GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #481 : One Blank Texts
The propaganda effort by the government sought to __________ attention from its internal problems.
debunk
allay
confound
ordain
divert
divert
The "propaganda effort" is in response to "internal problems." This means the government would want to take attention away from the problems. "Divert," meaning to distract or detour, is the correct answer.
Example Question #482 : One Blank Texts
His concerns about the ship's safety were __________ by the sterling record of the craft.
burnished
assuaged
ogled
beleaguered
enflamed
assuaged
The "sterling record" affected the "concerns about the ship's safety." A "sterling record" will do away with safety concerns. "Assuaged," meaning to calm, is the correct answer.
Example Question #483 : One Blank Texts
She was rarely impulsive, and always had to __________ a great deal over decisions.
bemoan
postulate
cogitate
transgress
jeopardize
cogitate
A few answer choices could work in the sentence, but once will work best. If "she was rarely impulsive," then she made her decisions carefully. "Cogitate," meaning to ponder and think over deeply, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #484 : One Blank Texts
Each side claimed the other __________ the conflict, asserting that their fighting was in self-defense.
equivocated
recused
debilitated
deliberated
instigated
instigated
The sides both claim "self-defense," which indicates that they blame the other side for starting the conflict. The correct answer should mean to start or provoke, the definition of "instigate."
Example Question #485 : One Blank Texts
The gang was able to __________ the jewels through befriending and tricking the guard.
evade
ratify
elude
purloin
condone
purloin
The "gang" did something with the jewels by "tricking the guard." This means they got past the guard, presumably to commit a crime. "Purloin," meaning to acquire in a suspicious or illegal manner, is the correct answer.
Example Question #486 : One Blank Texts
Arriving full of idealism, the freshman Senator found it surprisingly difficult to __________ support for his favorite issues.
belie
usurp
evade
dissipate
marshal
marshal
The Senator finds some aspect of dealing with "his favorite issues" difficult, despite being "full of idealism." This indicates that he cannot convince others on the issues. "Marshal," meaning to gather together, is the correct answer.
Example Question #487 : One Blank Texts
The pretender to the throne __________ the crown by defeating his predecessor in battle.
belied
confounded
discerned
assuaged
usurped
usurped
"The pretender" defeated the former king in battle. The correct answer will indicate that the pretender took possesion of the crown. "Usurp," meaning to take away someone's position, is the best fit.
Example Question #488 : One Blank Texts
Without his glasses, he was unable to __________ any shapes walking at him.
facilitate
eviscerate
confound
discern
decimate
discern
The sentence notes the man has trouble performing the missing word "without his glasses." This means the correct answer will be something difficult with poor vision. "Discern," meaning to distinguish or understand, is the best choice.
Example Question #489 : One Blank Texts
Although a target for criticism, she had a special ability to __________ any accusations and come out unscathed.
instigate
parry
propose
proscribe
absorb
parry
The subject will "come out unscathed," so she is not harmed by the accusations. The correct answer will indicate the criticism is being turned off by the subject. "Parry," meaning to deflect or fend off, is the best choice.
Example Question #490 : One Blank Texts
For weeks, the board __________ between the two candidates for CEO.
appeased
nettled
collated
vacillated
circumscribed
vacillated
The board had "two candidates for CEO" it was dealing with "for weeks." This means the board was taking time to make a decision. "Vacillated," meaning wavering or hesitating, is the correct answer.
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