Context Clues in Three-Blank Texts - GRE Verbal

Concerning the first blank: The context clues for this word are in the first clause, where the text indicates that the doctor's handwriting was impossible to read. Thus, in context, "inscrutable" (unable to be understood) makes much more sense than "remonstrate" (to protest and complain to someone).

Concerning the second blank: In this sentence, we have a situation: the doctor's handwriting could not be read. And then, we have a consequence: the pharmacist nearly killed someone, and the doctor was forced to do something. Therefore, "theretofore" (up until that point or beforehand) makes no sense in context, as this is a "cause, effect" sentence, not "effect, cause" sentence. Thus, "as a result" is the correct choice.

Concerning the third blank: As a result of a doctor's bad handwriting, a patient almost died. Thus, you can conclude that the doctor was ordered to not write poorly anymore. Keeping that in mind, you have "careen" (move while swaying in an unstable fashion) and "improve" (get better). Thus, the doctor was likely ordered to improve, not continue moving uncontrollably (perhaps his hand had originally careened?).

The clues here lead us to see that Peter has in mind several options that are short-term. While these solutions do not provide the final solution to his long-term goals, they do contribute to the accomplishment of such things. From the structure of the sentence, we can see that the first and the third blanks must be filled with words that are relatively similar in meaning. "Intermediary" and "temporary" are not exactly the same, but things that are only "in the middle" (i.e. intermediary) are not generally meant to last for the long-term. The general idea is that as time passes, these temporary solutions can set the stage for greater, more durable things in the future.

The closest incorrect answer is "gelatinous . . . puddles . . . encircle"; however, such gelatinous matter would not make "puddles." Clearly, however, the oatmeal is some kind of thick material. This is indicated by the clue latent in the language that states that it fell "reluctantly from the ladle" as well the explicit word "thick" used in the sentence. The word "viscous" describes a thick material that is neither fully solid nor liquid in its general characteristics. The related word "viscosity" represents a measure of such thickness. Such matter certainly would fall into little globules into the bowl.

A number of these possible answers do have a correct word (or set of words) for the second blank. This needs to be something like "colder" or "brisker." However, the key blank is the first. It clearly needs to be opposed to the word "literally." The point is that most people use words in ways that are not literal, even when they say they are speaking "literally." A metaphorical use of a word is one that is extended, as when we say that the glass is "sweating" when what is really occurring is condensation. The last blank, likewise, is quite obviously something like "initially" or "originally."

The best first clue for this sentence is the clause "expressing his passing thoughts with little hesitation." This means that Robert apparently did talk about his views. To "opine" on something is to express one's opinion on the matter, even if one is not certain of the truth of the matter. (This is the nature of opinion.) It seems that he would express thoughts in just this way. Thus, it seems that he does not have any really "set" beliefs. Hence, "settled" is good—though "certain" and, perhaps, even "dogmatic" both could work if the other words were well-combined with them (though they are not). Since Robert's friends are described as being reticent and conservative, they likely do not express matters of opinion this freely. (Note, this has nothing to do with conservatism in the political sense but instead with the general temperamental outlook of being cautious about new things.) Such people would be disconcerted by his opining, and this would lead to feelings of anxiety or consternation.

The simplest blank among the three to be completed is the final one. The last issue with the argument is that it had something that "did not logically connect the ideas being expressed." In logical reasoning, inference is the procedure of drawing conclusions by means of the successive progress of reasoning. Another kind of error is "equivocating," which happens when you change the meaning of a word in the middle of an argument. For example, this is an equivocation: "All banks \[of rivers\] are muddy places. I went to the bank \[i.e. the bank building\] to get money today. Therefore, I went to a muddy place." (Of course, the brackets would not be there if the equivocation were to happen. They are merely there to help you understand.) Finally, a "sound" argument is one that is logically well-founded.

The answer here is one of degree. Although Diane's work of art was fine, the competitors were superior, and thus she did not win. From the logic of the sentence, we know that the first statement will be positive, and the second will reflect on the reasons for her failure, which in this case was the superior competition. It would not make sense, for instance, for an exceptionally "creative" work of art to lose out to "lackluster" competition.

This sentence initiates a contrast between Patrick and Isaac by using "although." It seems that Isaac becomes drunk very easily; however, Patrick does not become inebriated in this way. (The word just means to become drunk.) It seems that Isaac fears being in a drunken stupor—that is, a state of unconsciousness (or at least semi-consciousness). Thus, he remains sober—in the sense of avoiding alcohol. (The word can also mean serious—a person who is not drinking might well be a serious temperament.)

This sentence has a contrast in it, as indicated by the use of "no . . . but instead." The first direct clue for the word meanings is "given their import." The word "import" can be used as shorthand for "importance." Therefore, the matters are "quite important." To be "consequential" is just that—to be of import and creating consequences in the world. The contrast to this is "ephemeral," which means passing or existing a short while. This can have the extended sense of being passing and unimportant. Since these are important, it makes sense that these topics were controversial. Important matters almost always spark arguments!

The word "dire" means extreme. We use this sometimes in the expression "dire poverty." The word "straits" means a state of difficulty. Now, it is likely tempting to choose "fortunes" or "need" as well; however, the coupled pair for the first two blanks must be contrasted and relative to this idea of being in dire need. We know the contrast must hold because of the "although" construction. Particularly, the contrast is between what Odo appears to be and what he can be at times (by helping the needy). To be "altruistic" is to be "other-focused." The "altr-" portion comes from the same basis as "alter" and "alterity," both of which refer to "otherness." This action seems to be in contrast to his normal way of acting, so it is astonishing to his friends!

This sentence implies that the moral system was beautiful because of its balance. It seems to be contradictory but in fact is well "balanced." The word "regulated" only works partially in this manner and is paired with words that are not as appropriate for the sentence. In any case, "regulated" does not express "balance" well enough. The idea of "overall structure" is expressed by "architechtonic," which can be taken to mean the "overall architecture" of something. These well balanced parts can be said to be "in harmony" insofar as they are balanced and function very well together. This is how harmonious music "works" as well—by such careful balancing of pitches and tones.

The first blank is relatively easy, for the best noun for a group of disconnected things is "jumble," which describes a disorganized pile of things—though the expression can be metaphorically transferred to "things" like thoughts as well. The word "instead" indicates that it actually was something quite different from such a jumble. It was organized. Therefore, its topics could be said to be "interwoven." If they are so, it also makes sense to say that they are an "arrangement," which is well contrasted to the "jumble" spoken of in the first part of the sentence.

This sentence indicates a contrast between the subject and other older professors. It directly indicates that the professor in question had an "openness" to ideas. Therefore, he did not become "closed off" from new ideas. To be "doctrinaire" is to be rigid in your beliefs—taking them like they are "finished doctrines or dogmas" like unquestionable religious truths. To be "amenable" to new ideas is to be open to them. The other option "permeable" is a tempting wrong answer, but not as appropriate as "amenable." If he is open to these new ideas, he will be interested in them, hence listening to them with interest.

This sentence's logic indicates that there is a contrast between being excitable and the word needed for the first blank in the sentence. In contrast to being excitable, "imperturbable" means unable to be excited. When we are "perturbed," we are vexed or excited. The "im-" prefix is privative, meaning not. The second blank is a synonym for this first blank. To be "stolid" is to be calm. Finally, the indication in the sentence is that it is unthinkable that a stolid person would be capable of having such wild emotional swings. This is why it is amazing that one person can have both of these personality aspects. Hence, one would think that such a person would be incapable of such swings.

Clearly, Paul's family thinks that he is making horrible choices. This is the best defense of the option "abominable." It might be tempting to choose "questionable . . . outcast . . . laudable," for the second blank needs to indicate the fact that Paul is being cast out from his family contacts; however, "laudable" means praiseworthy, so this is not a good answer. A "pariah" is an outcast, so this word works well for our purposes in this sentence as well. The introductory clause does not necessarily have to state that Paul's actions were good. It may well be that they are private—in contrast not to their "abominable" nature but, instead, to the public act of his family's shunning of him.

The conjunction "but" let us know that there is a contrast in the sentence to look out for. We also can use the word "stranded" to infer what kind of hour it is referring to. "Verdant" is defined as green and lush, "vista" is a panoramic view, and "prudent" is defined as wisely cautious.

It makes sense that even though Paul was not an expert in finance, he could still manage his resources. Many of your other options are scientific, or medical, and do not make as much sense as the financial option in this instance.

The end of the second sentence can actually help us with the first blank. Apparently, Gerard cannot understand the horror of this crime. (This will become even more clear as we consider the blanks all together.) It seems that even the most horrible of crimes did not shock him. (To be called "pedestrian" means more than walking on the street! It means also to be ordinary.) Something "heinous" is extremely wicked-seeming. That is the best option for the first blank. Options like "baffling" and "vindictive" just do not capture this great wickedness or horror. The murder was one that was apparently quite bad, so "brutal" works well for such a killing. The final blank is perhaps the weakest of them all, but the general idea is that Gerard could not process the idea or reality of its horror.

The best clue for this sentence is the general fact stated at the very end of the sentence, namely that Judy apparently complained about the difficulties of life. This is a very general point and does not allow us to guess if her difficulties were from illness, angering situations, or anything else specific like that. Therefore, the general term "adversity" (meaning difficulties) is the best option for the first blank. The word "lachrymose" is related to the "lachrymal" glands, that is, the tear ducts. To be "lachrymose" is to be "weepy" in temperament—something indicated by the regular occurrence of tears mentioned in the sentence. Finally, "lamentations" are expressions of sadness, something that likely would accompany tears.

The implication of this sentence clearly is that Timothy had worked at his trade for some time. It is a stock expression to speak of "plying one's trade," meaning diligently working at one's trade. He has mastered it, but he is not a journeyman, which is a type of trainee. Likewise, he is implied to be a master (of sorts), but the new men are not "maestros"! So, after plying his trade, Timothy had become "adept," meaning "very able." To be a "novice" is to be someone new to something. The prefix "nov-" can often mean new, coming from the Latin "novus,"meaning new.