GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #85 : One Blank Texts
With his years of experience, he was regarded as the ______________ of the office, and always gave advice to younger coworkers.
cynic
hypochondriac
decoy
recluse
sage
sage
The sentence notes both the subject's "years of experience" and his habit of giving advice. The correct answer should be a word describing his position. "Sage," meaning a very wise person, is the best choice.
Example Question #86 : One Blank Texts
He was a natural collector, and had to get some ______________ everywhere he went.
trinket
tirade
tome
omen
larceny
trinket
If the subject is a "natural collector," then he would need to get something to collect. The correct answer will be a word indicating some small item. "Trinket," meaning a knick-knack or something of little value, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #87 : One Blank Texts
The conflicting advice from his supervisors gave him a lot of _______________ about his job.
derision
ebullience
poise
rancor
ambiguity
ambiguity
The "conflicting advice" provides the key to the sentence, as this causes the feeling described by the missing word. The correct answer wll mean uncertainty or confusion, the definition of "ambiguity."
Example Question #88 : One Blank Texts
The online journal saw its best work as its _______________ of political speeches that detailed the candidate's policies.
exegesis
exculpation
eulogy
recantation
recapitulation
exegesis
The journal's work is "detailed" and comments on speeches. The correct answer will therefore indicate analysis or explanation. "Exegesis," meaning a lengthy explanation and interpretation, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #89 : One Blank Texts
The residents of the village were noted for their _______________, and they outlived the average life expectancy for the nation.
depravity
debility
irreproachability
longevity
negativity
longevity
The sentence outright discusses "life expectancy" and notes that the residents outperform the rest of the country. The correct answer is "longevity," which means a long life or long lasting.
Example Question #90 : One Blank Texts
The elderly man attributed his long life to living by three simple ____________.
rants
neologisms
polemics
ambiguities
precepts
precepts
The man lived by the missing answer in order to live a long life. The correct answer will mean guiding principles or general instructions, which is the definition of "precepts."
Example Question #61 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
The of all the negotiation between team owners and players was that player salaries would go down the next year, but the season would be played.
serendipity
upshot
malefactor
artifice
dilemma
upshot
The negotiations have ended, so this was the outcome or result. "Upshot" is the only answer that means this.
Example Question #62 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
The actor was a _________________, with people waiting hours just to see him leave the theater.
nonentity
neologism
philistine
polemicist
phenomenon
phenomenon
"People waiting hours" for a brief glimpse of the actor means he was extremely popular and exciting. The correct answer needs to indicate the sensationalism surrounding the actor. "Phenomenon," meaning a big event or occasion, is the best choice.
Example Question #63 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
The celebrated author coined many ___________________ that have sprung into use as common phrases.
derisions
decoys
paragons
preambles
neologisms
neologisms
The author "coined" some "common phrases," so the missing word will indicate new language. The correct answer will mean a newly coined word or phrase, the definition of "neologism."
Example Question #70 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
The _______ from the back of the room was disquieting to the nervous boy, who hated being laughed at.
nonchalance
jaunt
guffaw
candor
placebo
guffaw
The key phrase in the sentence is "being laughed at." As that phrase refers back to the missing word, the correct answer must mean a big or notable laugh, the definition of guffaw.
All GRE Verbal Resources
