GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #851 : One Blank Texts
The story's many unrealistic elements led scholars to believe it was __________.
apocryphal
verifiable
circuitous
parsimonious
irreproachable
apocryphal
Because the story contains "unrealistic elements," it can safely be assumed that the stories are false or incorrect. The correct answer will indicate some level of inaccuracy. "Apocryphal," meaning of doubtful origin or legendary, is the correct answer.
Example Question #852 : One Blank Texts
The king was notably __________, and often gave contradictory orders.
lucid
succinct
decisive
fickle
impulsive
fickle
The king is giving "contradictory orders," which means the correct answer will indicate a sense of confusion or chaos. "Fickle," meaning unpredictable or easily swayed, is the best choice.
Example Question #853 : One Blank Texts
The songwriter was astonishingly __________, and she composed many more songs than her contemporaries.
apathetic
prolific
egalitarian
indifferent
circumscribed
prolific
The songwriter "composed many more songs," meaning she had a great quantity songs. The correct answer needs to mean producing a large amount, the definition of "prolific."
Example Question #854 : One Blank Texts
Many people believe political dysfunction is __________, as once any politician is elected corruption necessarily follows.
euphemistic
inevitable
arbitrary
tractable
ineffable
inevitable
If "corruption follows" "any politician" when elected, then dysfunction will happen no matter what. The correct answer needs to demonstrate this consistency. "Inevitable," meaning unavoidable or bound to happen, is the best choice.
Example Question #855 : One Blank Texts
Very few European cultures were __________, as men were firmly in control of politics, economics, and religion.
mutinous
apathetic
libertarian
matriarchal
polygamist
matriarchal
Men being "in control" is used in reference as the opposite of the missing word, as "very few" cultures fit the description. The correct answer must mean governed by women, the definition of "matriarchal."
Example Question #856 : One Blank Texts
The old man was __________ enough never to buy anything new or at full price.
petulant
immoderate
parsimonious
apathetic
lavish
parsimonious
If a man will "never buy anything new or at full price," he is watching his spending habits closely. The correct answer will indicate his careful approach to financial matters. "Parsimonious," meaning frugal or thrifty, is the best choice.
Example Question #857 : One Blank Texts
The __________ argument was immediately rebutted with a much more substantive one.
profound
vacuous
grave
resplendent
ineffable
vacuous
The argument described by the missing word is contrasted with "a much more substantive one." The correct answer will mean empty or meaningless, the definition of "vacuous."
Example Question #858 : One Blank Texts
The employees were __________ about asking their boss for anything because of his volatile temper.
subversive
assertive
apprehensive
decisive
gratuitous
apprehensive
Since the boss had a "volatile temper," asking him for things would be difficult. The correct answer will show the employees approached their boss with that difficulty in mind. "Apprehensive," meaning worried and fearful, is the best choice.
Example Question #859 : One Blank Texts
In a new environment, people usually become __________ and gauge everyone around them before acting.
indecisive
disinterested
lax
circumspect
masochistic
circumspect
To "gauge everyone" before taking action means that the missing word needs to indicate people judge their situation carefully. The correct answer will mean cautious or suspicious, the definition of "circumspect."
Example Question #860 : One Blank Texts
The expedition had a __________ first few weeks, with everything going wrong to delay it repeatedly.
purposeful
puerile
choleric
fitful
spurious
fitful
Having things "delay it repeatedly" means the expedition was not moving very consistently. The correct answer will mean not continuous or inconsistent, the definition of "fitful."
All GRE Verbal Resources
