GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #15 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The football coach was most well known for _________________ his opponents , making them unsure what he would do.
navigating
condoning
complementing
confounding
reassuring
confounding
The opponents are "unsure" about the coach's actions, so the correct answer will indicate that. "Confounding," meaning confusing and baffling, is the best choice.
Example Question #16 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
Despite his boasting, the scientist could never _____________ his claims with evidence.
criticize
repudiate
substantiate
congeal
stupefy
substantiate
The scientist had no evidence "despite his boasting," and the "never" means the correct answer will be a word indicating support. "Substantiate," meaning to verify with evidence, is the best choice.
Example Question #17 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
Although he believed he was the perfect candidate, he never ____________ the man who received the promotion instead.
complimented
lavished
begrudged
adored
beknighted
begrudged
The sentence contrasts the candidate's belief in his perfection with the way he approached the promoted man. The correct answer will show there was never any ill will from the candidate. "Begrudged," meaning to resent, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #18 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The company's board slowly _____________ around the plan of buying out their competitor.
muddled
congealed
dismembered
splintered
equivocated
congealed
The board eventually agreed, as the sentence indicates the board decided on the plan to sell. The correct answer will describe the board coming together "around the plan." "Congealed," meaning to solidify, is the best fit among the answer choices.
Example Question #411 : One Blank Texts
The entire city block had to be ____________ to make room for the new arena.
coalesced
razed
envisaged
ratified
enlivened
razed
The city block is in the way of the new arena, which is why it has "to make room for the new arena." The correct answer will indicate the block was destroyed for the arena. "Razed," meaning completely destroyed or flattened, is the best choice.
Example Question #701 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Over time, his interest in politics _____________ and eventually he hardly followed it at all.
goaded
obviated
waned
belabored
enlarged
waned
The fact his interest became something "he hardly followed" means the correct answer will show a drop off in interest. "Waned," meaning to fall off or lessen, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #702 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The boy was _____________ by the older girl's stories of college, and desperately wanted to attend her school.
beguiled
besmirched
jaded
tried
scarred
beguiled
The boy's desire to attend the girl's college means he was clearly impressed with her stories. The correct answer will indicate his appreciation for her stories. "Beguiled," which means charmed,or even lured, is the correct answer.
Example Question #703 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The young man's reckless behavior was often the result of being ______________ into action by his friends.
goaded
waxed
waived
waned
belied
goaded
The young man's friends were effectively causing his behavior and the correct answer will indicate their encouragement. "Goaded," meaning prodded or urged, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #704 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His argument was well-received at first, but he _____________ it until the audience wanted him to end.
enlivened
enhanced
subverted
belabored
beknighted
belabored
The final clause of the sentence, "the audience wanted him to end," indicates the speaker went too long. The correct answer will fully bring this meaning to the sentence. "Belabored," meaning to explain an argument in too much detail, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #705 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The professor's sharp voice ________________ on her, and she was unsure if she could remain in the class.
piqued
soothed
jaded
waxed
grated
grated
The "professor's sharp voice," and the subject's desire to leave the class mean the voice bothered her, and the best choice will show this. "Grated," meaning to aggravate or annoy, is the correct answer.
All GRE Verbal Resources
