GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #761 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The propaganda effort by the government sought to __________ attention from its internal problems.
divert
ordain
allay
debunk
confound
divert
The "propaganda effort" is in response to "internal problems." This means the government would want to take attention away from the problems. "Divert," meaning to distract or detour, is the correct answer.
Example Question #762 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His concerns about the ship's safety were __________ by the sterling record of the craft.
enflamed
assuaged
burnished
beleaguered
ogled
assuaged
The "sterling record" affected the "concerns about the ship's safety." A "sterling record" will do away with safety concerns. "Assuaged," meaning to calm, is the correct answer.
Example Question #771 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
She was rarely impulsive, and always had to __________ a great deal over decisions.
bemoan
transgress
jeopardize
postulate
cogitate
cogitate
A few answer choices could work in the sentence, but once will work best. If "she was rarely impulsive," then she made her decisions carefully. "Cogitate," meaning to ponder and think over deeply, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #772 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Each side claimed the other __________ the conflict, asserting that their fighting was in self-defense.
debilitated
instigated
equivocated
deliberated
recused
instigated
The sides both claim "self-defense," which indicates that they blame the other side for starting the conflict. The correct answer should mean to start or provoke, the definition of "instigate."
Example Question #773 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The gang was able to __________ the jewels through befriending and tricking the guard.
condone
elude
ratify
purloin
evade
purloin
The "gang" did something with the jewels by "tricking the guard." This means they got past the guard, presumably to commit a crime. "Purloin," meaning to acquire in a suspicious or illegal manner, is the correct answer.
Example Question #774 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Arriving full of idealism, the freshman Senator found it surprisingly difficult to __________ support for his favorite issues.
marshal
usurp
belie
dissipate
evade
marshal
The Senator finds some aspect of dealing with "his favorite issues" difficult, despite being "full of idealism." This indicates that he cannot convince others on the issues. "Marshal," meaning to gather together, is the correct answer.
Example Question #775 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The pretender to the throne __________ the crown by defeating his predecessor in battle.
assuaged
confounded
usurped
belied
discerned
usurped
"The pretender" defeated the former king in battle. The correct answer will indicate that the pretender took possesion of the crown. "Usurp," meaning to take away someone's position, is the best fit.
Example Question #776 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Without his glasses, he was unable to __________ any shapes walking at him.
facilitate
confound
discern
decimate
eviscerate
discern
The sentence notes the man has trouble performing the missing word "without his glasses." This means the correct answer will be something difficult with poor vision. "Discern," meaning to distinguish or understand, is the best choice.
Example Question #777 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Although a target for criticism, she had a special ability to __________ any accusations and come out unscathed.
parry
propose
absorb
proscribe
instigate
parry
The subject will "come out unscathed," so she is not harmed by the accusations. The correct answer will indicate the criticism is being turned off by the subject. "Parry," meaning to deflect or fend off, is the best choice.
Example Question #778 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
For weeks, the board __________ between the two candidates for CEO.
collated
circumscribed
nettled
vacillated
appeased
vacillated
The board had "two candidates for CEO" it was dealing with "for weeks." This means the board was taking time to make a decision. "Vacillated," meaning wavering or hesitating, is the correct answer.
All GRE Verbal Resources
