GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #431 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although the teens claimed they had nothing to drink, their __________ was obvious.

Possible Answers:

inebriation

sobriety

disdain

poise

fraud

Correct answer:

inebriation

Explanation:

The teens are the missing word, which goes against the claim "they had nothing to drink." The correct answer must indicate they were actually drinking. "Inebriation," meaning intoxication and drunkenness, is the best fit.

Example Question #432 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The teaching method was criticized for wanting __________ among students, not allowing the most talented to shine.

Possible Answers:

obsequiousness

parity

whimsy

tractability

disinterest

Correct answer:

parity

Explanation:

"Not allowing the most talented to shine" is the key phrase in the sentence. The phrase indicates that the "teaching method" is trying to keep students even. "Parity," meaning equality or balance, is the best fit.

Example Question #433 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

After the first day of the road trip, he decided to become the __________ of the group's travels in his journal.

Possible Answers:

rancor

paragon

usurper

chronicler

underminer

Correct answer:

chronicler

Explanation:

The subject is putting down the "group's travels in his journal." This means he is recording the actions and circumstances of the group's trip, the description of the work of a "chronicler."

Example Question #434 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Suggested to be played at a brisk pace, the band instead played the song like a __________.

Possible Answers:

vignette

dirge

stanza

smorgasbord

celebration

Correct answer:

dirge

Explanation:

The way the band played the song is at odds with the suggested "brisk pace." The correct answer will mean a slow or not as fast song. "Dirge," meaning a sad and mournful song, is the best choice.

Example Question #435 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His essay on puddles contained surprising __________ for dealing with such a light subject.

Possible Answers:

debility

levity

profundity

vacuousness

brevity

Correct answer:

profundity

Explanation:

The essay is on a "light subject," but has a "surprising" amount of the missing word.  The correct answer must be an antonym of "light." "Profundity," meaning depth and insight, is the best choice.

Example Question #436 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Some psychologists believe teens' __________ is a put on, and that they care more deeply than they admit.

Possible Answers:

irascibility

altruism

apathy

masochism

fervor

Correct answer:

apathy

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly contrasts that teens "care more deeply" with their "put on" of the missing word. The correct answer will mean the opposite of caring deeply. "Apathy," meaning disinterest or lack of emotion, is the best choice.

Example Question #437 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The __________ of a parent will spur a child to action, as a forbidden act is always more tempting to try.

Possible Answers:

nonchalance

solace

disapprobation

torpor

condoning

Correct answer:

disapprobation

Explanation:

The sentence discusses a "forbidden act," in a parallel way to the missing word. The correct answer must therefore match this sense of being fordbidden. "Disapprobation," meaning disapproval or condemnation, is the best choice.

Example Question #438 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The __________ of their supporters was unmatched, and their chants drowned out everything else.

Possible Answers:

apathy

nonchalance

ambivalence

disinterest

fervor

Correct answer:

fervor

Explanation:

Having chants that have "drowned out everything else" indicates the supporters were quite loud. The correct answer will tell why they were so vocal. "Fervor," meaning passion or enthusiasm, is the best fit.

Example Question #439 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

He viewed himself as a stern leader, but his troops thought he actually became a ridiculous __________.

Possible Answers:

parody

inebriate

mercenary

protégé

martinet

Correct answer:

martinet

Explanation:

The troops disagree with the subject's view of himself only in degree. If he sees himself as stern, his troops think he seriousness goes too far. "Martinet," meaning a person too attached to rules and discipline, is the correct answer.

Example Question #440 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The film's jokes were so on target that many viewers were unaware it was a __________.

Possible Answers:

circumvention

paragon

parody

decoy

vignette

Correct answer:

parody

Explanation:

The sentence says two things about the film: it had a number of jokes and it was the missing word. The correct answer must therefore be something to do with jokes or comedy. "Parody," meaning a spoof or mocking imitation, is the best choice.

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