All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #51 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The rumors about the two fellow employees were nothing more than _______________ tales, for the two had no sexual attraction to each other at all, thus making impossible the numerous _____________ falsehoods told about them.
treacherous . . . disastrous
filtered . . . uncouth
aggrandized . . . inept
salacious . . . obscene
indignant . . . inelegant
salacious . . . obscene
For this question, it is best to stay very close to the meanings expressed in the sentence. Apparently the rumors deal with sexual matters. Whenever something is described as being "salacious," it indicates a focus on such things, often implying that the people who are discussing them are actually quite interested in them as well. For the second blank, the option "obscene" works as a relatively acceptable synonym for "salacious." Although better options might be chosen, among those given, this is the most applicable and, hence, your only option.
Example Question #52 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The music artist’s _____________ choice of attire was dazzling, but also quite ______________. Audience members simply didn’t know how to react.
deviant . . . bucolic
routine . . . scurrilous
egotistical . . . bawdy
bizarre . . . demotic
aberrant . . . scandalous
aberrant . . . scandalous
It might be tempting to pick “demotic” to describe shocking clothing since it is similar to the word “demon,” but “demotic” actually means ordinary or popular. “Aberrant” means abnormal. “Scandalous” means shameful or shocking. Together, these form the correct answer.
Example Question #53 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In pursuit of the ___________ Fountain of Youth, more and more adults are living _____________ lives when it comes to alcohol.
notorious . . . abstinent
famous . . . hirsute
proverbial . . . abstemious
igneous . . . moderate
archetypal . . . incarnate
proverbial . . . abstemious
“Notorious” means famous, but not in a good way. “Igneous” means volcanic. “Proverbial” refers to a saying that is well known. If someone is “abstemious,” they exercise restraint in eating and drinking. “Proverbial . . . abstemious” is the correct answer.
Example Question #54 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Todd shocked everyone by how _______________ he picked up the bomb, as though the ______________ device posed no risk of explosion whatsoever.
amorously . . . frightening
ferociously . . . fiduciary
nonchalantly . . . volatile
foolishly . . . iconic
diligently . . . bombastic
nonchalantly . . . volatile
The sentence implies that Todd acted in a "laid back" manner about the bomb—acting like there was no danger whatsoever. Whenever someone is "nonchalant", he or she appears relaxed and without any concerns. The device itself was dangerous, actually ready to explode, even though Todd acted like it was not potentially explosive. Thus, it is fair to say that the device is volatile.
Example Question #55 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Though the apple orchard had a great reputation, there were quite a few _________________ and ________________ trees by the barn.
sickly . . . bucolic
sickly . . . bucolic
fallow . . . barren
diseased . . . acarpous
florid . . . sterile
diseased . . . acarpous
“Bucolic” describes ideal country living and thus doesn’t pair well with “sickly.” “Contrite” means feeling remorse. “Fallow” means left unplowed and unseeded, and “florid” means healthy red or flowery. This leaves us with “diseased . . . acarpous” as the correct answer.
Example Question #56 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Greatness is anything but esoteric; the path is as _______________ to the _______________ as it is to the affluent and privileged among us.
accessible . . . indigent
applicable . . . prosperous
minatory . . . impoverished
nonplussed . . . necessitous
procurable . . . eccentric
accessible . . . indigent
“As it is” indicates a shift, and therefore the two blanks are going to describe someone quite different than the “affluent and privileged.” “Accessible” means capable of being comprehended. “Indigent” means extremely poor, unlike “indignant,” which means that you’re angry. “Accessible . . . indigent” is the correct answer.
Example Question #57 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The ultramarathon would be ______________ to say the least. Competitors would have to run over 150 miles, and not one would finish unless he or she had a(n) _______________ will.
allaying . . . relentless
daunting . . . bawdy
intimidating . . . emollient
tranquilizing . . . obdurate
formidable . . . adamantine
formidable . . . adamantine
“Bawdy” means indecent or obscene. “Emollient” means having a soothing effect. “Allay” means putting fears to rest. Something “formidable” is frightening, and something “adamantine” is unyielding or unbreakable. “Formidable . . . adamantine” is our answer.
Example Question #58 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Just one day before adjunct faculty abandoned the university, a(n) _______________ settlement was made in their contract negotiations. Their pay was still ________________ compared to the contractual faculty, but at least it was something.
precarious . . . substantial
covetous . . . modest
rickety . . . ample
ambitious . . . trifling
tentative . . . meager
tentative . . . meager
“But at least it was something” implies that the settlement was anything but “covetous” or “ambitious,” and the adjunct faculty’s pay would not likely be “substantial” or “ample.” “Tentative” means uncertain, and “meager” means inadequate. Together, these form the correct answer.
Example Question #59 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite the critic’s reputation for writing ______________ reviews, he’s spoken with ______________ praise of the new movie.
pungent . . . tenuous
scathing . . . scant
buoyant . . . ceaseless
sanguine . . . superlative
acidulous . . . unremitting
acidulous . . . unremitting
There is a sentence shift after the comma, foreshadowed by the word “despite.” In other words, it is uncommon for the critic to give praise. Thus, “buoyant” and “sanguine” can be eliminated. An “acidulous” review is sharp or sour, and “unremitting” means ceaseless. Together, these form the correct answer.
Example Question #60 : Two Adjectives Or Adverbs In Two Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The weather had been _______________ all week, and now the only thing left to do was outlast the ________________ wind.
feverish . . . amicable
tempestuous . . . adverse
gusty . . . tranquil
turbulent . . . mellow
blustery . . . placid
tempestuous . . . adverse
Whatever word goes in the second blank must involve outlasting. You do not “outlast” a wind that is “amicable” or “tranquil” or “mellow” or “placid.” If something is “tempestuous,” then it is violent like a tempest. “Adverse” means opposing. “Tempestuous . . . adverse” is the right answer.
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