GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #513 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The General's right hand man was a complete __________ who never challenged any of his decisions.
iconoclast
groundbreaker
toady
archetype
pedant
toady
The "General's right hand man" is described as having "never challenged" the General. The correct answer will demonstrate that the right hand man is either unwilling or unable to take on his boss. "Toady," meaning a sycophant or flatterer, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #514 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His well-earned reputation for embellishing facts made the __________ of his new claim in doubt.
veracity
rashness
tendentious
illegitimacy
erudition
veracity
The subject has a "well-earned reputation for embellishing facts." Since the sentence questions the missing word, then the correct answer needs to indicate truthfulness or factuality, the definition of "veracity."
Example Question #515 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her __________ toward the reporter was surprising, as she usally had a friendly relationship with the press.
gregariousness
asperity
fortitude
patience
tolerance
asperity
The sentence comments that the subject "usually had a friendly relationship with the press." Therefore, a "surprising" tone would be unfriendly and even antagonizing to a reporter. "Asperity," meaning harshness or severity, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #516 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Their grandmother used many __________, and a good number of made up words became a regular part of the family's lexicon.
eulogies
metaphors
epigrams
malapropisms
eruditions
malapropisms
The sentence explicitly references "made up words." While all the answer choices deal with words and expressions in some ways, only "malapropisms," meaning incorrect but similar sounding words, will fit appropriately in the sentence.
Example Question #517 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The poet celebrated his __________, and often thanked readers when they said they did not understand his work.
verbosity
brevity
clarity
inscrutability
erudition
inscrutability
The sentence notes the poet appreciates when readers "did not understand his work." This means the correct answer will demonstrate an inability to comprehend or analyze the poet's work. "Inscrutability," meaning mysteriousness or incomprehensibility, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #518 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The young puppy showed a great deal of __________ by trying to take on the largest member of his litter.
indolent
pluck
slothful
torpor
timidity
pluck
The "young puppy" is hoping to "take on the largest member of his litter." This indicates the "young puppy" is doing something foolish, brave, or some combination of both. "Pluck," meaning courage and determination, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #519 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He was a noted __________ of the former President, and it was well assumed he would follow similar policies.
antagonist
degenerate
opponent
acolyte
cynic
acolyte
The subject of the sentence would "follow the same policies" as the "former President." This indicates he supports the "former President," or at the very least agrees strongly with the "former President." "Acolyte," meaning follower and devotee, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #520 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He had no plan of action, and made decisions based on nothing more than his own __________.
procedures
strategies
techniques
caprices
measures
caprices
The fact the subject had "no plan of action" is the best clue to the correct answer. This means the missing word will indicate that the subject has "made decisions" by feel. "Caprices," meaning whimsies or fancies, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #521 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
After spending a week in the wilderness eating only nuts and berries, the diner''s limited menu was a practical __________.
cornucopia
quagmire
wasteland
sanctuary
haven
cornucopia
The subject had been "eating only nuts and berries," which is what colors his perspective on "the diner's limited menu." The correct answer will reflect that the menu appeared to be full of options. "Cornucopia," literally a horn filled with fruit, but used here symbolically, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #522 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Both sides __________ meant that a compromise was never a likely outcome.
openness
orthodoxy
encouragement
affability
intractability
intractability
A "compromise was never a likely outcome," because of the missing word being had by "both sides." The correct answer needs to indicate a hostility or opposition to deal making. "Intractability," meaning stubbornness or difficulty, is the best choice among the answers.
All GRE Verbal Resources
