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 #714 : One Blank Texts

At age fifty, the couple left their hectic urban life for their __________ cabin in the woods.

Possible Answers:

obscene

tranquil

exceptional

ominous

transgressive

Correct answer:

tranquil

Explanation:

The missing word is contrasted with "hectic," and the correct answer will be an antonym to hectic. "Tranquil," meaning peaceful and calm, is the correct answer.

Example Question #715 : One Blank Texts

His ______________ beliefs were distinctly at odds with his job in local government.

Possible Answers:

libertarian

communitarian

socialist

pragmatic

anarchist

Correct answer:

libertarian

Explanation:

The "job in local government" stands in opposition to the man's beliefs. The correct answer will indicate a dissatisfaction or dislike of a job in government. "Libertarian," describing a political belief in limited government, is the best choice.

Example Question #757 : Text Completion

The dark storm clouds were an ______________ presence throught the game.

Possible Answers:

ambiguous

ominous

opulent

ambivalent

omniscient

Correct answer:

ominous

Explanation:

The clouds are referenced as "dark" and are present "throughout the game." The correct answer will indicate their looming presence. "Ominous," meaning threatening and imposing, is the best choice.

Example Question #716 : One Blank Texts

Money has been a ______________ force in politics, dating back to the influence of leading citizens on the Roman Senate.

Possible Answers:

sallow

nebulous

potent

saccharin

miniscule

Correct answer:

potent

Explanation:

The note of the "influence of leading citizens" of Rome indicates that money plays a large role in politics. The correct answer should mean strong or powerful, which is the definition of "potent."

Example Question #717 : One Blank Texts

Due to his ________________ arrest charge, he was no longer allowed to work with children.

Possible Answers:

ignominious

pragmatic

subtle

concealed

posthumous

Correct answer:

ignominious

Explanation:

The consequences of the arrest are quite severe, limiting the work available to the subject of the sentence. The kind of arrest will therefore be strange or quite extreme. "Ignominious," meaning shameful or infamous, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #718 : One Blank Texts

The superhero film was criticized for making its hero _______________, and for giving him no flaws.

Possible Answers:

bourgeois

congenital

omnipotent

omniscient

supercilious

Correct answer:

omnipotent

Explanation:

The superhero has "no flaws," which describes the missing word. The correct answer will indicate his lack of issues. "Omnipotent," meaning all powerful, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #721 : One Blank Texts

His _____________ nature prevented him from taking too many chances with investments.

Possible Answers:

pragmatic

hypocritical

histrionic

erratic

obsequious

Correct answer:

pragmatic

Explanation:

The best description in the sentence is that the subject does not take "too many chances."  The subject must then be someone who is cautious or extremely reasonable.  "Pragmatic," meaning practical and rational, is the correct answer.

Example Question #722 : One Blank Texts

She grew increasingly ________________ with her boyfriend's immature and obnoxious behavior.

Possible Answers:

exasperated

tranquil

sedate

enthused

subdued

Correct answer:

exasperated

Explanation:

The "immature and obnoxious behavior" means the subject of the sentence is not happy with her boyfriend. The correct answer will need to mean she is annoyed or frustrated, the definition of "exasperated."

Example Question #723 : One Blank Texts

The man was not very ____________ for a dancer, with a stiff body and mechanical movements.

Possible Answers:

lithe

languid

torpid

rigid

demure

Correct answer:

lithe

Explanation:

The missing word is contrasted with "stiff body and mechanical movements." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "stiff" and "mechanical." "Lithe," which means supple of flexible, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #724 : One Blank Texts

Many authors fell an _______________ narrator is problematic, as it leaves no room for unknown details.

Possible Answers:

omniscient

egregious

omnipotent

expressive

itinerant

Correct answer:

omniscient

Explanation:

The problem with the narrator described by the answer is that "unknown details" are blocked off. The correct answer will indicate the narrator is all knowing or sees everything, which is the definition of omniscient.

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