GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #180 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

He was __________ in his opinions, and would never listen to any arguments against his beliefs.

Possible Answers:

dogmatic

poised

reticent

equivocal

gullible

Correct answer:

dogmatic

Explanation:

The sentence notes the subject would "never listen to any arguments." This means he was extremely attached to his opinions, and the correct answer must reflect this. "Dogmatic," meaning rigid and inflexible in beliefs, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #181 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

His concern for __________ details made him overlook serious problems in the entire plan.

Possible Answers:

robust

frivolous

ominous

torpid

staid

Correct answer:

frivolous

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is ignoring "serious problems" by looking at details described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to be an antonym of "serious." "Frivolous," meaning unnecessary or light, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #182 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The play was an __________ blend of nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship.

Possible Answers:

ebullient

insipid

irreproachable

inspiring

resplendent

Correct answer:

insipid

Explanation:

The play is described as "nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship," both of which are highly negative descriptions. The correct answer must fit with the harsh tone of the sentence. "Insipid," meaning bland and unexciting, is the best choice.

Example Question #183 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The knight was accused of being __________ after fleeing the battle at the first sign of trouble.

Possible Answers:

fortitudinous

pusillanimous

corpulent

poised

irreproachable

Correct answer:

pusillanimous

Explanation:

The knight leaves fighting "at the first sign of trouble." This indicates he wishes to avoid fighting and combat, and the correct answer needs to reflect this. "Pusillanimous," meaning cowardly and timid, is the best choice.

Example Question #184 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The old captain was a __________ presence who never showed any signs of having fun.

Possible Answers:

ebullient

staid

zany

verbose

excitable

Correct answer:

staid

Explanation:

The sentence notes the "old captain" rarely exhibited "signs of having fun." The correct answer must therefore mean extremely serious and sober, the definition of "staid."

Example Question #185 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

In its current dilapidated state, the ruins remained a __________ presence of the city's former glory.

Possible Answers:

transgressive

beleaguered

histrionic

germinal

vestigial

Correct answer:

vestigial

Explanation:

The ruins are a sign of "the city's former glory," which is now long past. The correct answer will indicate that the ruins are a relic and reminder of that past. "Vestigial," meaning a useless or shrunken element that remains, is the best choice.

Example Question #186 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Her __________ notions on marriage meant she was mocked by her more progressive friends.

Possible Answers:

transgressive

antiquated

prudent

idiosyncratic

contemporary

Correct answer:

antiquated

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the subject's "notions on marriage" with the "progressive" notions of her friends. The correct answer must stand opposed to "progressive." "Antiquated," meaning old fashioned or outdated, is the best fit.

Example Question #187 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The first warning interns received was to avoid upsetting the boss, as he was known for a(n) __________ temperament.

Possible Answers:

ebullient

choleric

languid

sanguine

placid

Correct answer:

choleric

Explanation:

The boss must be treated carefully, because of his "temperament," described by the missing word. The correct answer must mean easily upset or angered, the definition of "choleric."

Example Question #188 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The obtuse boy's mind proved much more __________ when asked to describe fantastical stories.

Possible Answers:

inimical

vacuous

fecund

egalitarian

discerning

Correct answer:

fecund

Explanation:

The "obtuse," or slow and dimwitted, boy had a different capability when discussing "fantastical stories." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "obtuse." "Fecund," meaning fertile and productive, is the best choice.

Example Question #181 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The teenager's eulogy for his grandfather was exceptionally __________, moving many people to tears.

Possible Answers:

inane

mundane

vacuous

profound

petulant

Correct answer:

profound

Explanation:

The eulogy moved "many people to tears," making it a touching moment. The correct answer should mean deeply moving and with a great deal of meaning, the definition of "profound."

Tired of practice problems?

Try live online GRE prep today.

1-on-1 Tutoring
Live Online Class
1-on-1 + Class
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors