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 #1033 : Text Completion
Without __________ action, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is expected to double in the coming years.
mercurial
expedious
bromidic
imminent
inchoate
expedious
The best word here would mean prompt, or quick—so "expedious" is the best fit. Don't be tricked by "imminent," which can describe the environmental issue, but not a response to it.
Example Question #1034 : Text Completion
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Martin accepted the news with his usual __________ demeanor, seeming utterly unaffected in the face of disaster.
phlegmatic
mercurial
nihilistic
apoplectic
malcontented
phlegmatic
Example Question #1035 : Text Completion
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
intense
chimerical
utilitarian
fledgling
monolithic
fledgling
Although the lovers' romance might be intense or chimerical (fanciful or improbable), but the word "stymied" suggests putting an end to something that had only recently begun. The word "fledgling," which means "budding, young, or inexperienced," is therefore the best fit in this example.
Example Question #1036 : Text Completion
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
His __________ indifference to the lecture quickly gave way as his latent enthusiasm for the subject made itself obvious.
assiduous
crucial
feigned
complete
explicit
feigned
The description of his enthusiasm for the subject as "latent" (present but not shown) implies that the man was not actually indifferent to begin with. This suggests his indifference was somehow a facade. The word "feigned" encapsulates this meaning best, suggesting he was faking his indifference and hiding his enthusiasm.
Example Question #1037 : Text Completion
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
laconic
mettlesome
contradictory
noisome
meretricious
laconic
Example Question #1038 : Text Completion
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
unexpected
tasteful
unrequited
lugubrious
exceptional
lugubrious
Notice the courtier is described as having an ulterior motive in doing whatever he did at the monarch's funeral. Rather than feeling genuinely aggrieved, he desired to win praise from the new king. Whatever steps he took towards this goal clearly backfired, since it "earned him only scorn." Looking at the fill-in-the-blank options, you can eliminate "tasteful" and "exceptional" because these wouldn't explain the scornful reaction. "Lugubrious" makes the most sense here, as it means "an over-the-top or insincere display of grief."
Example Question #349 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The girl was __________, nothing could ruin her good mood.
irreproachable
reproving
unafilliated
unencumbered
irrepressible
irrepressible
The sentence explicitly notes that "nothing could ruin her good mood." The correct answer must indicate she was always happy. "Irrepressible," meaning unable to be controlled, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1041 : Text Completion
The girl's opinions were __________ of her reading, and were easily taken from those books.
anathema
obscene
emblematic
antithetical
querulous
emblematic
If her opinions "were easily taken from those books," it means they were not different from the books contents. The correct answer will mean representative or embodying, the definition of "emblematic."
Example Question #1042 : Text Completion
His __________ denials were beginning to drown out his accuser's complaints.
vociferous
reclusive
quiescent
apprehensive
inconsequential
vociferous
For the "denials" to "drown out" the "accuser's complaints," they must be much more noticeable. The correct answer must adequately reflect this level of strength. "Vociferous," meaning loudly expressive, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #971 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Her __________ tone was at odds with her desire to overthrow her superiors.
dominant
belligerent
servile
reproving
condemning
servile
The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "her desire to overthrow her superiors." The correct answer will show she was trying to cover up her aggressive intentions. "Servile," meaning submissive or groveling, is the best choice among the answers.
All GRE Verbal Resources
