GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #241 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Trying to maximize the natural light in her room while still maintaining privacy, Susan chose her fabric curtain to be the most __________

Possible Answers:

stifling

gossamer

opaque

impenetrable

Correct answer:

gossamer

Explanation:

Gossamer—something extremely light, flimsy, or delicate.

Example Question #901 : One Blank Texts

The fact that she first chose blue paint, then yellow, then green reinforced Marco’s frustration with his __________ mother. 

Possible Answers:

capricious

decisive

peremptory

trenchant

Correct answer:

capricious

Explanation:

Capricious—variable; flightly; mercurial.

Example Question #902 : One Blank Texts

His costume, replete with stovetop hat and distinctive beard, was a convincing Abraham Lincoln; however, the digital watch on his wrist was a completely __________ prop. 

Possible Answers:

contemporary

appurtenant

anachronistic

relevant

Correct answer:

anachronistic

Explanation:

Anachronistic—not in its correct historical or chronological time; an error in chronology.

Example Question #903 : One Blank Texts

The __________ legend about the abandoned house at the end of the block was almost certainly untrue. 

Possible Answers:

apocryphal

incontrovertible

indubitable

unequivocal

Correct answer:

apocryphal

Explanation:

Apocryphal—of doubtful authorship or authenticity.

Example Question #1191 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although it recycled concepts from previous work, the musical arrangment was heralded by critics as __________.

Possible Answers:

innovative

ingenuous

nebulous

stolid

esoteric

Correct answer:

innovative

Explanation:

The "although" here is a clue—it shows that despite using old material, the composition is the opposite of that. "Innovative" is the correct answer, meaning "advanced and original, featuring new methods." Don't confuse "ingenuous" with "ingenious"—it means "innocent."

Example Question #1192 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Volatile and __________, the President changed the administration's policies frequently.

Possible Answers:

bromidic

esurient

capricious

sententious

bucolic

Correct answer:

capricious

Explanation:

The conjunction "and", as well as the comma, are clues here. So we're looking for a word that refers both to being volatile (changing rapidly and unpredictably) and changing frequently—the same thing. "Capricious" fits best—meaning "given to sudden changes in mood or behavior."

Example Question #1193 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The guitar student in the apartment adjoining ours had __________ talent; although the music reaching our apartment was anything but mellifluous, we could tell he possessed a latent sense of rhythm and musicality.

Possible Answers:

inchoate

conspicuous

repressed

dubitable

precocious

Correct answer:

inchoate

Explanation:

The sentence states that although the guitar student doesn't produce beautiful music at the moment, he is advancing in his musical abilities.  Thus, he has inchoate talent that is being formed.

Example Question #1194 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although Stephanie was normally loquacious, her teacher's incessant scolding due to her disruptive nature caused her to be more __________ during history class.

Possible Answers:

duplicitous

insouciant

reticent

loquacious

mettlesome

Correct answer:

reticent

Explanation:

Since she was normally gregarious or sociable, Stephanie's teacher needed to scold her for being too talkative. Thus, to eliminate the scolding, Stephanie was "reticent," or reserved, during class.

Example Question #1195 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

After seeing her new and improved complexion, Sara's friends thought her glow was undoubtedly due to her recent switch to __________ vegetarian meals.

Possible Answers:

banal

saccharine

indulgent

salubrious

insipid

Correct answer:

salubrious

Explanation:

Based upon the statement that Sara has a glow due to her new diet, it indicates her diet is healthy and she is partaking in "salubrious" vegetarian meals.

Example Question #1196 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Unlike her neighbors who ostentatiously displayed their wealth with grandiose sculptures on their front lawn, Brittney was simple and preferred a(n) __________ style of living.

Possible Answers:

epicurean

miserly

ascetic

urbane

aristocratic

Correct answer:

ascetic

Explanation:

The key word in the sentence is "simple," which suggests that Brittney prefers an "ascetic," or simple, way of living to that of her indulgent neighbors. Miserly suggests a stingy way of living and based upon the statement, this would not be the best answer.

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