GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #715 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The archaeologist was most well known for _________________ a theory on human development with which no other scholars agreed.

Possible Answers:

postulating

recapitulating

exemplifying

substantiating

suppressing

Correct answer:

postulating

Explanation:

Many of the answer choices could fit the sentence, but one choice will fit best. The theory is one "with which no other scholars agreed," which means it is controversial and unproven. "Postulating," meaning hypothesize or propose, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #716 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The young man decided to ______________ his resumé by interning at a prestigious company.

Possible Answers:

execrable

undermine

downplay

burnish

waylay

Correct answer:

burnish

Explanation:

The "prestigious company" gives a clue that the young man wishes to improve the status of his resumé. "Burnish," meaning to polish or bolster, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #431 : One Blank Texts

The committee always ______________ a great deal, never deciding anything quickly.

Possible Answers:

deliberated

immoderated

recanted

denuded

exemplified

Correct answer:

deliberated

Explanation:

"Never deciding anything quickly" is the key phrase in the sentence. The correct answer will indicate the slowness of the committee. "Deliberated," meaning to think over carefully and slowly, is the best choice.

Example Question #432 : One Blank Texts

The politician always wanted statistics to ________________ the claims he made in his speeches.

Possible Answers:

transgress

retract

buttress

counteract

bulwark

Correct answer:

buttress

Explanation:

The politician is concerned about the claims in his speech, and would want to support them with statistics. The correct answer will mean to strengthen or back up, which is the definition of "buttress."

Example Question #433 : One Blank Texts

After the scandal, members ______________ the party in large numbers and left it a shell of its former self.

Possible Answers:

evacuated

allayed

cajoled

enhanced

prorogued

Correct answer:

evacuated

Explanation:

The phrase "a shell of its former self" indicates the party shrunk in size. The correct answer will indicate the movement of the members out of the party. "Evacuate," meaning to vacate or empty, is the best choice.

Example Question #434 : One Blank Texts

She often overthought things, _________________ on decisions for months.

Possible Answers:

postulating

calcifying

ruminating

illuminating

indemnifying

Correct answer:

ruminating

Explanation:

A few of the choices could fit the sentence, so the best fit must be found. The sentence says she "overthought . . . for months," and the best answer will reflect that deep thought. "Ruminating," meaning to ponder or reflect, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #435 : One Blank Texts

Writing closed captioning for live events is difficult, as _______________ every word is nearly impossible.

Possible Answers:

transcribing

excoriating

interpreting

obfuscating

pontificating

Correct answer:

transcribing

Explanation:

THe phrase "writing closed captioning" is the best clue to the answer. The best choice will indicate writing in some manner. "Transcribing," meaning to copy or take down, is the correct answer.

Example Question #436 : One Blank Texts

The instructor used his last class to ______________ any nerves students had about their driving test.

Possible Answers:

efface

waylay

accost

allay

condone

Correct answer:

allay

Explanation:

The instructor wants the students to do well on their test. With this in mind, the correct answer will indicate some sense of help with their nerves. "Allay," meaning to lessen, is the best choice.

Example Question #437 : One Blank Texts

His lack of self-confidence tended to ____________ his poor athletic gifts.

Possible Answers:

portend

exacerbate

efface

explode

petrify

Correct answer:

exacerbate

Explanation:

The "poor athletic gifts" would be harmed by a "lack of self-confidence." The correct answer will indicate the poor effect. "Exacerbate," meaning to make worse, is the best choice.

Example Question #438 : One Blank Texts

The boy was a natural rebel, seeking to ______________ any rules or boundaries given to him.

Possible Answers:

transgress

perpetuate

congeal

condone

embrace

Correct answer:

transgress

Explanation:

The boy being a "natural rebel" provides the best clue to the answer. A rebel violates rules, and the correct answer will show that. "Transgress," meaning to violate or disobey, is the best answer.

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