GRE Verbal : Text Completion
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #831 : One Blank Texts
He was __________ in his opinions, and would never listen to any arguments against his beliefs.
poised
reticent
dogmatic
gullible
equivocal
dogmatic
The sentence notes the subject would "never listen to any arguments." This means he was extremely attached to his opinions, and the correct answer must reflect this. "Dogmatic," meaning rigid and inflexible in beliefs, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #832 : One Blank Texts
His concern for __________ details made him overlook serious problems in the entire plan.
ominous
robust
staid
torpid
frivolous
frivolous
The subject of the sentence is ignoring "serious problems" by looking at details described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to be an antonym of "serious." "Frivolous," meaning unnecessary or light, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #833 : One Blank Texts
The play was an __________ blend of nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship.
inspiring
resplendent
insipid
irreproachable
ebullient
insipid
The play is described as "nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship," both of which are highly negative descriptions. The correct answer must fit with the harsh tone of the sentence. "Insipid," meaning bland and unexciting, is the best choice.
Example Question #834 : One Blank Texts
The knight was accused of being __________ after fleeing the battle at the first sign of trouble.
poised
fortitudinous
corpulent
pusillanimous
irreproachable
pusillanimous
The knight leaves fighting "at the first sign of trouble." This indicates he wishes to avoid fighting and combat, and the correct answer needs to reflect this. "Pusillanimous," meaning cowardly and timid, is the best choice.
Example Question #835 : One Blank Texts
The old captain was a __________ presence who never showed any signs of having fun.
excitable
zany
staid
ebullient
verbose
staid
The sentence notes the "old captain" rarely exhibited "signs of having fun." The correct answer must therefore mean extremely serious and sober, the definition of "staid."
Example Question #836 : One Blank Texts
In its current dilapidated state, the ruins remained a __________ presence of the city's former glory.
germinal
beleaguered
vestigial
transgressive
histrionic
vestigial
The ruins are a sign of "the city's former glory," which is now long past. The correct answer will indicate that the ruins are a relic and reminder of that past. "Vestigial," meaning a useless or shrunken element that remains, is the best choice.
Example Question #837 : One Blank Texts
Her __________ notions on marriage meant she was mocked by her more progressive friends.
idiosyncratic
antiquated
transgressive
prudent
contemporary
antiquated
The sentence contrasts the subject's "notions on marriage" with the "progressive" notions of her friends. The correct answer must stand opposed to "progressive." "Antiquated," meaning old fashioned or outdated, is the best fit.
Example Question #838 : One Blank Texts
The first warning interns received was to avoid upsetting the boss, as he was known for a(n) __________ temperament.
sanguine
languid
choleric
placid
ebullient
choleric
The boss must be treated carefully, because of his "temperament," described by the missing word. The correct answer must mean easily upset or angered, the definition of "choleric."
Example Question #839 : One Blank Texts
The obtuse boy's mind proved much more __________ when asked to describe fantastical stories.
fecund
inimical
egalitarian
discerning
vacuous
fecund
The "obtuse," or slow and dimwitted, boy had a different capability when discussing "fantastical stories." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "obtuse." "Fecund," meaning fertile and productive, is the best choice.
Example Question #840 : One Blank Texts
The teenager's eulogy for his grandfather was exceptionally __________, moving many people to tears.
profound
mundane
inane
vacuous
petulant
profound
The eulogy moved "many people to tears," making it a touching moment. The correct answer should mean deeply moving and with a great deal of meaning, the definition of "profound."
All GRE Verbal Resources
