GRE Verbal : Nouns in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #301 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Her remarkable _________ vanished as illness made her quite reserved in her old age.

Possible Answers:

stolidity

vivacity

indifference

phenomenology

seemliness

Correct answer:

vivacity

Explanation:

The sentence notes the missing word "vanished" and the subject became "quite reserved." This means the correct answer will indicate a sense of action or energy. "Vivacity," meaning liveliness or animation, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #302 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

New evidence contradicted his sworn statement, and proved he committed __________.

Possible Answers:

insurgency

duplicity

perjury

larceny

indigence

Correct answer:

perjury

Explanation:

The contradiction of a "sworn statement," indicates the subject was not just lying, but doing so in a legally proscribed manner, and the correct answer must reflect all of these facts. "Perjery," meaning lying under oath, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #303 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The old man had a number of __________ that made him quite peculiar.

Possible Answers:

quarries

gimmicks

pleasantries

stratagems

quirks

Correct answer:

quirks

Explanation:

The missing word, which the "old man had a number of," contributes to the subject being "quite peculiar." The correct answer not only needs to indicate something he does, but that it is strange. "Quirks," meaning oddities or unique behaviors, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #304 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Her current __________ was more complicated but not more clever than her previous tricks.

Possible Answers:

prattle

stratagem

waffling

balk

compromise

Correct answer:

stratagem

Explanation:

The sentence compares the missing word to "previous tricks," and notes the word as being "complicated;" therefore, the correct answer should essentially mean a complicated trick. "Stratagem," meaning a plot or ploy, is the best choice.

Example Question #305 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Many politicians cannot resist the __________ of running for a higher office and holding more power.

Possible Answers:

imposition

intermittence

malevolence

allure

revulsion

Correct answer:

allure

Explanation:

The sentence notes politicans "cannot resist" the chance to run "for a higher office." This strong pull must be reflected in the correct answer. "Allure," meaning attraction or appeal, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #306 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Medieval armies were built largely on the back of unwilling __________, most of whom were only barely paid.

Possible Answers:

conscripts

galleons

mercenaries

emollients

saboteurs

Correct answer:

conscripts

Explanation:

The sentence describes the missing word with the adjective "unwilling," while also noting they made up "medieval armies." The correct answer must reflect both of these points. "Conscripts," meaning persons enlisted compulsorily into armed service, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #307 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

After months of one-sided fighting, the government regained __________ over formerly rebel held territory.

Possible Answers:

derision

dormancy

indifference

hegemony

atrophy

Correct answer:

hegemony

Explanation:

The sentence describes the missing word developing "after months of one sided fighting." This means the government was dominating the "formerly held rebel territory." "Hegemony," meaning complete authority and domination, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #308 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

His extreme __________ made him lose once close allies with every deceitful action.

Possible Answers:

propensity

improbity

integrity

intransigence

irreproachability

Correct answer:

improbity

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly refers to the subject's "every deceitful action." The missing word has to match up with this deceit. "Improbity," meaning a lack of integrity and honesty, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #309 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

He had unnecessary __________ about the extremely safe and routine procedure.

Possible Answers:

fulminations

qualms

wags

pundits

drosses

Correct answer:

qualms

Explanation:

The sentence describes the procedure as "extremely safe and routine;" nonetheless, the subject of the sentence still has the missing word about it. "Qualms," meaning hesitations or fears, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #310 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The general was always convinced of his actions and never revealed a __________ of doubt about his plans.

Possible Answers:

privation

dearth

complacence

modicum

lacuna

Correct answer:

modicum

Explanation:

The sentence describes the general as "always convinced of his actions," meaning that the general rarely showed doubt. The correct answer needs to indicate this general avoidance of doubt. "Modicum," meaning a very small amount, is the best choice among the answers.

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