GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

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.

Possible Answers:

reassuring

confounding

complementing

navigating

condoning

Correct answer:

confounding

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

criticize

stupefy

congeal

substantiate

repudiate

Correct answer:

substantiate

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

adored

complimented

lavished

begrudged

beknighted

Correct answer:

begrudged

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

muddled

splintered

equivocated

congealed

dismembered

Correct answer:

congealed

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #411 : One Blank Texts

The entire city block had to be ____________ to make room for the new arena.

Possible Answers:

envisaged

razed

ratified

coalesced

enlivened

Correct answer:

razed

Explanation:

The city block is in the way of the new arena, which is why it has "to make room for the new arena." The correct answer will indicate the block was destroyed for the arena. "Razed," meaning completely destroyed or flattened, is the best choice.

Example Question #412 : One Blank Texts

Over time, his interest in politics _____________ and eventually he hardly followed it at all.

Possible Answers:

enlarged

obviated

goaded

belabored

waned

Correct answer:

waned

Explanation:

The fact his interest became something "he hardly followed" means the correct answer will show a drop off in interest. "Waned," meaning to fall off or lessen, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #413 : One Blank Texts

The boy was _____________ by the older girl's stories of college, and desperately wanted to attend her school.

Possible Answers:

beguiled

jaded

scarred

besmirched

tried

Correct answer:

beguiled

Explanation:

The boy's desire to attend the girl's college means he was clearly impressed with her stories. The correct answer will indicate his appreciation for her stories. "Beguiled," which means charmed,or even lured, is the correct answer.

Example Question #414 : One Blank Texts

The young man's reckless behavior was often the result of being ______________ into action by his friends.

Possible Answers:

belied

goaded

waned

waxed

waived

Correct answer:

goaded

Explanation:

The young man's friends were effectively causing his behavior and the correct answer will indicate their encouragement. "Goaded," meaning prodded or urged, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #415 : One Blank Texts

His argument was well-received at first, but he _____________ it until the audience wanted him to end.

Possible Answers:

enhanced

subverted

beknighted

belabored

enlivened

Correct answer:

belabored

Explanation:

The final clause of the sentence, "the audience wanted him to end," indicates the speaker went too long. The correct answer will fully bring this meaning to the sentence. "Belabored," meaning to explain an argument in too much detail, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #416 : One Blank Texts

The professor's sharp voice ________________ on her, and she was unsure if she could remain in the class.

Possible Answers:

piqued

jaded

soothed

grated

waxed

Correct answer:

grated

Explanation:

The "professor's sharp voice," and the subject's desire to leave the class mean the voice bothered her, and the best choice will show this. "Grated," meaning to aggravate or annoy, is the correct answer.

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