedient
circuitous
punctilious
circuitous
The gangster is trying "to make it harder" to be tracked, which means his routes will be hard to follow. The correct answer must mean indirect or roundabout, the definition of "circuitous."
Example Question #849 : One Blank Texts
He was so __________ in the kitchen, he could hardly chop vegetables.
exemplary
adroit
inept
dextrous
inexorable
inept
As "he could hardly chop vegetables," his skill in the kitchen is obviously severely limited. The correct answer needs to mean unskilled or incompetent, the definition of "inept."
Example Question #850 : One Blank Texts
The politician played up a __________ image, but was actually born into considerable wealth.
proletarian
lavish
lofty
bourgeois
parochial
proletarian
The politician has "played up" an image at odds with being "born into considerable wealth." The correct answer needs to mean not wealthy, or even poor. "Proletarian," meaning of the working class, is the best choice.
Example Question #851 : One Blank Texts
The story's many unrealistic elements led scholars to believe it was __________.
apocryphal
verifiable
circuitous
parsimonious
irreproachable
apocryphal
Because the story contains "unrealistic elements," it can safely be assumed that the stories are false or incorrect. The correct answer will indicate some level of inaccuracy. "Apocryphal," meaning of doubtful origin or legendary, is the correct answer.
Example Question #852 : One Blank Texts
The king was notably __________, and often gave contradictory orders.
lucid
succinct
decisive
fickle
impulsive
fickle
The king is giving "contradictory orders," which means the correct answer will indicate a sense of confusion or chaos. "Fickle," meaning unpredictable or easily swayed, is the best choice.
Example Question #853 : One Blank Texts
The songwriter was astonishingly __________, and she composed many more songs than her contemporaries.
apathetic
prolific
egalitarian
indifferent
circumscribed
prolific
The songwriter "composed many more songs," meaning she had a great quantity songs. The correct answer needs to mean producing a large amount, the definition of "prolific."
Example Question #854 : One Blank Texts
Many people believe political dysfunction is __________, as once any politician is elected corruption necessarily follows.
euphemistic
inevitable
arbitrary
tractable
ineffable
inevitable
If "corruption follows" "any politician" when elected, then dysfunction will happen no matter what. The correct answer needs to demonstrate this consistency. "Inevitable," meaning unavoidable or bound to happen, is the best choice.
All GRE Verbal Resources
