GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #807 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
He was __________ in his opinions, and would never listen to any arguments against his beliefs.
equivocal
dogmatic
poised
gullible
reticent
dogmatic
The sentence notes the subject would "never listen to any arguments." This means he was extremely attached to his opinions, and the correct answer must reflect this. "Dogmatic," meaning rigid and inflexible in beliefs, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #808 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
His concern for __________ details made him overlook serious problems in the entire plan.
frivolous
ominous
torpid
robust
staid
frivolous
The subject of the sentence is ignoring "serious problems" by looking at details described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to be an antonym of "serious." "Frivolous," meaning unnecessary or light, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #809 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The play was an __________ blend of nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship.
irreproachable
inspiring
ebullient
resplendent
insipid
insipid
The play is described as "nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship," both of which are highly negative descriptions. The correct answer must fit with the harsh tone of the sentence. "Insipid," meaning bland and unexciting, is the best choice.
Example Question #810 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The knight was accused of being __________ after fleeing the battle at the first sign of trouble.
irreproachable
poised
corpulent
fortitudinous
pusillanimous
pusillanimous
The knight leaves fighting "at the first sign of trouble." This indicates he wishes to avoid fighting and combat, and the correct answer needs to reflect this. "Pusillanimous," meaning cowardly and timid, is the best choice.
Example Question #1121 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The old captain was a __________ presence who never showed any signs of having fun.
verbose
staid
excitable
zany
ebullient
staid
The sentence notes the "old captain" rarely exhibited "signs of having fun." The correct answer must therefore mean extremely serious and sober, the definition of "staid."
Example Question #1122 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
In its current dilapidated state, the ruins remained a __________ presence of the city's former glory.
transgressive
beleaguered
germinal
vestigial
histrionic
vestigial
The ruins are a sign of "the city's former glory," which is now long past. The correct answer will indicate that the ruins are a relic and reminder of that past. "Vestigial," meaning a useless or shrunken element that remains, is the best choice.
Example Question #1123 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her __________ notions on marriage meant she was mocked by her more progressive friends.
antiquated
prudent
idiosyncratic
transgressive
contemporary
antiquated
The sentence contrasts the subject's "notions on marriage" with the "progressive" notions of her friends. The correct answer must stand opposed to "progressive." "Antiquated," meaning old fashioned or outdated, is the best fit.
Example Question #1124 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The first warning interns received was to avoid upsetting the boss, as he was known for a(n) __________ temperament.
ebullient
languid
choleric
placid
sanguine
choleric
The boss must be treated carefully, because of his "temperament," described by the missing word. The correct answer must mean easily upset or angered, the definition of "choleric."
Example Question #1125 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The obtuse boy's mind proved much more __________ when asked to describe fantastical stories.
vacuous
discerning
fecund
inimical
egalitarian
fecund
The "obtuse," or slow and dimwitted, boy had a different capability when discussing "fantastical stories." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "obtuse." "Fecund," meaning fertile and productive, is the best choice.
Example Question #1126 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The teenager's eulogy for his grandfather was exceptionally __________, moving many people to tears.
petulant
mundane
profound
inane
vacuous
profound
The eulogy moved "many people to tears," making it a touching moment. The correct answer should mean deeply moving and with a great deal of meaning, the definition of "profound."
All GRE Verbal Resources
