GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #731 : One Blank Texts

While initially considered a small inconvenience, the new regulations soon proved ____________.

Possible Answers:

ambiguous

inconsequential

agreeable

onerous

extraneous

Correct answer:

onerous

Explanation:

The regulation was already considered "a small inconvenience," and the structure of the sentence indicates it grew worse. The correct answer should mean burdensome or problematic, which is the definition of "onerous."

Example Question #732 : One Blank Texts

The ability to choose a child's school is considered ______________ by reformers, and that priority is placed above everything else.

Possible Answers:

malleable

ignominious

ambiguous

execrable

sacrosanct

Correct answer:

sacrosanct

Explanation:

The choice of schools is "placed above everything else." The correct answer will indicate that it is the ultimate priority and impossible to go against. "Sacrosanct," meaning extremely holy or inviolable, is the best choice.

Example Question #733 : One Blank Texts

The sense of security felt by many in a car is often _______________, and safety advocates urge more caution from drivers.

Possible Answers:

debilitating

stupefying

condoned

illusory

supercilious

Correct answer:

illusory

Explanation:

"Safety advocates" urging "caution" means drivers are not as secure as they believe. The correct answer will mean that drivers are wrong or misguided about their safety. "Illusory," meaning deceptive or fake, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #734 : One Blank Texts

The storm left the building in a _____________ situation, swaying back and forth with every gust of wind.

Possible Answers:

mundane

precarious

portentous

rigorous

laudatory

Correct answer:

precarious

Explanation:

The building is "swaying back and forth" after a storm. The correct answer will indicate the building's troubling position. "Precarious," meaning unstable or uncertain, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #735 : One Blank Texts

His knowledge of cars and sports made his fellow teenage boys believe he was more _______________ than he was.

Possible Answers:

cynical

nefarious

demure

iconoclastic

sagacious

Correct answer:

sagacious

Explanation:

The sentence ultimately concerns the subject's knowledge, and his peers reaction to it.  The correct answer will indicate his knowledge, or his perceived knowledge. "Sagacious," meaning wise or full of good advice, is the best choice.

Example Question #736 : One Blank Texts

His preferred method of dumping girlfriends in a text message showed how _____________ he truly was.

Possible Answers:

noble

affable

personable

callow

rigorous

Correct answer:

callow

Explanation:

The subject's preferred method, "text message," is a sign of his indifference to his girlfriends and the correct answer will show this. "Callow," meaning immature and unfeeling, is the best choice.

Example Question #737 : One Blank Texts

The boys did a particularly ______________ job painting, leaving walls uneven and dripping paint everywhere.

Possible Answers:

laudatory

nebulous

condonable

salacious

execrable

Correct answer:

execrable

Explanation:

The second phrase of the sentence indicates that the painting job was not done well, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Execrable," meaning extremely bad, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #1026 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

He was notably _______________ in his habits, spending too much money and drinking too much alcohol.

Possible Answers:

cynical

temperate

immoderate

altruistic

ominous

Correct answer:

immoderate

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "too much," and it is used twice. The correct answer will mean excessive or extreme, which is the definition of "immoderate."

Example Question #738 : One Blank Texts

Most religions ask for their followers to live a perfect life, but understand most people cannot achieve such a _____________ goal.

Possible Answers:

mundane

trivial

germane

lofty

haughty

Correct answer:

lofty

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "perfect life." As a goal, this would be a difficult and noble one, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Lofty," meaning high or noble, is the best choice.

Example Question #1028 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The frosting on the windows made them ______________, and no light came into the room.

Possible Answers:

opaque

ominous

obscene

onerous

opulent

Correct answer:

opaque

Explanation:

The fact that "no light came into the room" indicate the frosting on the windows was too strong or thick. The correct answer will mean unable to let light through, the definition of "opaque."

Tired of practice problems?

Try live online GRE prep today.

1-on-1 Tutoring
Live Online Class
1-on-1 + Class
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors