GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #761 : One Blank Texts
The scandalized politician appeared _____________, and hoped the voters would accept his apology.
contrite
irascible
susceptible
congenial
bellicose
contrite
The last phrase of the sentence mentions the politician's "apology," and pairs it with the missing word. The correct answer needs to indicate an apologetic tone, which is the definition of "contrite."
Example Question #762 : One Blank Texts
Early humans all lived a _____________ existence, traveling to find food where they could.
jubilant
nonchalant
trivial
nomadic
philanthropic
nomadic
The sentence focuses on "early humans . . . traveling to find food." The correct answer will describe this traveling. "Nomadic," meaning to wander from place to place, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #763 : One Blank Texts
The student's speech was _____________ of the ideas championed by the political theory he had been reading.
indifferent
ambivalent
redolent
irreproachable
ironic
redolent
The "ideas championed" are clearly present in the speech, which the structure of the sentence indicates. The correct answer needs to demonstrate their influence. "Redolent," meaning smelling of, (but used here metaphorically), is the best choice.
Example Question #764 : One Blank Texts
He _______________ gave money to one candidate, while publicly supporting her opponent.
surreptitiously
salaciously
egregiously
flagrantly
immoderately
surreptitiously
The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "publicly." The correct answer wiill then indicate he was giving money quietly or covertly. "Surreptitiously," meaning sneaky or stealthy, is the best choice.
Example Question #114 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
She was always ______________, and never listened to any advice as a child.
demure
tractable
wispy
ambiguous
willful
willful
The key description in the sentence is that she "never listened to any advice." The correct answer will therefore mean stubborn or determined, which is the definition of "willful."
Example Question #115 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The old man was ____________ to the whole neighborhood, and always helped anyone in need.
cynical
reclusive
benevolent
irascible
suspect
benevolent
The old man "helped anyone in need." The correct answer needs to match the help he gave. "Benevolent," meaning kindly or good, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #741 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
His ___________________ appearance covered up an inner nervousness.
ebullient
transient
pertinent
petulant
nonchalant
nonchalant
The subject's appearance helps mask "inner nervousness." The correct answer will then be the opposite of "nervousness." "Nonchalant," meaning calm and indifferent, is the best choice.
Example Question #765 : One Blank Texts
Few pundits gave the older boxer a chance, but the ________________ veteran managed to outsmart his young opponent.
zealous
pious
decrepit
tranquil
wily
wily
The sentence mentions the veteran's ability to "outsmart" his opponent. The correct answer will describe how the older boxer is able to do this. "Wily," meaning cunning and clever, is the best choice.
Example Question #766 : One Blank Texts
The town was worried about the stranger, even though his intentions were ___________.
benign
erratic
salacious
grave
lecherous
benign
The sentence contrasts the town's worry with the intentions of the stranger, described by the missing word. The correct answer will mean good or nonthreatening. "Benign," meaning harmless or kind, is the best choice.
Example Question #767 : One Blank Texts
He was astonishingly _________________, and frequently offended people as soon as he met them.
nonchalant
tranquil
sagacious
wily
guileless
guileless
The subject "frequently offended people," and the missing words indicates why. The correct answer will be a word noting an attitude that will offend people. "Guileless," meaning clumsily and straightforwardly honest, is the best choice among the answers.
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