GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #301 : One Blank Texts
Although the plan was perfectly figured out, a random __________ threw them off and doomed it to failure.
purist
atom
vagary
minutia
furrow
vagary
The sentence describes a plan "perfectly figured out," which nonetheless was "doomed to failure." This indicates the correct answer will mean something that harms even perfect planning. "Vagary," meaning an unaccountable problem or freak mistake, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #302 : One Blank Texts
Her __________ of her intellectual inferiors meant she never paid attention to what her classmates were interested in.
calibration
resuscitation
recantation
reinterpretation
discountenance
discountenance
The sentence notes that the subject "never paid attention" to others' interests. This habit is the best clue to finding the missing word, as the correct answer must parallel this phrase in meaning. "Discountenance," meaning to show disapproval of, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #591 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Although managing water levels was only a small part of the job description, once a drought went into effect it became the basic __________ of the city manager.
imperative
reconnaissance
lacuna
indifference
esoterica
imperative
"Managing water levels" was not a key part of the job until "a drought went into effect." Both the structure of the sentence and the fact a drought is a lack of water indicate the correct answer has to indicate the new important place of "managing water levels." "Imperative," meaning something that must happen or be taken care of, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #592 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Although in reality he was quite nice, his lack of social skills often left people assuming he was a __________.
gentleman
boor
cavalier
miscreant
sir
boor
A "boor" is a person who is rude or insensitive.
Example Question #592 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The senator's staff quickly tried to deal with the reporter's __________ before the attack could hurt the politician's image.
commendation
acclamation
detraction
approbation
proscription
detraction
A "detraction" is a verbal attack or a slandering remark. A detraction written by a reporter would certainly hurt the senator's claims.
Example Question #593 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The riots hit their __________ with a mass wave of violence that killed dozens, but then began to calm down.
ephemera
facade
apogee
cant
taunt
apogee
The sentence does describe "a mass wave of violence that killed dozens," yet also describes that the riots "calm down." This indicates the missing word reflects an ultimate point of terrible violence in the riots. "Apogee," meaning the highest or furthest point or climactic moment, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #594 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He suffered a general __________ that made him trust no one and see harm in everything.
intransigence
psychosis
purism
kleptomania
paranoia
paranoia
The sentence describes the subject as someone who can "trust no one and see harm in everything." These phrases can be used a fair definition or clue to the correct answer. "Paranoia," meaning a mental condition featuring a general fear or anxiety, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #595 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His constant attacks on a much larger force showed a lack of _________ in miltary matters.
foolhardiness
intermittence
resiliences
prudence
umbrage
prudence
The sentence describes the subject attacking "a much larger force" and doing so constantly. This indicates the correct answer needs to show the subject has a "lack of" good judgement. "Prudence," meaning caution and wisdom, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #596 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The __________ of his image took a long time to fully come back to the previous level of respect from the public.
reconnaissance
obliteration
deification
personification
resuscitation
resuscitation
The sentence discusses the subject's image having "to fully come back to the previous level." This means the correct answer has to indicate bringing something back to past levels. "Resuscitation," literally meaning to bring back to life, and here used figuratively, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #597 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His position as a committed _________ stood at odds with his ownership of multiple bars.
intemperate
archetype
dissident
iconoclast
teetotaler
teetotaler
The sentence contrasts the subject's position as the missing word with "his ownership of multiple bars." The correct answer needs to indicate opposition to bars, drinking, or ownership. "Teetotaler," meaning someone who completely abstains from alcohol, is the best choice among the answers.
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