GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #701 : One Blank Texts

The survey found the once isolated belief now to be __________________.

Possible Answers:

perspicacious

pervasive

defunct

gratuitous

unheralded

Correct answer:

pervasive

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the "once isolated" status of the belief with missing word. The correct answer will therefore mean ever present or widespread, which is the definition of "pervasive."

Example Question #678 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Audiences were always appreciative of the _______________ way the physicist summed up complex arguments.

Possible Answers:

belabored

bellicose

succinct

nebulous

obscure

Correct answer:

succinct

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the "complex arguments" with the way the physicist presents them. The correct answer will show the appreciated manner. "Succinct," meaning concise or short, is the best choice.

Example Question #991 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Many critics believed the book's final chapter was ______________, and added nothing to the work overall.

Possible Answers:

gratis

succinct

pertinent

reticent

gratuitous

Correct answer:

gratuitous

Explanation:

The sentence states the final chapter "added nothing." The correct answer will indicate the extra element of the chapter. "Gratuitous," meaning unwarranted and unnecessary, correctly completes the sentence.

Example Question #992 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The secretary grew _____________ with her job, and was actively looking for other work.

Possible Answers:

jaded

feigned

razed

goaded

waived

Correct answer:

jaded

Explanation:

The fact the secretary was "looking for other work" indicates she is unsatisfied with her current job. The correct answer will mean bored or worn down, the exact definition of "jaded."

Example Question #681 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The young woman favored trivial conversations, and strenuously avoided ___________ topics.

Possible Answers:

subtle

weighty

supercilious

gratuitous

genial

Correct answer:

weighty

Explanation:

The sentence's structure contrasts the answer blank with "trivial."  The correct answer will mean serious or important, which is the definition of "weighty."

Example Question #993 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His blue mohawk made him a ___________________ figure everywhere in the small town.

Possible Answers:

subtle

condoning

conspicuous

mundane

congenital

Correct answer:

conspicuous

Explanation:

A "blue mohawk" would stick out quite a bit in a small town. The correct answer will show how different and unusual it is. "Conspicuous," meaning obvious or easily seen, is the best choice.

Example Question #994 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The manager developed a ________________ desire to be promoted when he saw the new job's accompanying salary.

Possible Answers:

transgressed

belittling

burgeoning

suppressed

equivocating

Correct answer:

burgeoning

Explanation:

The tone of the sentence indicates the "accompanying salary" makes the manager want the promotion more. The correct answer will show the growth in his desire. "Burgeoning," meaning to flourish or expand, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #995 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Most commentators considered his new love of environmentalism ________________ because of his past actions against environmentalists.

Possible Answers:

illuminating

exceptional

hypocritical

exacerbating

exemplary

Correct answer:

hypocritical

Explanation:

The switch from being "against environmentalists" to "a love of environmentalism" indicates insincerity. The correct answer should indicate that as well as the criticism implied by the sentence. "Hypocritical," meaning insincere or pretending to believe something when one does not, is the best choice.

Example Question #996 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His mother grew concerned when the usually hyperactive boy was suddenly ___________.

Possible Answers:

lethargic

loquacious

exasperated

exuberant

exceptionable

Correct answer:

lethargic

Explanation:

The sentence indicates the mother is concerned because "the usually hyperactive boy" is acting differently. The correct answer will therefore mean without energy or tired, which is the definition of "lethargic."

Example Question #997 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

After a successful ad campaign, the company had a _______________ month for sales.

Possible Answers:

saccharin

rotund

demure

robust

limpid

Correct answer:

robust

Explanation:

The key word in the sentence is "successful," which indicates the sales were similarly excellent. The correct answer will be a word indicating those good sales and describing their strength. "Robust," meaning healthy and strong, is the best choice.

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