Text Completion - GRE Verbal

The second blank is probably easier to solve than is the first one. The problem is being solved in a new way. The word "novel" means new. The word comes from the Latin "novus," which is an adjective meaning new. This kind of solution is "genius," not in the sense of being exceptionally insightful and creative in its novel manner of solving the old problem.

It is easiest to start with the first blank for this question. The kind of reasoning that we do when we apply general ethical principles to particular circumstances is called "casuistry." You can think of it as meaning applying to individual cases. Often, this word is used to describe a kind of sophistical reasoning—that is, a kind of reasoning that only appears to be true. The word "casuistry" can describe a truly necessary undertaking.

The words involved in this sentence are not very difficult. By the simplest reading of the text, it is saying that the phenomenon was not unique but was evidenced by numerous other examples of the same happening or occurrence. The word "singular" can mean unique, as when we say, "It was a singular experience," meaning the kind of experience that will likely not be had again.

Remember that you should always stay as close to the direct meaning of the sentence as possible. You really do not have many details about this trip except that it has the details of the course to be taken on a trip through space. Thus, it is best to stay as close to the idea of space travel as possible, thus describing the map as a "celestial" map. This word comes from the Latin for the heavens. As regards the trip to the galaxy, it is best just to call it an "expedition." Particularly given the fact that this trip seems to have a plan and organization, the word "expedition" is quite appropriate.

The idea is that Byron's wealth helped to increase his social standing. The word "aggrandize" means "to make larger." Clearly, it has the root "-grand" in it. The prefix "ag-" is a form of "ad-", meaning "to or toward." To "aggrandize" is to make something "go toward" being larger (or, grander) than it already is.

The wealth itself seems to be endless. It is appropriate to describe it as being seemingly inexhaustible. To exhaust something is to use up that thing. Hence, we use the word "exhausted" to describe the physical state of being tired after exertion. The word is used in the sense of meaning having used up all of one's energy.

The implication of the sentence is that Todd's hope increased as the wallpaper finally came off the wall. Whenever we bolster something, we support it. The word can be used in a physical sense, as when something helps to support part of a physical structure. It can also be used in an extended sense to speak of any such "supporting" or "strengthening"—as when Todd's hope was bolstered by the favorable turn of events.

As regards the second blank, it seems that Todd had thought the task was impossible. This would be an "insuperable" task. This word uses the "in-" prefix in a privative sense, meaning not. Something that is "insuperable" is something that cannot be overcome.

The first blank expresses a contrast to the action of waiting. Instead of waiting for the mice to enter his house, Thomas is going to take preventive actions. It is better to choose a word like "preventive" than options like "aggressively" or "forcefully", as we really do not have evidence of such implied force. The closest wrong option is "defensively", but "preventively" expresses the idea taking an active role in a slightly clearer manner.

Likewise, with regard to the snares, we really don't know if Thomas is going to slay (etc.) the mice. Really, all that indicated is that he plans to trap them. Thus, "snare" is the best word, as it merely means "to trap."

The implication of this sentence is that Lee general was other-focused. He needed to at some point pay attention to his own concerns. Therefore, the best description for him is "altruistic." The prefix "atlr-" in this word is related to "alter," meaning other or another. To "attend to" something is to pay attention to that thing. Based on the remarks above, this is clearly what was necessary for Lee to do.

The philosopher seems to have expressed his or her theory in some manner. It would also be possible to say that he or she held the opinion. None of the options are about the actual having of the opinion. Therefore, it is better to focus on words pertaining to expressing it.

Now, "divulged" and "promulgated" both have to do with expressing something. Divulging something deals with telling private information, and promulgations usually happen in official affairs (or at least with more fanfare than is indicated in this sentence). Thus, the word "propounded" is the best option, as it means expressed for consideration.

As regards reality being a shadow that will pass away, the word "evanescent" describes something that will fade away in this manner. Something that is "evanescent" is something that will not last for a long period of time.

For this sentence, stay as close to the clues as possible. A number of the potential answers are a little too specific, so you should not choose them. Instead, note that the inhabitants are fleeing. Therefore, the best option for the first blank is "vacated." This is related to the word "vacuum," which describes a space in which there is nothing whatsoever. Whenever an area is "vacated," everything is taken out of it (especially people). The fumes are apparently dangerous, though we do not know how. The word "pernicious" is a good general term for being dangerous, so this is the best option among those provided here.

The first blank of this sentence does not necessarily have to do with the woman being masculine in any way whatsoever. It merely expresses the idea that she is courageous. Hence, the only option that is acceptable is "intrepid", meaning without fear. Indeed, it even can indicate an adventurous spirit. (The word "pusillanimous" means timid—quite the opposite!) For the second blank, all we know is that she travelled across many miles. Hence, it is best to stay with the rather direct option, "traversed."

Follow the clues very closely for this sentence. It is said that the old man is able to walk. It is most likely that this state of affairs is what surprised him after his surgery. The word "ambulatory" comes from the Latin ambulare, meaning to walk. An ambulance, which we tend to think of only as a transport, actually is given its name because it is a kind of "walking hospital." To be "ambulatory" means that one is able to walk. The second blank, in its simplest sense, appears to mean require. The word "necessitate" is a good synonym for this.

"Revered" is the option that makes sense, as it matches the adjective directly preceding it. The choice "navigate" is the only verb that makes sense in the context of the harsh terrain.

"Satiated" is the proper response because it refers to the action that a big meal gives to hungry boys--making them full. The word "famished" refers to their not having had much water recently.

The word "praised" makes sense because it matches the positive descriptors of the outfit that follows later in the sentence; "latest" makes sense as an adjective because the next phrase, "released yesterday" gives evidence of the recent nature of the songs

The modifier "cantankerous" applies to the woman's demeanor, with "frustration" providing a clue. The word "berated" works due to context--none of the other verbs are transitive and can operate without a conjunction besides this option and "undermined", which doesn't make sense.

"Bolted" is suggested by the fines that the jaywalker would incur and the desire to avoid them. "Dogged" refers to the effort of the desperate police trying to give out tickets

"Admonish" is one of the only choices that makes sense, along with "scold", echoing the sentiment from the harsh words at the beginning of the sentence. "Rudely" solidifies "admonish" as the only choice, as "kindly" does not fit

"Churlish" describes the demeanor of the woman who only does unkind things. "Welcomed" is the only verb that works to describe the bringing together of the community.