GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts
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Example Questions
Example Question #131 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
His __________ was an effort to say a great deal without revealing any information.
circumlocution
discernment
inanity
skepticism
recapitulation
circumlocution
The sentence reveals two key facts: the subject says "a great deal," while also saying little actual information. The correct answer needs to hold the two conflicting notions together. "Circumlocution," meaning using too many words to avoid a subject, is the best choice.
Example Question #132 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The __________ of the legislation was blamed on no parties wishing to move it along.
inertia
surreptitiousness
ignominy
profundity
progress
inertia
The legislation has no one "to move it along," indicating it is stuck in the same place. The correct answer needs to mean inactivity or a lack of motion; "inertia" relates to motion, and can indicate either a lack of progress.
Example Question #133 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Most members of the team thought he volunteered for the unpleasant jobs because he was a __________.
cliché
hypochondriac
martinet
peccadillo
masochist
masochist
The subject is volunteering for "unpleasant jobs" that no one else presumably wants to do. The correct answer must indicate a reason he volunteers for these tasks. "Masochist," meaning someone who enjoys inflicting pain on him- or herself, is the correct answer.
Example Question #134 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The boy had a reputation as a __________, because he was always the last kid in his class to do anything.
libertarian
sluggard
nonentity
hypocrite
chronicler
sluggard
Being "the last kid in his class to do anything," means the boy is either extremely slow or extremely lazy. The correct answer must indicate this aspect of the boy's personality. "Sluggard," meaning a slow moving person, is the best choice.
Example Question #135 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The level of __________ between the siblings meant they could not visit their parents at the same time.
poignance
amity
discord
profundity
felicity
discord
The siblings can not see "their parents at the same time." This means the correct answer needs to mean disagreement or enmity, the definition of "discord."
Example Question #136 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Threading a needle the way she did took a level of __________ most people do not have.
ineffability
parody
ambivalence
boorishness
finesse
finesse
"Threading a needle" in a way other people could not means the subject is particularly talented. The correct answer must corectly reflect her talent. "Finesse," meaning fine skill or subtle movement, is the best choice.
Example Question #137 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The law's __________ began an intense lobbying campaign to get the bill passed.
adversaries
proponents
skeptics
ascetics
eulogies
proponents
The missing word describes people who are attempting "to get the bill passed." The correct answer will indicate people arguing for the law. "Proponents," meaning supporters or advocates, is the best choice.
Example Question #138 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The __________ of screaming children makes teaching preschoolers difficult for most people.
elucidation
notoriety
triviality
discordancy
euphony
discordancy
"Screaming children" create a great deal of noise which makes them difficult to deal with. The correct answer will indicate both the noise and harshness of the screaming. "Discordancy," meaning cacophony or harsh noise, is the best choice.
Example Question #139 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The teenager liked being seen as a __________, often doing unusual things because they were unpopular.
zealot
portent
sycophant
paragon
maverick
maverick
If the teenager is doing things "because they were unpopular," then he is trying to be different. The correct answer will indicate a person who tries to stand out. "Maverick," meaning a loner or rebel, is the best choice.
Example Question #140 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The office's __________ was best exemplified by its refusal to replace the most weathered chairs.
benevolence
disparity
parity
munificence
parsimony
parsimony
The office will not replace even "the most weathered chairs." This means they are refusing to buy new ones, and this will be reflected in the correct answer. "Parsimony," meaning frugality and stinginess, is the best fit.
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