GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #721 : One Blank Texts
His _____________ nature prevented him from taking too many chances with investments.
pragmatic
hypocritical
erratic
obsequious
histrionic
pragmatic
The best description in the sentence is that the subject does not take "too many chances." The subject must then be someone who is cautious or extremely reasonable. "Pragmatic," meaning practical and rational, is the correct answer.
Example Question #722 : One Blank Texts
She grew increasingly ________________ with her boyfriend's immature and obnoxious behavior.
sedate
exasperated
tranquil
subdued
enthused
exasperated
The "immature and obnoxious behavior" means the subject of the sentence is not happy with her boyfriend. The correct answer will need to mean she is annoyed or frustrated, the definition of "exasperated."
Example Question #723 : One Blank Texts
The man was not very ____________ for a dancer, with a stiff body and mechanical movements.
languid
rigid
lithe
torpid
demure
lithe
The missing word is contrasted with "stiff body and mechanical movements." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "stiff" and "mechanical." "Lithe," which means supple of flexible, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #724 : One Blank Texts
Many authors fell an _______________ narrator is problematic, as it leaves no room for unknown details.
omnipotent
itinerant
egregious
omniscient
expressive
omniscient
The problem with the narrator described by the answer is that "unknown details" are blocked off. The correct answer will indicate the narrator is all knowing or sees everything, which is the definition of omniscient.
Example Question #725 : One Blank Texts
The new CEO was a ________________, and she eliminated all extra costs and programs.
recluse
pragmatist
ruminant
hypochondriac
hypocrite
pragmatist
The "extra costs and programs" being cut is the best clue to the answer. The CEO is concerned with what works and what is doable, and the answer should indicate that. "Pragmatist," meaning a practical person or some one focused on usefulness, is the correct answer.
Example Question #726 : One Blank Texts
Most critics viewed the novel as overly ____________, but a large number of readers responded to the romantic plotline.
succinct
saccharin
terse
cynical
lethargic
saccharin
The readers view the novel as "romantic," while the critics viewed it as the missing word, meaning the correct answer will be a somewhat negative take on "romantic." "Saccharin," meaning grossly sweet or overly sentimental, is the best choice.
Example Question #727 : One Blank Texts
The weather at the camp was generally brutal, with pleasant spells being a __________ phenomenon.
transient
gratuitous
congenital
persistent
mundane
transient
The weather is described as "generally brutal," so the "pleasant spells" were not a common feature. The correct answer will indicate that the good weather is short-lived or passing, which is the definition of "transient."
Example Question #728 : One Blank Texts
He attempted to remain ______________, and not get close to any of his coworkers.
hyperbolic
pertinent
gregarious
aloof
effusive
aloof
The subject of the sentence is attempting to avoid his coworkers. The correct answer should demonstrate he is not being friendly. "Aloof," meaning distant or detached, is the best choice.
Example Question #729 : One Blank Texts
Teenagers will often use offensive language, but racial slurs are _______________.
exceptionable
condoned
idiosyncratic
affable
mundane
exceptionable
The structure of the sentence indicates that "racial slurs" goes beyond usual "offensive language." The correct answer needs to show how far beyond they truly are. "Exceptionable," meaning something offensive or objectionable, is the best fit among the answer choices.
Example Question #730 : One Blank Texts
The boy's mother was _____________ when he came home from school with an injured hand.
bemused
congenial
placid
obtuse
livid
livid
The boy having an injury could make a mother many things—from confused to angry to sympathetic. The best fit will be one of these words or their synonym. "Livid," meaning angry and upset, is the correct answer.
All GRE Verbal Resources
