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 #841 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Usually, approaching a stronger opponent on equal footing is __________, but challenging the opponent directly does sometimes work.

Possible Answers:

irreproachable

inexpedient

conspicuous

condoned

consecrated

Correct answer:

inexpedient

Explanation:

The sentence ends up noting the direct strategy will "sometimes work." This indicates the missing word is advising against the strategy. "Inexpedient," meaning unadvisable or inefficient, is the best choice.

Example Question #842 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Most college students learn how to survive on __________ funds by eating lower quality foods.

Possible Answers:

archaic

lavish

boorish

abundant

meager

Correct answer:

meager

Explanation:

The students are "eating lower quality foods" because of their amount of funds. The missing word will indicate why they can only have "lower quality foods." "Meager," meaning scant or in short supply, is the correct answer.

Example Question #843 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The boy was so __________, his date could hardly remember what she found charming about him.

Possible Answers:

vapid

ominous

affable

infamous

personable

Correct answer:

vapid

Explanation:

The sentence notes the date once found the boy "charming," but does not anymore. The correct answer must stand in contrast with "charming." "Vapid," meaning dull and shallow, is the best choice.

Example Question #844 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Many children do not understand the rules their parents impose, and view them as completely __________.

Possible Answers:

trivial

arbitrary

necessary

subtle

utilitarian

Correct answer:

arbitrary

Explanation:

The sentence notes that "children do not understand" their parents motivations. The correct answer will indicate the children's inability to comprehend their parents' rules. "Arbitrary," meaning random or for no reason, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #845 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His consistent ability to call the outcome of races led many to think he was __________.

Possible Answers:

clairvoyant

mundane

prosaic

pedantic

archaic

Correct answer:

clairvoyant

Explanation:

The subject can "call the outcome of races," an ability that makes people call him the missing word. The correct answer needs to reference his predictive abilities. "Clairvoyant," meaning psychic or able to see the future, is the best fit.

Example Question #846 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

In an era of staid performers in tuxedos, his sequined suits and feathered hats were even more __________.

Possible Answers:

obtuse

pathetic

flamboyant

mundane

underwhelming

Correct answer:

flamboyant

Explanation:

"Sequined suits and feathered hats" make someone stand out in a "staid" era. The sequins and feathers also indicate the subject was particularly showy and flashy. "Flamboyant," meaning over the top and excessive, is the correct answer.

Example Question #847 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The key to the tribe's belief system was that its king was __________, and his every decision had to be followed exactly.

Possible Answers:

argumentative

ineffable

irksome

infallible

venal

Correct answer:

infallible

Explanation:

The tribe's king has enough authority that his decisions are "followed exactly." This indicates the tribe views him as able to always make correct decisions. "Infallible," meaning perfect or unable to make mistakes, is the correct answer.

Example Question #848 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The artist used many shades of paint, and even essentially solid colors were __________ upon close inspection.

Possible Answers:

resplendent

lax

variegated

mundane

flamboyant

Correct answer:

variegated

Explanation:

The sentence both discusses "many shades," and that "essentially solid colors" were not what they seemed. The correct answer should mean multicolored or mixed, the definition of "variegated."

Example Question #911 : Text Completion

The challenge was brought because of an __________ rule most fans did not know existed.

Possible Answers:

unequaled

arcane

excessive

obstreperous

itinerant

Correct answer:

arcane

Explanation:

The rule is one "fans did not know existed," so a description of the rule must reflect that. The correct answer should mean obscure or barely known, the definition of "arcane."

Example Question #912 : Text Completion

The embarassing incident on the first day made him __________ throughout the school.

Possible Answers:

zealous

infamous

revered

consecrated

lauded

Correct answer:

infamous

Explanation:

The subject has suffered an "embarassing incident" that has become known "throughout the school." This means he has become well known for something bad, the definition of "infamous."

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