GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #561 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Despite being a complete __________, he outplayed many experienced members of the team.
platitude
neophyte
dissident
analogue
ringer
neophyte
The sentence notes that the subject "outplayed many experienced members." This indicates the missing word means not experienced. "Neophyte," meaning a beginner or a new convert, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #562 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The speech was promised to be somber, but quickly moved into a joyous __________.
eulogy
panegyric
commingling
liturgy
aberration
panegyric
The sentence specifically notes the missing word is "joyous." The sentence also contrasts the missing word with its intended "somber" tone. "Panegyric," meaning a praising and laudatory speech, is the best choice anong the answers.
Example Question #563 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The __________ on the glass gave the boy's hand a large cut.
serration
calibration
mastication
evisceration
equivocation
serration
The boy in the sentence received a "large cut" due to the missing word being on the glass. This means the correct answer will indicate something sharp and able to cut a hand. "Serration," meaning a jagged edge, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #564 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The poor test score was a complete __________ for the straight-A student.
coda
palpitation
pith
veneration
aberration
aberration
The sentence notes the "straight A student" got a "poor test score." The correct answer must therefore indicate the fact this score was unexpected. "Aberration," meaning a deviation from the normal, is the best choice among the answer.
Example Question #565 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The gunslinger attempted to put up a brave __________, but his posse knew he was actually quite scared.
quibble
archetype
receptacle
analogue
facade
facade
The sentence contrasts the fact the "posse" knew he was "quite scared," with the "brave" missing word. The correct answer must indicate an appearance or look of bravery. "Facade," meaning the front facing of a building, here used metaphorically, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #566 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
In the face of further government crackdowns, the different groups now formed a _________ of opposition to the regime.
dilettante
morbid
monogamous
monolith
cacophony
monolith
The sentence notes that "different groups" came together against the government. The correct answer needs to indicate a unification. "Monolith," meaning a united force or singular front, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #567 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Many hopeful members of the political party believed this campaign was an __________ to earlier successes.
equivocation
archetype
exigent
analogue
atavism
analogue
The "hopeful members of the political party" are seeing earlier successes in this new campaign. This means the correct answer will show they see the earlier campaigns are a model. "Analogue," meaning something similar or a corresponding happenstance, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #568 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The coach's brief return from retirement served as a __________ to his distinguished career.
comma
stanch
coda
sap
sully
coda
The sentence notes the coach has made a "return from retirement," which is necessarily at the end of his "distinguished career." The correct answer will indicate an extra part of his career. "Coda," meaning the last part of a musical work, and used generally to mean a finale, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #569 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Many elementary school teachers find a good portion of their day is spent as __________ between children who are fighting.
instigators
ringleaders
arbitrators
muses
disruptors
arbitrators
The sentence describes teachers being placed between "children who are fighting." Since they are teachers, it is safe to assume they are attempting to stop the fights. "Arbitrators," meaning a mediator or the judge of a dispute, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #570 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The __________ of terrorist groups throughout the country had law enforcement highly concerned.
proliferation
veneration
enervation
sublimation
evisceration
proliferation
The sentence notes two key facts, that the groups are "throughout the country" and that they have made "law enforcement highly concerned." The correct answer needs to indicate that the "terrorist groups" are spreading and disseminating, the definition of "proliferation."
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