GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #205 : One Blank Texts

The young boy was always scared of a strong __________ from his father when he misbehaved.

Possible Answers:

reproof

recant

celebration

paean

discourse

Correct answer:

reproof

Explanation:

As the boy misbehaved, it is safe to assume that the father will have a strong criticism of the boy. The correct answer will therefore mean scolding or rebuke for a fault, the definition of "reproof."

Example Question #206 : One Blank Texts

The new restaurant was generating excitement thanks to the __________ of the head chef at a popular restaurant in the city.

Possible Answers:

divorce

tutelage

refutation

criticism

disabusal

Correct answer:

tutelage

Explanation:

The sentence is structured in a way that connects the "popular restaurant" to the "excitement" generated by the "new restaurant." This means the correct answer needs to indicate the head chef's connection to the "popular restaurant." "Tutelage," meaning education or learning from a specific person, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #207 : One Blank Texts

The request for movie ideas resulted in a __________ of bad concepts for the studio that took a long time to sort through.

Possible Answers:

waste

approbation

barren

slew

dearth

Correct answer:

slew

Explanation:

The sentence notes that the ideas "took a long time to sort through." This means there were quite a lot, and the correct answer should mean a glut or excess, the definition of "slew."

Example Question #208 : One Blank Texts

Only after adding the chemical __________ to the other reactants does the reaction begin.

Possible Answers:

catalyst

reprobate

emollient

plethora

aspersion

Correct answer:

catalyst

Explanation:

Since we know the reaction only begins after we add whatever the missing noun represents, we need a noun that represents something that starts a chemical reaction. Since a "catalyst" is defined as a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change, it is the best answer.

Example Question #209 : One Blank Texts

The imprisoned knight managed to escape the tower in which he was being held, but he could not free himself from the __________ around his ankles and was forced to hop awkwardly to the blacksmith's and ask for assistance.

Possible Answers:

iconoclasts

axioms

auguries

talismans

fetters

Correct answer:

fetters

Explanation:

We know that the escaped knight probably has some kind of restraint around his hands and feet from the context (he was previously imprisoned and had to hop to the blacksmith's). So, we're looking for a noun that refers to some form of physical restraint. "Fetters," which are chains or manacles used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #210 : One Blank Texts

The dog was known to stand guard over his former master's grave like an ancient __________.

Possible Answers:

argonaut

consul

praetor

centurion

orator

Correct answer:

centurion

Explanation:

The sentence notes the dog would "stand guard" over the grave. This means the correct answer will indicate someone watching or guarding. "Centurion," an ancient Roman soldier, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #181 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The poor quality of the gloves' leather usually meant they needed an __________ just to be wearable.

Possible Answers:

calcifier

liniment

emollient

solvent

pacifier

Correct answer:

emollient

Explanation:

The gloves' "poor quality" means that they cannot be worn without the help of the missing word. The correct answer must mean something that assists or makes better. "Emollient," meaning something that softens, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #182 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The professor talked so fast the students were peppered with a __________ of questions during the oral exam.

Possible Answers:

flush

fusillade

mince

pallet

deluge

Correct answer:

fusillade

Explanation:

While the sentence indicates a good number of questions, the word "peppered" provides a great clue to the answer. This indicates that there were not just many questions, but that they came quickly and suddenly. "Fusillade," meaning a long burst of gunfire, and here used metaphorically, is the best choice.

Example Question #183 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The politician never gave an original quote, but usually relied on familiar __________.

Possible Answers:

eulogies

metaphors

platitudes

euphemisms

innovations

Correct answer:

platitudes

Explanation:

The sentence notes the politician avoids "an original quote," and the correct answer will indicate unoriginality. The use of "familiar" also indicates that the missing word is something regularly said. "Platitudes," meaning an obvious or hackneyed saying, is the correct answer.

Example Question #184 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Her fear of birds meant she had a great deal of __________ upon entering the avian house at the zoo.

Possible Answers:

composition

tranquility

exhilaration

apprehension

enthusiasm

Correct answer:

apprehension

Explanation:

The subject has a "fear of birds" which would not be helped by visiting "an avian house," which holds birds. The correct answer will indicate her fear acting up in her visit. "Apprehension," meaning a slight fear or sense of impending trouble, is the best choice.

Tired of practice problems?

Try live online GRE prep today.

1-on-1 Tutoring
Live Online Class
1-on-1 + Class
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors