GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #301 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
After months of one-sided fighting, the government regained __________ over formerly rebel held territory.
indifference
derision
dormancy
hegemony
atrophy
hegemony
The sentence describes the missing word developing "after months of one sided fighting." This means the government was dominating the "formerly held rebel territory." "Hegemony," meaning complete authority and domination, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #302 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
His extreme __________ made him lose once close allies with every deceitful action.
integrity
irreproachability
intransigence
improbity
propensity
improbity
The sentence explicitly refers to the subject's "every deceitful action." The missing word has to match up with this deceit. "Improbity," meaning a lack of integrity and honesty, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #621 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He had unnecessary __________ about the extremely safe and routine procedure.
pundits
drosses
fulminations
wags
qualms
qualms
The sentence describes the procedure as "extremely safe and routine;" nonetheless, the subject of the sentence still has the missing word about it. "Qualms," meaning hesitations or fears, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #622 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The general was always convinced of his actions and never revealed a __________ of doubt about his plans.
lacuna
modicum
privation
complacence
dearth
modicum
The sentence describes the general as "always convinced of his actions," meaning that the general rarely showed doubt. The correct answer needs to indicate this general avoidance of doubt. "Modicum," meaning a very small amount, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #311 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The old lights caused a consistent __________ in the room that drowned out low noises.
prattle
drone
waffle
temperance
pith
drone
The missing word has "drowned out low noises." This indicates the missing word means a consistent and annoying sound, the very definition of "drone," which is the correct answer.
Example Question #312 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The teacher's lectures tended to __________ instead of delving into the grand ideas of history.
auspiciousness
dissonance
discretion
dynamics
esoterica
esoterica
Many words could fit in the sentence, but the best one needs to be found. The sentence contrasts the missing word with "the grand ideas of history." "Esoterica," meaning obscure details and trivia, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #313 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The use of __________ in a traditionally straightforward genre caused a shock to the music's listeners.
syncopation
orthodoxy
pretension
discretion
stability
syncopation
The sentence says the missing word "caused a shock" in something that is "straightforward." The correct answer will mean off center or unexpected. "Syncopation," meaning an intentionally off beat rhythm, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #623 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
While he considered his views as simply being traditional, many of his colleagues thought he was a __________.
stickler
drone
chauvinist
conscript
paragon
chauvinist
The sentence contrasts the subject's own take on his views as "traditional," with a slightly more negative take from his colleagues. That means the colleagues' view will be a harsh take on "traditional views." "Chauvinist," meaning a bigot or sexist, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #624 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His obsession with proper grammar gained him a reputation as a __________ among his employees.
pundit
stickler
conscript
coward
quack
stickler
The subject's "obsession with proper grammar" is what gained him the reputation described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to reflect that he is obsessive. "Stickler," meaning someone who is strict about rules and details, is the best choice among the answer.
Example Question #625 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The magazine was so full of __________ that it turned off most of its potential readers.
affability
temperance
clarity
quality
pretension
pretension
The magazine "turned off most of its potential readers," indicating it was quite terrible or unseemly. The correct answer must have an appropriate negative connotation. "Pretension," meaning an attitude of superiority or arrogance, is the only answer choice with such a negative tone.
All GRE Verbal Resources
