GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #121 : Text Completion
The coach had decided to become the chief ________________ for his player's Most Valuable Player campaign.
portent
connoisseur
therapist
lobbyist
bane
lobbyist
A coach has a vested interest in his player doing well in award voting. The correct answer should indicate his support and enthusiasm. "Lobbyist," meaning someone who argues for a particular cause, is the correct choice.
Example Question #122 : Text Completion
The prospect of high school made her nervous, and she approached the first day with _________________.
trepidation
rigor
poise
cynicism
candor
trepidation
The sentence notes the subject was "nervous," and that nervousness would carry over to the first day. The correct answer should mean fear or hesitation, the definition of "trepidation."
Example Question #123 : Text Completion
The _________________ of foreign cultures has often been held as a justification for colonialism and imperialism.
sacrality
sagacity
depravity
congeniality
alacrity
depravity
"Colonialism and imperialism" are methods of dominating other cultures and would be justified by looking down on other cultures. The correct answer will then insult or demean "foreign cultures." "Depravity," meaning moral corruption, is the best choice.
Example Question #124 : Text Completion
She felt better as her second year on the job approached, because she decided to use her first year as a ______________.
preamble
omen
precedent
opulence
paragon
precedent
The sentence indicates the subject will be able to better do her job thanks to her first year and the guidance it will provide her. "Precedent," meaning an event used as a model, is the best choice.
Example Question #125 : Text Completion
With his years of experience, he was regarded as the ______________ of the office, and always gave advice to younger coworkers.
hypochondriac
decoy
cynic
sage
recluse
sage
The sentence notes both the subject's "years of experience" and his habit of giving advice. The correct answer should be a word describing his position. "Sage," meaning a very wise person, is the best choice.
Example Question #126 : Text Completion
He was a natural collector, and had to get some ______________ everywhere he went.
trinket
larceny
tirade
omen
tome
trinket
If the subject is a "natural collector," then he would need to get something to collect. The correct answer will be a word indicating some small item. "Trinket," meaning a knick-knack or something of little value, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #127 : Text Completion
The conflicting advice from his supervisors gave him a lot of _______________ about his job.
derision
rancor
ambiguity
poise
ebullience
ambiguity
The "conflicting advice" provides the key to the sentence, as this causes the feeling described by the missing word. The correct answer wll mean uncertainty or confusion, the definition of "ambiguity."
Example Question #128 : Text Completion
The online journal saw its best work as its _______________ of political speeches that detailed the candidate's policies.
recapitulation
recantation
exculpation
exegesis
eulogy
exegesis
The journal's work is "detailed" and comments on speeches. The correct answer will therefore indicate analysis or explanation. "Exegesis," meaning a lengthy explanation and interpretation, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #129 : Text Completion
The residents of the village were noted for their _______________, and they outlived the average life expectancy for the nation.
depravity
negativity
irreproachability
longevity
debility
longevity
The sentence outright discusses "life expectancy" and notes that the residents outperform the rest of the country. The correct answer is "longevity," which means a long life or long lasting.
Example Question #130 : Text Completion
The elderly man attributed his long life to living by three simple ____________.
precepts
neologisms
rants
ambiguities
polemics
precepts
The man lived by the missing answer in order to live a long life. The correct answer will mean guiding principles or general instructions, which is the definition of "precepts."
All GRE Verbal Resources
