GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #61 : One Blank Texts

The man was paranoid about fires, and always noticed the closest _____________ he could find anywhere he was.

Possible Answers:

egress

portent

gratis

paragon

receptacle

Correct answer:

egress

Explanation:

The man's paranoia about fires means he would find a way to deal with a fire everywhere.  The correct answer will describe a method to handle a fire. "Egress," meaning an exit, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #62 : One Blank Texts

The media quickly developed a _____________ on the case, and all news outlets began reporting the same story.

Possible Answers:

recantation

substantiation

splintering

bulwark

consensus

Correct answer:

consensus

Explanation:

The sentence outright states the media outlets were "reporting the same story."  The correct answer will indicate the media was telling the same story.  "Consensus," meaning a general or widespread agreement, is the best fit.

Example Question #63 : One Blank Texts

The man was such a slob, his car's backseat had become a _________________ for all kinds of trash.

Possible Answers:

portent

neologism

receptacle

hiatus

polemic

Correct answer:

receptacle

Explanation:

The trash had essentially found a permanent home in the man's backseat, and the correct answer will indicate that. "Receptacle," meaning container or vessel, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #64 : One Blank Texts

The award was given for his work as a ________________, and recognized his fight for voting rights.

Possible Answers:

supplicant

buccaneer

autocrat

adversary

suffragist

Correct answer:

suffragist

Explanation:

The sentence itself says the award winner had a "fight for voting rights." A "suffragist" is someone who fights for the right to vote, and it is the correct answer.

Example Question #65 : One Blank Texts

The new hire was excited about her job, and took to it with _____________.

Possible Answers:

indifference

alacrity

antipathy

egregiousness

recalcitrance

Correct answer:

alacrity

Explanation:

The best clue to find the correct answer is the word "excited."  The best choice will be a further illustration of the new hire's excitement. "Alacrity," meaning quickness or eagerness, is the correct answer.

Example Question #66 : One Blank Texts

Victorian social mores were so stringent, body parts were never named, but had discreet ________________.

Possible Answers:

eulogies

examinations

iconoclasms

redundancies

euphemisms

Correct answer:

euphemisms

Explanation:

The sentence outright states "body were never named," and the correct answer should indicate a cover up or misnaming. "Euphemisms," meaning a polite phrase used as a stand in for an impolite one, is the best choice.

Example Question #43 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The professor never revealed his grading system, preferring students to view it as a kind of _______________.

Possible Answers:

algorithm

portent

alibi

pragmatism

alchemy

Correct answer:

alchemy

Explanation:

The professor is keeping his grading process a mystery. "Alchemy," a form of medievel chemistry that is often used metaphorically to mean mystery or magic, is the correct answer.

Example Question #44 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The Senator was a well known _________________, with an unusual and unpredictable voting record.

Possible Answers:

iconoclast

transgressive

libertarian

charlatan

paragon

Correct answer:

iconoclast

Explanation:

The Senator's "unusual and unpredictable voting record" is the best clue to finding the correct answer. The best fit will indicate the Senatory's unique habits. "Iconoclast," meaning someone who goes against standard thinking, is the correct answer.

Example Question #45 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The young associate had a peculiar tendency toward _______________ at the most serious moments.

Possible Answers:

irascibility

levity

intractability

pragmatism

obtuseness

Correct answer:

levity

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence places "serious moments" at odds with the missing word. The correct answer will need to be an antonym of "serious." "Levity," meaning lightness or flippancy, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #46 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

It quickly became apparent she had no ________________ for the night of the crime.

Possible Answers:

precinct

receptacle

alibi

precipice

alchemy

Correct answer:

alibi

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "for the night of the crime," and the correct answer will have to do in some way with crime. "Alibi," a term for a verifiable claim of not being at a crime scene, is the correct answer.

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