GRE Verbal : Text Completion

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #361 : Text Completion

The __________ of the boss' statements meant his employees were unable to take any action.

Possible Answers:

clarity

ambiguity

opulence

forcefulness

immutability

Correct answer:

ambiguity

Explanation:

The "employees were unable to take action," because of the nature of the boss' statements. This means the correct answer will explain why the employess were confused and unable to do anything. "Ambiguity," meaning vagueness or uncertainty, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #296 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His __________ remained elusive no matter how long he hunted.

Possible Answers:

stratagem

appetite

ennui

prattle

quarry

Correct answer:

quarry

Explanation:

The sentence notes the subject cannot have the missing word, "no matter how long he hunted;" therefore, the correct answer must mean something hunted or a prize, which is the definition of "quarry."

Example Question #362 : Text Completion

Her __________ to social situations made her rarely go out to parties or other occasions.

Possible Answers:

affability

vitality

aversion

homogeneity

curiosity

Correct answer:

aversion

Explanation:

The sentence describes the subject as someone who will "rarely go out." This indicates she probably does not enjoy "social situations." "Aversion," meaning dislike or hatred, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #363 : Text Completion

The problem grew worse because of the __________ of previously disparate issues.

Possible Answers:

aversion

combustion

concatenation

stratagem

indifference

Correct answer:

concatenation

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence indicates the "previously disparate issues" are no longer so separate. The correct answer needs to show a joining or bringing together. "Concatenation," literally meaning linking of pieces in a chain, is the best choice.

Example Question #364 : Text Completion

Her remarkable _________ vanished as illness made her quite reserved in her old age.

Possible Answers:

stolidity

vivacity

seemliness

phenomenology

indifference

Correct answer:

vivacity

Explanation:

The sentence notes the missing word "vanished" and the subject became "quite reserved." This means the correct answer will indicate a sense of action or energy. "Vivacity," meaning liveliness or animation, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #365 : Text Completion

New evidence contradicted his sworn statement, and proved he committed __________.

Possible Answers:

duplicity

insurgency

indigence

perjury

larceny

Correct answer:

perjury

Explanation:

The contradiction of a "sworn statement," indicates the subject was not just lying, but doing so in a legally proscribed manner, and the correct answer must reflect all of these facts. "Perjery," meaning lying under oath, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #366 : Text Completion

The old man had a number of __________ that made him quite peculiar.

Possible Answers:

pleasantries

quarries

quirks

gimmicks

stratagems

Correct answer:

quirks

Explanation:

The missing word, which the "old man had a number of," contributes to the subject being "quite peculiar." The correct answer not only needs to indicate something he does, but that it is strange. "Quirks," meaning oddities or unique behaviors, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #367 : Text Completion

Her current __________ was more complicated but not more clever than her previous tricks.

Possible Answers:

compromise

stratagem

waffling

prattle

balk

Correct answer:

stratagem

Explanation:

The sentence compares the missing word to "previous tricks," and notes the word as being "complicated;" therefore, the correct answer should essentially mean a complicated trick. "Stratagem," meaning a plot or ploy, is the best choice.

Example Question #368 : Text Completion

Many politicians cannot resist the __________ of running for a higher office and holding more power.

Possible Answers:

revulsion

intermittence

imposition

allure

malevolence

Correct answer:

allure

Explanation:

The sentence notes politicans "cannot resist" the chance to run "for a higher office." This strong pull must be reflected in the correct answer. "Allure," meaning attraction or appeal, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #369 : Text Completion

Medieval armies were built largely on the back of unwilling __________, most of whom were only barely paid.

Possible Answers:

conscripts

galleons

mercenaries

saboteurs

emollients

Correct answer:

conscripts

Explanation:

The sentence describes the missing word with the adjective "unwilling," while also noting they made up "medieval armies." The correct answer must reflect both of these points. "Conscripts," meaning persons enlisted compulsorily into armed service, is the best choice among the answers.

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