GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #837 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The general was __________, and marched his army at a feverish pace.

Possible Answers:

disinterested

inexorable

esoteric

ambivalent

deferent

Correct answer:

inexorable

Explanation:

The general makes his army march "at a feverish pace." This means he is pushing them consistently hard. "Inexorable," meaning relentless and inevitable, is the correct answer.

Example Question #838 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Not a gifted speaker, his lectures were __________ rather than inspiring.

Possible Answers:

succinct

brief

verbose

prosaic

ebullient

Correct answer:

prosaic

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "inspiring," meaning the correct answer must stand in opposition to "inspiring." "Prosaic," meaning ordinary and unimaginative, is the best choice.

Example Question #839 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The landscape engineering was a miracle that turned the area from a boggy marsh to completely __________ in just a few years.

Possible Answers:

barren

arable

potable

mired

tranquil

Correct answer:

arable

Explanation:

The land went from "a boggy marsh" to the missing word in a "miracle" of engineering. This means the correct answer will contrast with "a boggy marsh." "Arable," meaning able to be cultivated and farmed, is the best fit.

Example Question #840 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

In many cultures, insulting someone's family is such a __________ offense, it was cause relationships to stop.

Possible Answers:

flagrant

pervasive

venial

gracious

carnal

Correct answer:

flagrant

Explanation:

Causing "relationships to stop" is a strong reaction to any offense. The correct answer will make the offense strong enough to cause such a reaction. "Flagrant," meaning clearly wrong or obviously bad, is the best choice.

Example Question #841 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Usually, approaching a stronger opponent on equal footing is __________, but challenging the opponent directly does sometimes work.

Possible Answers:

inexpedient

conspicuous

condoned

consecrated

irreproachable

Correct answer:

inexpedient

Explanation:

The sentence ends up noting the direct strategy will "sometimes work." This indicates the missing word is advising against the strategy. "Inexpedient," meaning unadvisable or inefficient, is the best choice.

Example Question #842 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Most college students learn how to survive on __________ funds by eating lower quality foods.

Possible Answers:

lavish

boorish

archaic

meager

abundant

Correct answer:

meager

Explanation:

The students are "eating lower quality foods" because of their amount of funds. The missing word will indicate why they can only have "lower quality foods." "Meager," meaning scant or in short supply, is the correct answer.

Example Question #843 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The boy was so __________, his date could hardly remember what she found charming about him.

Possible Answers:

affable

personable

ominous

infamous

vapid

Correct answer:

vapid

Explanation:

The sentence notes the date once found the boy "charming," but does not anymore. The correct answer must stand in contrast with "charming." "Vapid," meaning dull and shallow, is the best choice.

Example Question #844 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Many children do not understand the rules their parents impose, and view them as completely __________.

Possible Answers:

trivial

subtle

arbitrary

necessary

utilitarian

Correct answer:

arbitrary

Explanation:

The sentence notes that "children do not understand" their parents motivations. The correct answer will indicate the children's inability to comprehend their parents' rules. "Arbitrary," meaning random or for no reason, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #845 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His consistent ability to call the outcome of races led many to think he was __________.

Possible Answers:

prosaic

clairvoyant

pedantic

mundane

archaic

Correct answer:

clairvoyant

Explanation:

The subject can "call the outcome of races," an ability that makes people call him the missing word. The correct answer needs to reference his predictive abilities. "Clairvoyant," meaning psychic or able to see the future, is the best fit.

Example Question #846 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

In an era of staid performers in tuxedos, his sequined suits and feathered hats were even more __________.

Possible Answers:

obtuse

pathetic

mundane

flamboyant

underwhelming

Correct answer:

flamboyant

Explanation:

"Sequined suits and feathered hats" make someone stand out in a "staid" era. The sequins and feathers also indicate the subject was particularly showy and flashy. "Flamboyant," meaning over the top and excessive, is the correct answer.

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