GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #45 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His use of pseudonyms in ______________ allowed readers to think the magazine was written by more than one person.

Possible Answers:

eulogies

bylines

euphemisms

cudgels

edifices

Correct answer:

bylines

Explanation:

The reference to magazine writing is the best clue to finding the answer. The correct choice will have something to do with magazines or writing. "Bylines," the line indicating the author of an article, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #46 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

He immediately sought a ______________ for his sunburn when he woke up in the morning.

Possible Answers:

subpoena

trinket

calcification

portent

liniment

Correct answer:

liniment

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is trying to find something for a sunburn, which is painful. The correct answer will indicate help for the sunburn. "Liniment," a soothing lotion or cream, is the best choice.

Example Question #361 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Her history of thievery and robbery made many think her plan was just a __________.

Possible Answers:

paragon

neologism

ruse

detour

portent

Correct answer:

ruse

Explanation:

The "thievery and robbery" would make people think she would do it again. The correct answer will then mean something or criminal or devious. "Ruse," meaning trick or deception, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #362 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The poor acoustics and open floor plan made the office produce a general _____________ when everyone was present

Possible Answers:

subpoena

cacophony

omniscience

negligence

pragmatism

Correct answer:

cacophony

Explanation:

The sentence refers to "poor acoustics" as a source of the problem described by the missing word. The correct answer will therefore have to do with acoustics or sound. "Cacophony," meaning loud or discordant noises, is the best choice.

Example Question #363 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The ________________ of being the only redhead in a family of blondes made her want to change her hair color.

Possible Answers:

ignominy

negligence

sagacity

transience

reticence

Correct answer:

ignominy

Explanation:

The fact she wanted "to change her hair color" indicate she was somehow embarassed. The correct answer will need to mean shame or embarassment, which is the definition of "ignominy."

Example Question #364 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

To explain many of the book's oddities, the author snuck in a brief _____________ at the front as a guide.

Possible Answers:

tome

recantation

precedent

digression

preamble

Correct answer:

preamble

Explanation:

The indication the missing word is at the front of the book is the best clue to finding the answer. A "preamble" is a word for brief introductory material at the front of a text, and is the correct answer.

Example Question #365 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

While the millionaire believed it best to announce his charitable giving, many critics thought he wanted to advertise his ______________ too much.

Possible Answers:

recalcitrance

cynicism

pragmatism

altruism

parsimoniousness

Correct answer:

altruism

Explanation:

The entire issue of the sentence is the millionaire's "charitable giving," and the missing word follows this. The correct answer will mean giving to others or putting others first, the definition of "altruism."

Example Question #80 : One Blank Texts

To be truly authentic, stews at the Renaissance Fair were cooked in giant _____________.

Possible Answers:

trinkets

tagines

cauldrons

ceramics

bulwarks

Correct answer:

cauldrons

Explanation:

The two best keys to the answer are "stews" and "giant." The answer will therefore mean a large cooking pot, which is the definition of "cauldron."

Example Question #366 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The coach had decided to become the chief ________________ for his player's Most Valuable Player campaign.

Possible Answers:

portent

connoisseur

lobbyist

therapist

bane

Correct answer:

lobbyist

Explanation:

A coach has a vested interest in his player doing well in award voting. The correct answer should indicate his support and enthusiasm. "Lobbyist," meaning someone who argues for a particular cause, is the correct choice.

Example Question #367 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The prospect of high school made her nervous, and she approached the first day with _________________.

Possible Answers:

rigor

cynicism

candor

trepidation

poise

Correct answer:

trepidation

Explanation:

The sentence notes the subject was "nervous," and that nervousness would carry over to the first day. The correct answer should mean fear or hesitation, the definition of "trepidation."

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