GRE Verbal : Text Completion
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #85 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The propaganda effort by the government sought to __________ attention from its internal problems.
allay
confound
ordain
divert
debunk
divert
The "propaganda effort" is in response to "internal problems." This means the government would want to take attention away from the problems. "Divert," meaning to distract or detour, is the correct answer.
Example Question #86 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
His concerns about the ship's safety were __________ by the sterling record of the craft.
beleaguered
burnished
ogled
assuaged
enflamed
assuaged
The "sterling record" affected the "concerns about the ship's safety." A "sterling record" will do away with safety concerns. "Assuaged," meaning to calm, is the correct answer.
Example Question #87 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
She was rarely impulsive, and always had to __________ a great deal over decisions.
postulate
jeopardize
cogitate
transgress
bemoan
cogitate
A few answer choices could work in the sentence, but once will work best. If "she was rarely impulsive," then she made her decisions carefully. "Cogitate," meaning to ponder and think over deeply, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #88 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
Each side claimed the other __________ the conflict, asserting that their fighting was in self-defense.
debilitated
equivocated
deliberated
instigated
recused
instigated
The sides both claim "self-defense," which indicates that they blame the other side for starting the conflict. The correct answer should mean to start or provoke, the definition of "instigate."
Example Question #89 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The gang was able to __________ the jewels through befriending and tricking the guard.
elude
ratify
purloin
evade
condone
purloin
The "gang" did something with the jewels by "tricking the guard." This means they got past the guard, presumably to commit a crime. "Purloin," meaning to acquire in a suspicious or illegal manner, is the correct answer.
Example Question #521 : Text Completion
Arriving full of idealism, the freshman Senator found it surprisingly difficult to __________ support for his favorite issues.
marshal
evade
dissipate
belie
usurp
marshal
The Senator finds some aspect of dealing with "his favorite issues" difficult, despite being "full of idealism." This indicates that he cannot convince others on the issues. "Marshal," meaning to gather together, is the correct answer.
Example Question #522 : Text Completion
The pretender to the throne __________ the crown by defeating his predecessor in battle.
assuaged
usurped
confounded
belied
discerned
usurped
"The pretender" defeated the former king in battle. The correct answer will indicate that the pretender took possesion of the crown. "Usurp," meaning to take away someone's position, is the best fit.
Example Question #523 : Text Completion
Without his glasses, he was unable to __________ any shapes walking at him.
eviscerate
discern
confound
decimate
facilitate
discern
The sentence notes the man has trouble performing the missing word "without his glasses." This means the correct answer will be something difficult with poor vision. "Discern," meaning to distinguish or understand, is the best choice.
Example Question #524 : Text Completion
Although a target for criticism, she had a special ability to __________ any accusations and come out unscathed.
propose
absorb
instigate
parry
proscribe
parry
The subject will "come out unscathed," so she is not harmed by the accusations. The correct answer will indicate the criticism is being turned off by the subject. "Parry," meaning to deflect or fend off, is the best choice.
Example Question #525 : Text Completion
For weeks, the board __________ between the two candidates for CEO.
circumscribed
vacillated
appeased
collated
nettled
vacillated
The board had "two candidates for CEO" it was dealing with "for weeks." This means the board was taking time to make a decision. "Vacillated," meaning wavering or hesitating, is the correct answer.
All GRE Verbal Resources
