GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #621 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He had unnecessary __________ about the extremely safe and routine procedure.
drosses
pundits
qualms
wags
fulminations
qualms
The sentence describes the procedure as "extremely safe and routine;" nonetheless, the subject of the sentence still has the missing word about it. "Qualms," meaning hesitations or fears, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #622 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The general was always convinced of his actions and never revealed a __________ of doubt about his plans.
lacuna
modicum
complacence
dearth
privation
modicum
The sentence describes the general as "always convinced of his actions," meaning that the general rarely showed doubt. The correct answer needs to indicate this general avoidance of doubt. "Modicum," meaning a very small amount, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #375 : Text Completion
The old lights caused a consistent __________ in the room that drowned out low noises.
pith
temperance
waffle
prattle
drone
drone
The missing word has "drowned out low noises." This indicates the missing word means a consistent and annoying sound, the very definition of "drone," which is the correct answer.
Example Question #376 : Text Completion
The teacher's lectures tended to __________ instead of delving into the grand ideas of history.
auspiciousness
esoterica
discretion
dissonance
dynamics
esoterica
Many words could fit in the sentence, but the best one needs to be found. The sentence contrasts the missing word with "the grand ideas of history." "Esoterica," meaning obscure details and trivia, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #377 : Text Completion
The use of __________ in a traditionally straightforward genre caused a shock to the music's listeners.
discretion
stability
orthodoxy
syncopation
pretension
syncopation
The sentence says the missing word "caused a shock" in something that is "straightforward." The correct answer will mean off center or unexpected. "Syncopation," meaning an intentionally off beat rhythm, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #378 : Text Completion
While he considered his views as simply being traditional, many of his colleagues thought he was a __________.
chauvinist
paragon
drone
stickler
conscript
chauvinist
The sentence contrasts the subject's own take on his views as "traditional," with a slightly more negative take from his colleagues. That means the colleagues' view will be a harsh take on "traditional views." "Chauvinist," meaning a bigot or sexist, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #379 : Text Completion
His obsession with proper grammar gained him a reputation as a __________ among his employees.
stickler
quack
coward
conscript
pundit
stickler
The subject's "obsession with proper grammar" is what gained him the reputation described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to reflect that he is obsessive. "Stickler," meaning someone who is strict about rules and details, is the best choice among the answer.
Example Question #380 : Text Completion
The magazine was so full of __________ that it turned off most of its potential readers.
pretension
clarity
quality
temperance
affability
pretension
The magazine "turned off most of its potential readers," indicating it was quite terrible or unseemly. The correct answer must have an appropriate negative connotation. "Pretension," meaning an attitude of superiority or arrogance, is the only answer choice with such a negative tone.
Example Question #381 : Text Completion
The __________ was not getting better, as it was on a piece of skin that continually rubbed against another piece of skin.
abcess
tumor
quarry
abrasion
divestment
abrasion
The key word in the sentence is "rubbed," and provides the best clue. If being "continually rubbed" means the missing word is "not getting better," then the correct answer must indicate a problem created by rubbing. "Abrasion," meaning skin damage caused by scraping or rubbing, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #382 : Text Completion
After thoroughly embarassing himself with his antics, he had the __________ to try them one more time.
sedulity
gaunt
aplomb
forbearance
gall
gall
The subject attempted his antics one more time, although he had already been "thoroughly embarassing himself" with them. The correct answer will indicate the stupidity and confidence of repeating the actions. "Gall," meaning nerve or confidence, is the best choice among the answers.
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