GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #761 : Text Completion
The new CEO was a ________________, and she eliminated all extra costs and programs.
pragmatist
hypocrite
hypochondriac
recluse
ruminant
pragmatist
The "extra costs and programs" being cut is the best clue to the answer. The CEO is concerned with what works and what is doable, and the answer should indicate that. "Pragmatist," meaning a practical person or some one focused on usefulness, is the correct answer.
Example Question #762 : Text Completion
Most critics viewed the novel as overly ____________, but a large number of readers responded to the romantic plotline.
lethargic
saccharin
succinct
terse
cynical
saccharin
The readers view the novel as "romantic," while the critics viewed it as the missing word, meaning the correct answer will be a somewhat negative take on "romantic." "Saccharin," meaning grossly sweet or overly sentimental, is the best choice.
Example Question #763 : Text Completion
The weather at the camp was generally brutal, with pleasant spells being a __________ phenomenon.
mundane
congenital
persistent
gratuitous
transient
transient
The weather is described as "generally brutal," so the "pleasant spells" were not a common feature. The correct answer will indicate that the good weather is short-lived or passing, which is the definition of "transient."
Example Question #764 : Text Completion
He attempted to remain ______________, and not get close to any of his coworkers.
hyperbolic
gregarious
effusive
aloof
pertinent
aloof
The subject of the sentence is attempting to avoid his coworkers. The correct answer should demonstrate he is not being friendly. "Aloof," meaning distant or detached, is the best choice.
Example Question #765 : Text Completion
Teenagers will often use offensive language, but racial slurs are _______________.
exceptionable
condoned
idiosyncratic
affable
mundane
exceptionable
The structure of the sentence indicates that "racial slurs" goes beyond usual "offensive language." The correct answer needs to show how far beyond they truly are. "Exceptionable," meaning something offensive or objectionable, is the best fit among the answer choices.
Example Question #766 : Text Completion
The boy's mother was _____________ when he came home from school with an injured hand.
placid
livid
bemused
obtuse
congenial
livid
The boy having an injury could make a mother many things—from confused to angry to sympathetic. The best fit will be one of these words or their synonym. "Livid," meaning angry and upset, is the correct answer.
Example Question #771 : Text Completion
While initially considered a small inconvenience, the new regulations soon proved ____________.
ambiguous
inconsequential
onerous
agreeable
extraneous
onerous
The regulation was already considered "a small inconvenience," and the structure of the sentence indicates it grew worse. The correct answer should mean burdensome or problematic, which is the definition of "onerous."
Example Question #772 : Text Completion
The ability to choose a child's school is considered ______________ by reformers, and that priority is placed above everything else.
execrable
ambiguous
sacrosanct
ignominious
malleable
sacrosanct
The choice of schools is "placed above everything else." The correct answer will indicate that it is the ultimate priority and impossible to go against. "Sacrosanct," meaning extremely holy or inviolable, is the best choice.
Example Question #773 : Text Completion
The sense of security felt by many in a car is often _______________, and safety advocates urge more caution from drivers.
condoned
supercilious
debilitating
illusory
stupefying
illusory
"Safety advocates" urging "caution" means drivers are not as secure as they believe. The correct answer will mean that drivers are wrong or misguided about their safety. "Illusory," meaning deceptive or fake, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #774 : Text Completion
The storm left the building in a _____________ situation, swaying back and forth with every gust of wind.
mundane
rigorous
portentous
precarious
laudatory
precarious
The building is "swaying back and forth" after a storm. The correct answer will indicate the building's troubling position. "Precarious," meaning unstable or uncertain, is the best fit among the answers.
All GRE Verbal Resources
