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 #8 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
His medical advice was often ridiculed, as he ______________ treatments like tea baths, milk diets, and twenty hours of sleep per day.
pondered
espoused
undermined
debunked
criticized
espoused
While other people ridiculed the treatments, the subject is actively giving out the advice. The correct answer will show he is lobbying and arguing for the treatments; therefore, "espoused," meaning to support or promote, is the correct answer.
Example Question #381 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The girl decided to _______________ her abilities by shooting at a basketball hoop for hours every day.
laud
broach
loosen
hone
stymie
hone
The idea of repetition indicated by the girl's hours of shooting means she is not expanding her abilities or weakening them. Instead, she is sharpening and refining them, which is the definition of "hone."
Example Question #382 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The crackdown on illegal contributions ______________ the need for further laws on the matter.
exacerbated
obviated
understated
excelled
overwhelmed
obviated
The "crackdown" and "further laws" would be going toward the same cause. If the "crackdown" did anything to "further laws," it would be to make them unnecessary or unimportant, the definition of "obviated."
Example Question #383 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The philosopher's new book was ____________ with logical problems.
defunct
lauded
riddled
completed
obviated
riddled
A philosopher essentially deals in logic, and to have "logical problems" in a philosophy book is a concern. The correct answer chocie should indicate that the book is full of issues. "Riddled," which means being full of or permeated by, is the correct answer.
Example Question #384 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The erroneous book _____________ many myths about American history.
conflagrated
criticized
perpetuated
subpoenaed
confounded
perpetuated
The structure of the sentence links the words "erroneous" and "myths" through the answer. Both words have to do with mistakes or incorrect facts, so the correct choice should indicate the errors help the myths. "Perpetuated," meaning to help continue or further, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #11 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
Every time he made a sale, he would ____________ around the office in celebration.
shuffle
sprint
cower
totter
strut
strut
The key phrase in the sentence is "celebration." The answer should indicate some movement that is celebratory or boasting. "Strut," meaning a swaggering walk, is the correct answer.
Example Question #385 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The football coach was most well known for _________________ his opponents , making them unsure what he would do.
reassuring
confounding
complementing
navigating
condoning
confounding
The opponents are "unsure" about the coach's actions, so the correct answer will indicate that. "Confounding," meaning confusing and baffling, is the best choice.
Example Question #386 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Despite his boasting, the scientist could never _____________ his claims with evidence.
criticize
stupefy
congeal
substantiate
repudiate
substantiate
The scientist had no evidence "despite his boasting," and the "never" means the correct answer will be a word indicating support. "Substantiate," meaning to verify with evidence, is the best choice.
Example Question #387 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Although he believed he was the perfect candidate, he never ____________ the man who received the promotion instead.
adored
complimented
lavished
begrudged
beknighted
begrudged
The sentence contrasts the candidate's belief in his perfection with the way he approached the promoted man. The correct answer will show there was never any ill will from the candidate. "Begrudged," meaning to resent, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #388 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The company's board slowly _____________ around the plan of buying out their competitor.
muddled
splintered
equivocated
congealed
dismembered
congealed
The board eventually agreed, as the sentence indicates the board decided on the plan to sell. The correct answer will describe the board coming together "around the plan." "Congealed," meaning to solidify, is the best fit among the answer choices.
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