GRE Verbal : Text Completion

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #371 : Text Completion

After months of one-sided fighting, the government regained __________ over formerly rebel held territory.

Possible Answers:

indifference

dormancy

hegemony

atrophy

derision

Correct answer:

hegemony

Explanation:

The sentence describes the missing word developing "after months of one sided fighting." This means the government was dominating the "formerly held rebel territory." "Hegemony," meaning complete authority and domination, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #372 : Text Completion

His extreme __________ made him lose once close allies with every deceitful action.

Possible Answers:

improbity

intransigence

propensity

integrity

irreproachability

Correct answer:

improbity

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly refers to the subject's "every deceitful action." The missing word has to match up with this deceit. "Improbity," meaning a lack of integrity and honesty, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #373 : Text Completion

He had unnecessary __________ about the extremely safe and routine procedure.

Possible Answers:

fulminations

drosses

qualms

wags

pundits

Correct answer:

qualms

Explanation:

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 #374 : Text Completion

The general was always convinced of his actions and never revealed a __________ of doubt about his plans.

Possible Answers:

complacence

privation

lacuna

modicum

dearth

Correct answer:

modicum

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

pith

temperance

waffle

prattle

drone

Correct answer:

drone

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

auspiciousness

esoterica

discretion

dissonance

dynamics

Correct answer:

esoterica

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

discretion

stability

orthodoxy

syncopation

pretension

Correct answer:

syncopation

Explanation:

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 __________.

Possible Answers:

chauvinist

paragon

drone

stickler

conscript

Correct answer:

chauvinist

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

stickler

quack

coward

conscript

pundit

Correct answer:

stickler

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

pretension

clarity

quality

temperance

affability

Correct answer:

pretension

Explanation:

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.

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