GRE Verbal : One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1241 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

When the doctor walked into the waiting room, his __________ face made it clear that the surgery had not gone as planned. 

Possible Answers:

congenial

saturnine

amiable

cordial

Correct answer:

saturnine

Explanation:

"Saturnine" means gloomy, dark, or melancholy.

Example Question #931 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Although the cover was __________, the old book's text was still quite readable.

Possible Answers:

opaque

abraded

smooth

translucent

unabridged

Correct answer:

abraded

Explanation:

The sentence describes an "old book" which is "quite readable," despite the condition of the cover, described by the missing word.  This indicates the correct answer will indicate that the cover was damaged in some fashion.  "Abraded," meaning worn away or eroded, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #932 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

It was deemed old-fashioned, but the school thought it __________ for all their students to wear blazers.

Possible Answers:

appalling

perfunctory

antiquated

apposite

quaint

Correct answer:

apposite

Explanation:

While the first clause in the sentence calls the students wearing blazers "old-fashioned," the structure of the sentence indicates the school thinks differently.  The correct answer should show the school's belief in the practice, despite the criticism. "Apposite," meaning suitable and appropriate, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #933 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The __________ nature of undercover police work is rarely shown in glamorous media portrayals of cirme figting.

Possible Answers:

excessive

quotidian

rare

seminal

remarkable

Correct answer:

quotidian

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with the "glamorous media protrayals." This means the correct answer will mean boring and unglamorous. "Quotidian," meaning everyday and commonplace, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #941 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The _________ novel was an inspiration for countless works of fiction by the author's admirers.

Possible Answers:

uninspiring

hackneyed

seminal

commonplace

mundane

Correct answer:

seminal

Explanation:

The sentence describes the novel's effects on later writers, calling it an "inspiration." This means the correct answer will show the novel was path breaking and influential. "Seminal," meaning essential and formative, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #942 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The large and diverse meal options made the starving men look __________.

Possible Answers:

wearily

agog

sardonically

disinterested

indifferently

Correct answer:

agog

Explanation:

The "hungry men" are looking at "the large and diverse meal options."  As the correct answer describes how they view the meal choices, it must reflect the fact that they would be amazed and happy with the options. "Agog," meaning wide-eyed with enthusiasm and wonder, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #943 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Because of the church's financial troubles, they attempted to negotaiate an __________ payment to avoid one large sum.

Possible Answers:

amortized

obsequious

incomplete

impecunious

obsolete

Correct answer:

amortized

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly notes that the church is attempting "to avoid one large sum." The correct answer must indicate many payments or a lesser payment.  "Amortized," meaning to pay off debts in small, regular increments, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #944 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The evil queen in the story was almost too __________ and verged into a caricature of a villain.

Possible Answers:

malevolent

aberrant

benevolent

dissident

indifferent

Correct answer:

malevolent

Explanation:

The sentence explains that the "evil queen" was almost too strong of a villain, and became a "caricature." This means the correct word should indicate a strong sense of evil. "Malevolent," meaning nefarious and extremly bad, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #945 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The young man appeared __________ in photographs, but his charm and affability made him quite impressive in person.

Possible Answers:

striking

gregarious

unprepossessing

imposing

inviting

Correct answer:

unprepossessing

Explanation:

The man's "charm and affability" in person are contrasted with the way he looks in photos, described by the missing word. The young man is therefore neither charming nor interesting in photographs. "Unprepossessing," meaning unattractive and off putting, is the correct answer.

Example Question #946 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The politician continued to be __________ about his stance on the issue, as he did not want to commit himself.

Possible Answers:

serrated

equivocal

mollified

quixotic

equivalent

Correct answer:

equivocal

Explanation:

The sentence describes that the politician "did not want to commit himself." The correct answer will reinforce this trait and show the politician is not being clear. "Equivocal," meaning ambiguous or open to interpretation, is the best choice among the answers.

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