GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #426 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The businessman told his wife he wouldn't be able to make their dinner because he was                      with work his boss had given him and had to take overtime.

Possible Answers:

supported

estranged

inundated

blamed

advanced

Correct answer:

inundated

Explanation:

He is swamped or overwhelmed with work, which is why he has to take overtime. The only answer that makes sense is that he is inundated with work, overwhelmed/flooded.

Example Question #427 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Health problems can result when people try to __________ their stress by overeating.

Possible Answers:

placate

assuage

vacillate

enhance

usurp

Correct answer:

assuage

Explanation:

We need a word that means lessen or reduce, which "assuage" does. "Placate" is similar but means to appease or pacify, (usually a person).

Example Question #428 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

This battle, called a __________ since there were few casualties, resulted in __________ between the two sides, resumed the next day—since nothing had been decided.

Possible Answers:

brandish . . . parity

bludgeoning . . . cacophony

skirmish . . . parity

brandish . . . inequality

skirmish . . . inequality

Correct answer:

skirmish . . . parity

Explanation:

The first blank must mean that it was a small battle, since there were few casualties, which is fit by "skirmish." For the second blank, the battle seems to have been indecisive, so it would have resulted in "parity" or "equality."

Example Question #429 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

He was found guilty, but DNA evidence later surfaced which __________ him.

Possible Answers:

exonerated

denounced

incriminated

postulated

exasperated

Correct answer:

exonerated

Explanation:

He had been found guilty, but the evidence cleared his guilt, or "exonerated" him.

Example Question #431 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

After having to get three cavities filled, she decided to __________ drinking soda.

Possible Answers:

extol

extradite

abjure

abate

impugn

Correct answer:

abjure

Explanation:

She rejected or gave up drinking soda, and the only word here that means that is abjure.

Example Question #432 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Her little brother's favorite way to ________________ her was by mimicking all her moments.

Possible Answers:

bemoan

efface

pillage

redress

nettle

Correct answer:

nettle

Explanation:

"Mimicking all her movements" is presumably something the sister would dislike, but would not overly harm her. The correct answer will mean annoy or bother, the definition of nettle.

Example Question #433 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

After the day long hike, everyone needed time to ________________ before hiking again.

Possible Answers:

recant

burnish

redress

lavish

recuperate

Correct answer:

recuperate

Explanation:

"Everyone" needed a break "before hiking again." The correct answer will indicate what they needed that break for. "Recuperate," meaning to rest and get better, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #434 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Reading a book set in Paris, ___________________ his desire to travel there even more.

Possible Answers:

waned

whetted

laxed

bristled

effaced

Correct answer:

whetted

Explanation:

The book reading had an effect on his desire to travel to Paris, and the phrase "even more" indicate it helped that desire. "Whetted," meaning to sharpen or refine, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #435 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Living far away from any other people, the farmer considered a full day's drive a simple _____________.

Possible Answers:

rigor

trial

decoy

jaunt

degradation

Correct answer:

jaunt

Explanation:

The two key words in the sentence are "drive" and "simple." The correct answer will indicate an easy journey. "Jaunt," meaning a fun, short trip, is the best choice.

Example Question #436 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Old ballplayers often ________________ changes in the game as evidence modern players are weak.

Possible Answers:

betoken

bemoan

embroil

enthrall

encourage

Correct answer:

bemoan

Explanation:

The fact the "old ballplayers" think "modern ballplayers are weak" indicates they dislike the changes in the game. The correct answer will indicate hatred or disagreement. "Bemoan, meaning to complain or lament, is the best fit.

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