GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
These specific kinds of headaches often ____________ a more serious medical condition is forthcoming.
belie
exaggerate
obviate
portend
defer
portend
Some of the answer choices for this question have the ability to fit in this sentence, but the word "forthcoming" gives the best clue of the answer. "Portend," meaning to predict or foretell, is the only answer choice that indicates the headaches will signal a more serious condition.
Example Question #2 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The employees tried to avoid calling attention to their boss' old mannerism, but ____________ could always be heard in meetings.
tittering
expectorating
lavishing
guffawing
shunning
tittering
The tone and structure of the sentence make it clear the were trying not to embarass their boss, but could not avoid it. "Tittering," which means to giggle quietly and softly, gives the appropriate meaning to the sentence.
Example Question #3 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The teacher was concerned with the way her students dressed, but found it difficult to ____________ the topic of fashion.
broach
annihilate
examine
laud
exhaust
broach
The sentence makes it clear the teacher was uncomfortable talking about fashion. The use of the phrase "found it difficult" means that the correct choice will be a word indicating starting a conversation or discussion, which is the definition of "broach."
Example Question #3 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The most frightening side effect of the insecticide was that it often also caused the trees to _____________.
dehydrate
extirpate
extrapolate
undermine
defoliate
defoliate
The key word in the whole sentence is "trees," as it means the correct answer needs to be word having to do with trees. Of all the choices, only "defoliate," meaning to cause leaves to fall off, has anything to do with trees.
Example Question #4 : 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.
espoused
undermined
criticized
debunked
pondered
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 #401 : One Blank Texts
The girl decided to _______________ her abilities by shooting at a basketball hoop for hours every day.
laud
broach
stymie
hone
loosen
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 #381 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The crackdown on illegal contributions ______________ the need for further laws on the matter.
exacerbated
overwhelmed
excelled
obviated
understated
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 #403 : One Blank Texts
The philosopher's new book was ____________ with logical problems.
lauded
riddled
completed
defunct
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 #404 : One Blank Texts
The erroneous book _____________ many myths about American history.
confounded
conflagrated
criticized
perpetuated
subpoenaed
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 #407 : One Blank Texts
Every time he made a sale, he would ____________ around the office in celebration.
shuffle
sprint
strut
totter
cower
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.
All GRE Verbal Resources
