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 #921 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The author preferred to avoid academic terms, and instead opted for more __________ language.

Possible Answers:

structuralist

intellectual

colloquial

virulent

incoherent

Correct answer:

colloquial

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the author's "language," described by the missing word, with "academic terms."  This means the correct answer will mean the opposite of "academic," which when used regarding language means technical and wordy. "Colloquial," meaning informal and casual, particularly with regards to language, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #922 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The young boy was strikingly __________, and always noticed when his parents were talking about him.

Possible Answers:

incoherent

naïve

bungling

oblivious

percipient

Correct answer:

percipient

Explanation:

The sentence notes the "young boy" notices "when his parents are talking about him." This indicates he is aware of what his parents are doing, even when they do not want him to be.  "Percipient," meaning insightful and perceptive, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #923 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The congressman was a usually __________ defender of policemen, and quickly came to the accused cop's aid.

Possible Answers:

wavering

staunch

ambivalent

esoteric

indifferent

Correct answer:

staunch

Explanation:

The last phrase of the sentence notes the congressman "quickly came to the accused cop's aid." This action indicates he was usually quite a strong defender of policeman. "Staunch," meaning loyal and dependable, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #924 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Her __________ plan to take over the leadership was revealed when her private journal was discovered with secret notes.

Possible Answers:

explicit

virulent

furtive

compliant

quaint

Correct answer:

furtive

Explanation:

The use of words like "private" and "secret" are the best indications of the correct answer choice.  While a few words could fit the sentence, the use of those words narrows down the selections.  Of all the answer choices, only "furtive," meaning hidden and secret, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #925 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The __________ groups claimed a legitimacy from the people the autocratic government was never able to truly claim.

Possible Answers:

austere

quarantine

establishmentarian

perfunctory

insurgent

Correct answer:

insurgent

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the group, described by the missing word, as being against the "autocratic government." Additionally, the group is challenging the government's "legitimacy."  The correct answer must indicate all of these facts, and "insurgent," meaning rebellious and against the establishment, is the best choice.

Example Question #926 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The mission was seen as __________ by most of the military leadership due to the lack of success of similar missions in the past.

Possible Answers:

strident

futile

worthwhile

negotiable

quaint

Correct answer:

futile

Explanation:

The sentence describes past "similar missions" as having a "lack of success," and that this colored the "military leadership's" view, described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to indicate the leadership believes the mission will not work. "Futile," meaning useless or hopeless, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #927 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The film's slow pace and excessive run time made the viewing experience seem __________.

Possible Answers:

vital

interminable

engaging

affable

peremptory

Correct answer:

interminable

Explanation:

The film is described as having a "slow pace and excessive run time," which causes the viewing experience described the missing word.  The correct answer needs to mean long or slow.  "Interminable," meaning never-ending and ceaseless, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #928 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The museum had a __________ feeling thanks to its small size and homey exhibits.

Possible Answers:

contemporary

modern

dynamic

quaint

futile

Correct answer:

quaint

Explanation:

The missing word is used as an adjective for a museum that is also noted as having a "small size" and "homey exhibits." This indicates the correct answer must mean something similar to "small" and "homey." "Quaint," meaning picturesque and charming, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #953 : One Blank Texts

Mary tried to maintain a(n) __________ diet, but the conveniences of calorie-rich fast food often won out. 

Possible Answers:

ravenous

edacious

abstemious

gluttonous

Correct answer:

abstemious

Explanation:

To be "abstemious" means to eat and drink in moderation.

Example Question #954 : One Blank Texts

The teacher was famous for her __________ look, which could silence an ornery child in a glance. 

Possible Answers:

withdrawing

admonishing

retiring

shrinking

Correct answer:

admonishing

Explanation:

An "admonishing" look is one of warning or reprimand

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