GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #56 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The coach had decided to become the chief ________________ for his player's Most Valuable Player campaign.

Possible Answers:

therapist

portent

lobbyist

connoisseur

bane

Correct answer:

lobbyist

Explanation:

A coach has a vested interest in his player doing well in award voting. The correct answer should indicate his support and enthusiasm. "Lobbyist," meaning someone who argues for a particular cause, is the correct choice.

Example Question #81 : One Blank Texts

The prospect of high school made her nervous, and she approached the first day with _________________.

Possible Answers:

candor

trepidation

rigor

poise

cynicism

Correct answer:

trepidation

Explanation:

The sentence notes the subject was "nervous," and that nervousness would carry over to the first day. The correct answer should mean fear or hesitation, the definition of "trepidation."

Example Question #58 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The _________________ of foreign cultures has often been held as a justification for colonialism and imperialism.

Possible Answers:

alacrity

sacrality

depravity

sagacity

congeniality

Correct answer:

depravity

Explanation:

"Colonialism and imperialism" are methods of dominating other cultures and would be justified by looking down on other cultures. The correct answer will then insult or demean "foreign cultures."  "Depravity," meaning moral corruption, is the best choice.

Example Question #82 : One Blank Texts

She felt better as her second year on the job approached, because she decided to use her first year as a ______________.

Possible Answers:

paragon

precedent

opulence

omen

preamble

Correct answer:

precedent

Explanation:

The sentence indicates the subject will be able to better do her job thanks to her first year and the guidance it will provide her. "Precedent," meaning an event used as a model, is the best choice.

Example Question #125 : Text Completion

With his years of experience, he was regarded as the ______________ of the office, and always gave advice to younger coworkers.

Possible Answers:

sage

recluse

decoy

cynic

hypochondriac

Correct answer:

sage

Explanation:

The sentence notes both the subject's "years of experience" and his habit of giving advice.  The correct answer should be a word describing his position. "Sage," meaning a very wise person, is the best choice.

Example Question #126 : Text Completion

He was a natural collector, and had to get some ______________ everywhere he went.

Possible Answers:

tome

trinket

larceny

omen

tirade

Correct answer:

trinket

Explanation:

If the subject is a "natural collector," then he would need to get something to collect. The correct answer will be a word indicating some small item. "Trinket," meaning a knick-knack or something of little value, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #127 : Text Completion

The conflicting advice from his supervisors gave him a lot of _______________ about his job.

Possible Answers:

poise

ebullience

rancor

ambiguity

derision

Correct answer:

ambiguity

Explanation:

The "conflicting advice" provides the key to the sentence, as this causes the feeling described by the missing word. The correct answer wll mean uncertainty or confusion, the definition of "ambiguity."

Example Question #128 : Text Completion

The online journal saw its best work as its _______________ of political speeches that detailed the candidate's policies.

Possible Answers:

eulogy

recapitulation

exegesis

recantation

exculpation

Correct answer:

exegesis

Explanation:

The journal's work is "detailed" and comments on speeches. The correct answer will therefore indicate analysis or explanation. "Exegesis," meaning a lengthy explanation and interpretation, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #129 : Text Completion

The residents of the village were noted for their _______________, and they outlived the average life expectancy for the nation.

Possible Answers:

negativity

depravity

debility

longevity

irreproachability

Correct answer:

longevity

Explanation:

The sentence outright discusses "life expectancy" and notes that the residents outperform the rest of the country. The correct answer is "longevity," which means a long life or long lasting.

Example Question #83 : One Blank Texts

The elderly man attributed his long life to living by three simple ____________.

Possible Answers:

ambiguities

neologisms

precepts

polemics

rants

Correct answer:

precepts

Explanation:

The man lived by the missing answer in order to live a long life. The correct answer will mean guiding principles or general instructions, which is the definition of "precepts."

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