GRE Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #742 : Text Completion
Audiences were always appreciative of the _______________ way the physicist summed up complex arguments.
succinct
belabored
nebulous
bellicose
obscure
succinct
The sentence contrasts the "complex arguments" with the way the physicist presents them. The correct answer will show the appreciated manner. "Succinct," meaning concise or short, is the best choice.
Example Question #743 : Text Completion
Many critics believed the book's final chapter was ______________, and added nothing to the work overall.
pertinent
succinct
gratis
reticent
gratuitous
gratuitous
The sentence states the final chapter "added nothing." The correct answer will indicate the extra element of the chapter. "Gratuitous," meaning unwarranted and unnecessary, correctly completes the sentence.
Example Question #744 : Text Completion
The secretary grew _____________ with her job, and was actively looking for other work.
feigned
waived
goaded
razed
jaded
jaded
The fact the secretary was "looking for other work" indicates she is unsatisfied with her current job. The correct answer will mean bored or worn down, the exact definition of "jaded."
Example Question #745 : Text Completion
The young woman favored trivial conversations, and strenuously avoided ___________ topics.
subtle
supercilious
gratuitous
genial
weighty
weighty
The sentence's structure contrasts the answer blank with "trivial." The correct answer will mean serious or important, which is the definition of "weighty."
Example Question #746 : Text Completion
His blue mohawk made him a ___________________ figure everywhere in the small town.
subtle
mundane
congenital
condoning
conspicuous
conspicuous
A "blue mohawk" would stick out quite a bit in a small town. The correct answer will show how different and unusual it is. "Conspicuous," meaning obvious or easily seen, is the best choice.
Example Question #747 : Text Completion
The manager developed a ________________ desire to be promoted when he saw the new job's accompanying salary.
transgressed
suppressed
equivocating
burgeoning
belittling
burgeoning
The tone of the sentence indicates the "accompanying salary" makes the manager want the promotion more. The correct answer will show the growth in his desire. "Burgeoning," meaning to flourish or expand, is the best fit among the answer choices.
Example Question #748 : Text Completion
Most commentators considered his new love of environmentalism ________________ because of his past actions against environmentalists.
hypocritical
exacerbating
exemplary
illuminating
exceptional
hypocritical
The switch from being "against environmentalists" to "a love of environmentalism" indicates insincerity. The correct answer should indicate that as well as the criticism implied by the sentence. "Hypocritical," meaning insincere or pretending to believe something when one does not, is the best choice.
Example Question #51 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
His mother grew concerned when the usually hyperactive boy was suddenly ___________.
lethargic
loquacious
exuberant
exasperated
exceptionable
lethargic
The sentence indicates the mother is concerned because "the usually hyperactive boy" is acting differently. The correct answer will therefore mean without energy or tired, which is the definition of "lethargic."
Example Question #750 : Text Completion
After a successful ad campaign, the company had a _______________ month for sales.
robust
limpid
rotund
saccharin
demure
robust
The key word in the sentence is "successful," which indicates the sales were similarly excellent. The correct answer will be a word indicating those good sales and describing their strength. "Robust," meaning healthy and strong, is the best choice.
Example Question #51 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The playful puppy was surprisingly __________________ during his obedience training.
irksome
transgressive
tractable
irascible
obstreperous
tractable
The missing word is contrasted with "playful," and the behavior described by the answer occurs during "obedience training." The correct answer will mean dutiful or obedient, the definition of "tractable."
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