GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #983 : Text Completion
In a rush, the employer gave only a __________ look at the application before deciding not to hire the newly graduated applicant.
meticulous
detailed
comprehensive
cursory
cursory
"Cursory" means hurried, hasty, or done with little attention.
Example Question #984 : Text Completion
The beautiful new painting hung in the living room gave the entire space a(n) __________ appeal.
aesthetic
grotesque
loathsome
unseemly
grisly
aesthetic
"Aesthetic" means artistic, or dealing with art or beauty.
Example Question #981 : Text Completion
The author preferred to avoid academic terms, and instead opted for more __________ language.
incoherent
intellectual
colloquial
structuralist
virulent
colloquial
The sentence contrasts the author's "language," described by the missing word, with "academic terms." This means the correct answer will mean the opposite of "academic," which when used regarding language means technical and wordy. "Colloquial," meaning informal and casual, particularly with regards to language, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #982 : Text Completion
The young boy was strikingly __________, and always noticed when his parents were talking about him.
naïve
incoherent
bungling
oblivious
percipient
percipient
The sentence notes the "young boy" notices "when his parents are talking about him." This indicates he is aware of what his parents are doing, even when they do not want him to be. "Percipient," meaning insightful and perceptive, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #983 : Text Completion
The congressman was a usually __________ defender of policemen, and quickly came to the accused cop's aid.
wavering
ambivalent
esoteric
staunch
indifferent
staunch
The last phrase of the sentence notes the congressman "quickly came to the accused cop's aid." This action indicates he was usually quite a strong defender of policeman. "Staunch," meaning loyal and dependable, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #984 : Text Completion
Her __________ plan to take over the leadership was revealed when her private journal was discovered with secret notes.
compliant
quaint
virulent
furtive
explicit
furtive
The use of words like "private" and "secret" are the best indications of the correct answer choice. While a few words could fit the sentence, the use of those words narrows down the selections. Of all the answer choices, only "furtive," meaning hidden and secret, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #985 : Text Completion
The __________ groups claimed a legitimacy from the people the autocratic government was never able to truly claim.
establishmentarian
perfunctory
quarantine
insurgent
austere
insurgent
The sentence contrasts the group, described by the missing word, as being against the "autocratic government." Additionally, the group is challenging the government's "legitimacy." The correct answer must indicate all of these facts, and "insurgent," meaning rebellious and against the establishment, is the best choice.
Example Question #986 : Text Completion
The mission was seen as __________ by most of the military leadership due to the lack of success of similar missions in the past.
strident
futile
worthwhile
negotiable
quaint
futile
The sentence describes past "similar missions" as having a "lack of success," and that this colored the "military leadership's" view, described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to indicate the leadership believes the mission will not work. "Futile," meaning useless or hopeless, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1231 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The film's slow pace and excessive run time made the viewing experience seem __________.
affable
peremptory
interminable
vital
engaging
interminable
The film is described as having a "slow pace and excessive run time," which causes the viewing experience described the missing word. The correct answer needs to mean long or slow. "Interminable," meaning never-ending and ceaseless, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1232 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The museum had a __________ feeling thanks to its small size and homey exhibits.
contemporary
modern
quaint
dynamic
futile
quaint
The missing word is used as an adjective for a museum that is also noted as having a "small size" and "homey exhibits." This indicates the correct answer must mean something similar to "small" and "homey." "Quaint," meaning picturesque and charming, is the best choice among the answers.
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