GRE Verbal : Nouns in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #481 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
The unhinged, bizarre motions of the jazz pianist as he performed on stage belied his __________, which earned him a reputation as an unorthodox yet highly skilled musician.
felicity
virtuosity
passion
ineptitude
serendipity
virtuosity
The sentence implies the pianist is an unusual performer with great skill in his instrument. Thus, "virtuosity" is the correct answer, as "virtuoso" is often used to describe a highly talented, elite musician.
Example Question #482 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Neuroscientists suggest there is a decline in neural __________ due to the natural aging process, leading to more rigidity and less alterations in the neural pathways.
extinction
reciprocity
plasticity
petrification
coagulation
plasticity
Studies suggest that due to aging, neural pathways become more rigid. Thus, they have less "plasticity," or pliancy.
Example Question #483 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The ballet company is composed of an elite ensemble of dancers that have gone through laborious training; the dancers are familiar with criticism, but rarely get __________ for their efforts.
approbation
censure
repercussions
partiality
apotheosis
approbation
Ballet dancers are under constant scrutiny but often don't receive praise for their work since criticism seems to be more prevalent in the ballet industry; therefore, they rarely get "approbation," or praise.
Example Question #484 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Although today it is widely accepted, Wegener's theory of contiental drift was hotly contested when it was first proposed, which made him a __________ in the scientific community of the time.
debutante
pariah
firebrand
socialite
hero
pariah
Wegener's theory was rejected when it was first proposed, and thus the scientific community must have not thought highly of it; therefore, "pariah," which means outcast, makes the most sense in this sentence.
Example Question #191 : One Blank Texts
Tara was an unwaveringly honest woman, and as such she never tolerated __________ among her employees.
ferocity
solemnity
mendacity
veracity
dignity
mendacity
Tara is supposedly a very honest woman, and therefore she would not likely put up with liars. Since "mendacity" means untruthfulness, it is the best choice for this sentence.
Example Question #236 : Text Completion
Despite constant __________, the incorrigible student did nothing to discontinue his unruly behavior and remained impenitent in terms of his actions.
opprobrium
guile
deference
epigrams
accolades
opprobrium
In terms of this student with horrendous behavior, he remains unreformed despite constant "opprobrium," or criticism.
Example Question #201 : One Blank Texts
The young girl's__________ was impressive despite its overwrought effect.
reticence
excellence
asperity
complacence
verbiage
verbiage
The effect of the missing word is "overwrought," which means it is extremely long and complicated; nonetheless, the impressiveness indicates it is something a "young girl" might not normally achieve. "Verbiage," meaning an excess and overuse of words, is the correct answer.
Example Question #202 : One Blank Texts
He had hoped that his gift of a dozen roses was a proper __________ for offending his wife.
atonement
lambaste
refutation
evanescence
recantation
atonement
The sentence explicitly notes the subject had bought the roses after "offending his wife." This means the missing word will indicate the subject is trying to make up for the offense. "Atonement," meaning making amends for a crime or offense, is the correct answer.
Example Question #203 : One Blank Texts
Her natural __________ meant she always was able to make friends in new situations.
callowness
obeisance
gregariousness
obsequiousness
disingenuousness
gregariousness
The subject "always was able to make friends," because she naturally possesses the missing word. This means the correct answer will show an ability to talk to people and be friendly. "Gregariousness," meaning sociability and a willingness to talk to people, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #204 : One Blank Texts
The band's new album appeared to be a __________ to their recently deceased lead singer.
luminary
perennial
cornucopia
shard
paean
paean
The key phrase in the sentence is "their recently deceased lead singer." This indicates the missing word will in some way celebrate or recognize the passing of the singer. "Paean," meaning a song done in praise or tribute, is the best choice among the answers.
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