GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1001 : One Blank Texts

The girl was __________, nothing could ruin her good mood.

Possible Answers:

unafilliated

reproving

unencumbered

irreproachable

irrepressible

Correct answer:

irrepressible

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly notes that "nothing could ruin her good mood." The correct answer must indicate she was always happy. "Irrepressible," meaning unable to be controlled, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1002 : One Blank Texts

The girl's opinions were __________ of her reading, and were easily taken from those books.

Possible Answers:

querulous

emblematic

anathema

antithetical

obscene

Correct answer:

emblematic

Explanation:

If her opinions "were easily taken from those books," it means they were not different from the books contents. The correct answer will mean representative or embodying, the definition of "emblematic."

Example Question #1003 : One Blank Texts

His __________ denials were beginning to drown out his accuser's complaints.

Possible Answers:

inconsequential

vociferous

apprehensive

quiescent

reclusive

Correct answer:

vociferous

Explanation:

For the "denials" to "drown out" the "accuser's complaints," they must be much more noticeable. The correct answer must adequately reflect this level of strength. "Vociferous," meaning loudly expressive, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1004 : One Blank Texts

Her __________ tone was at odds with her desire to overthrow her superiors.

Possible Answers:

belligerent

reproving

condemning

dominant

servile

Correct answer:

servile

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "her desire to overthrow her superiors." The correct answer will show she was trying to cover up her aggressive intentions. "Servile," meaning submissive or groveling, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1005 : One Blank Texts

His __________ stance put him at odds with his more conciliatory colleagues.

Possible Answers:

mellow

belligerent

flippant

discerning

acquiescent

Correct answer:

belligerent

Explanation:

The missing word is contrasted with the colleagues being "more conciliatory." The correct answer has to indicate he is unwilling to compromise. "Belligerent," meaning hostile and war like, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1006 : One Blank Texts

The __________ nature of the vehicle made it well loved despite its lack of style or luxury.
Possible Answers:

excessive

couture

rococo

utilitarian

baroque

Correct answer:

utilitarian

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly says the vehicle has a "lack of style and luxury," but is "well loved." The correct answer will indicate its unglamorousness.  "Utilitarian," meaning functional and basic, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1007 : One Blank Texts

Despite his confrontational statements, he proved quite __________ when he needed to make a deal.

Possible Answers:

vociferous

bellicose

onerous

obscene

tractable

Correct answer:

tractable

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the missing word with his "confrontational statements." The correct answer will need to indicate that the subject was actually helpful. "Tractable," meaning obedient and dutiful, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1008 : One Blank Texts

By the end of his life, he had become __________ and never stayed anywhere more than a few days.

Possible Answers:

reclusive

peripatetic

excessive

inviolable

concise

Correct answer:

peripatetic

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "never stayed anywhere more than a few days." This indicates the correct answer will mean moving around or unable to stay still. "Peripatetic," meaning nomadic or wandering, is the best choice.

Example Question #1009 : One Blank Texts

The __________ speech made it clear the leader was unhappy with her opponents.

Possible Answers:

apologetic

recusant

vitriolic

banal

mundane

Correct answer:

vitriolic

Explanation:

The leader's position of being "unhappy with her opponents" is the best clue in the sentence. This indicates the correct answer must mean diisappoint and/or anger. "Vitriolic," meaning full of anger and attacking, is the best choice.

Example Question #1010 : One Blank Texts

His __________ clothing stood out among the boring suits of his colleagues.

Possible Answers:

garish

squalid

common

banal

mundane

Correct answer:

garish

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the missing word with his colleages' "boring suits." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "boring." "Garish," meaning gaudy and outlandish, is the best choice among the answers.

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