Parts of Speech in Two-Blank Texts - GRE Verbal
Card 0 of 3479
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The river, which was normally so that you could see the rocks at the bottom, had become with sediment after the night's storm.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The river, which was normally so that you could see the rocks at the bottom, had become with sediment after the night's storm.
For the first blank, we need an adjective that means "clear" and applies to liquids. While "lucid," "limpid," "luminous," and "clear" all sound like potential correct answers, "lucid" means expressed clearly or easy to understand and refers to ideas or texts, and "luminous" means reflecting or emitting light. This leaves us with "clear" and "limpid," which describes liquids and means free of anything that darkens; completely clear, as potential answers. So, we need to pick between "mercurial" and "turbid" for the second blank, which needs an adjective describing the river's cloudiness after the storm. Since "turbid" refers to liquids and means cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter, it is the better choice, and the answer is "limpid . . . turbid."
For the first blank, we need an adjective that means "clear" and applies to liquids. While "lucid," "limpid," "luminous," and "clear" all sound like potential correct answers, "lucid" means expressed clearly or easy to understand and refers to ideas or texts, and "luminous" means reflecting or emitting light. This leaves us with "clear" and "limpid," which describes liquids and means free of anything that darkens; completely clear, as potential answers. So, we need to pick between "mercurial" and "turbid" for the second blank, which needs an adjective describing the river's cloudiness after the storm. Since "turbid" refers to liquids and means cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter, it is the better choice, and the answer is "limpid . . . turbid."
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The little girl tried to be , insisting that she hadn't gone near the cookie jar, but the crumbs on her face and her expression revealed her crime to her parents.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The little girl tried to be , insisting that she hadn't gone near the cookie jar, but the crumbs on her face and her expression revealed her crime to her parents.
Since we can infer that the little girl did take cookies out of the cookie jar but insists that she didn't, we're looking for an adjective for the first blank that has something to do with lying. "Disingenuous" (not candid or sincere) and "mendacious" (not telling the truth) could each work. For the second blank, we need to pick between "contrite" (penitent and guilty) and "stolid" (showing little emotion). "Contrite" makes the most sense as an adjective describing the little girl's expression, since if she had a stolid expression, her parents might not have figured out she took cookies from the jar; so, the answer is "mendacious . . . contrite."
Since we can infer that the little girl did take cookies out of the cookie jar but insists that she didn't, we're looking for an adjective for the first blank that has something to do with lying. "Disingenuous" (not candid or sincere) and "mendacious" (not telling the truth) could each work. For the second blank, we need to pick between "contrite" (penitent and guilty) and "stolid" (showing little emotion). "Contrite" makes the most sense as an adjective describing the little girl's expression, since if she had a stolid expression, her parents might not have figured out she took cookies from the jar; so, the answer is "mendacious . . . contrite."
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The butler completed his tasks in a manner, barely paying attention to his work as he overheard the household's scandal in its earliest stages of hushed conversations and snide comments.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The butler completed his tasks in a manner, barely paying attention to his work as he overheard the household's scandal in its earliest stages of hushed conversations and snide comments.
For the first blank, we're looking for an adjective that reflects how the butler worked without paying attention to his work. Either "perfunctory" (carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection) or "desultory" (lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm) could work. For the second blank, we need an adjective that describes how the household scandal is "in its earliest stages." In choosing between "nascent" (just beginning to develop) and "resolute" (admirably determined), "nascent" is the better choice, so the answer is "perfunctory . . . nascent."
For the first blank, we're looking for an adjective that reflects how the butler worked without paying attention to his work. Either "perfunctory" (carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection) or "desultory" (lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm) could work. For the second blank, we need an adjective that describes how the household scandal is "in its earliest stages." In choosing between "nascent" (just beginning to develop) and "resolute" (admirably determined), "nascent" is the better choice, so the answer is "perfunctory . . . nascent."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The valley was absolutely ; no human foot had set foot there in thousands of years, wildlife abounded, and the rivers and lakes were perfectly .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The valley was absolutely ; no human foot had set foot there in thousands of years, wildlife abounded, and the rivers and lakes were perfectly .
For the first blank, we need an adjective that describes how the valley has not been developed or ruined. Either "pristine" (unspoiled) or "unspoiled" could work. For the second blank, we're looking for another adjective, this time one that means something like "clear." In choosing between "limpid," a word that specifically refers to liquids and means clear and "lucid," a word that refers to ideas or writing and means expressed in a clear way, "limpid" is the clear choice, so the answer is "pristine . . . limpid."
For the first blank, we need an adjective that describes how the valley has not been developed or ruined. Either "pristine" (unspoiled) or "unspoiled" could work. For the second blank, we're looking for another adjective, this time one that means something like "clear." In choosing between "limpid," a word that specifically refers to liquids and means clear and "lucid," a word that refers to ideas or writing and means expressed in a clear way, "limpid" is the clear choice, so the answer is "pristine . . . limpid."
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Dave took everything that was said to him seriously, even comments, which often forced his friends to digress from the topic of conversation to explain jokes which were normally left .
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Dave took everything that was said to him seriously, even comments, which often forced his friends to digress from the topic of conversation to explain jokes which were normally left .
For the first blank, we're looking for an adjective that means the opposite of "serious." Either "facetious," which means joking or jesting, often inappropriately or "sportive," which means playful or lighthearted,could work. For the second blank, we need an adjective that means not explained. In choosing between "tacit" (understood or implied without being directly stated) and "austere" (severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance), "tacit" is the better choice, so "facetious . . . tacit" is the correct answer.
For the first blank, we're looking for an adjective that means the opposite of "serious." Either "facetious," which means joking or jesting, often inappropriately or "sportive," which means playful or lighthearted,could work. For the second blank, we need an adjective that means not explained. In choosing between "tacit" (understood or implied without being directly stated) and "austere" (severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance), "tacit" is the better choice, so "facetious . . . tacit" is the correct answer.
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owls of that species have , fluff on their bellies, and don't lose their striped appearance until they molt and gain their adult feathers when they're a year old.
owls of that species have , fluff on their bellies, and don't lose their striped appearance until they molt and gain their adult feathers when they're a year old.
For the first blank, we need an adjective that means something like "young," because the owls don't lose their striped down until they're a year old. Possible choices include "fledgling" ("relating to a young bird") and "juvenile" ("of, for, or relating to someone or something young"). For the second blank, we need a word that means "striped;" since "striated" means "striped" and "pedantic" means "narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned," "striated" is the better choice, and the answer is "fledgling, striated."
For the first blank, we need an adjective that means something like "young," because the owls don't lose their striped down until they're a year old. Possible choices include "fledgling" ("relating to a young bird") and "juvenile" ("of, for, or relating to someone or something young"). For the second blank, we need a word that means "striped;" since "striated" means "striped" and "pedantic" means "narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned," "striated" is the better choice, and the answer is "fledgling, striated."
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The manner of the young man was in stark contrast with the older businessman.
The manner of the young man was in stark contrast with the older businessman.
Here we have a contrast: there aren't any clue to what the words are, but they should be opposites. The best fit is "decorous" and "boorish"—the first meaning "characterized by proper manners" and the latter "unmannered and crude."
Here we have a contrast: there aren't any clue to what the words are, but they should be opposites. The best fit is "decorous" and "boorish"—the first meaning "characterized by proper manners" and the latter "unmannered and crude."
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When Lauren learned that the forecast predicted weather and snow storms, she decided that wearing her scarf, hat, and mittens as well as a down coat would be .
When Lauren learned that the forecast predicted weather and snow storms, she decided that wearing her scarf, hat, and mittens as well as a down coat would be .
Because we know that the forecast predicted snow storms, we can infer that it also predicted cold weather. So, we need to pick out an answer choice for the first blank that means something like "cold." Either "frigid," "chilly," or "icy" could be potentially correct. For the second blank, we need to pick out a word that describes the action of wearing a scarf, hat, and mittens if one knows the weather is going to be cold and snowy. Since wearing those items is a good idea, either "smart," "necessary," or "prudent" ("acting with or showing care and thought for the future") could be potentially correct. Of the possible words that we've identified as potentially correct for each blank, only "frigid" and "prudent" appear in the same answer choice, so the correct answer is "frigid . . . prudent."
Because we know that the forecast predicted snow storms, we can infer that it also predicted cold weather. So, we need to pick out an answer choice for the first blank that means something like "cold." Either "frigid," "chilly," or "icy" could be potentially correct. For the second blank, we need to pick out a word that describes the action of wearing a scarf, hat, and mittens if one knows the weather is going to be cold and snowy. Since wearing those items is a good idea, either "smart," "necessary," or "prudent" ("acting with or showing care and thought for the future") could be potentially correct. Of the possible words that we've identified as potentially correct for each blank, only "frigid" and "prudent" appear in the same answer choice, so the correct answer is "frigid . . . prudent."
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Always smiling and Aaron could cheer even the most personality.
Always smiling and Aaron could cheer even the most personality.
Since this sentence focuses merely on Aaron’s ability to cheer others, the best option will be that one which describes him in terms of cheerfulness and contrasts that with those who are not so cheerful. When someone is “jovial,” he or she is cheerful. The word comes from the description of Jove / Jupiter in Roman mythology. A person born under the influence of the planet Jupiter was believed to exhibit the cheerful personality characteristic of the God with the same name. For whatever one might say about the source of this word, it has stuck in English usage, though Jove has been left far behind. When someone is “sullen,” he or she is gloomy or bad tempered.
Since this sentence focuses merely on Aaron’s ability to cheer others, the best option will be that one which describes him in terms of cheerfulness and contrasts that with those who are not so cheerful. When someone is “jovial,” he or she is cheerful. The word comes from the description of Jove / Jupiter in Roman mythology. A person born under the influence of the planet Jupiter was believed to exhibit the cheerful personality characteristic of the God with the same name. For whatever one might say about the source of this word, it has stuck in English usage, though Jove has been left far behind. When someone is “sullen,” he or she is gloomy or bad tempered.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The young movie star spent of thousands of dollars every day, and soon found himself not only , but in debt.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The young movie star spent of thousands of dollars every day, and soon found himself not only , but in debt.
For the first blank, we need a word that reflects how much money the young movie star is spending. "Prodigal" (spending money wastefully) and "pecunious" (wealthy) both work. To pick between "indigent" (poor) and "vituperated" (blamed using intense language) for the second blank, we need to consider how the young movie star's fortunes change as he becomes indebted. "Indigent" is the better choice, so "prodigal . . . indigent" is the correct answer.
For the first blank, we need a word that reflects how much money the young movie star is spending. "Prodigal" (spending money wastefully) and "pecunious" (wealthy) both work. To pick between "indigent" (poor) and "vituperated" (blamed using intense language) for the second blank, we need to consider how the young movie star's fortunes change as he becomes indebted. "Indigent" is the better choice, so "prodigal . . . indigent" is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
While the twins are physically identical, they could not have more personalities; Kate is athletic and hates studying, while Karla is a(n) reader who reads three books per week and loves all of her classes except gym.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
While the twins are physically identical, they could not have more personalities; Kate is athletic and hates studying, while Karla is a(n) reader who reads three books per week and loves all of her classes except gym.
We can tell that the twins have very different personalities, so for the first blank, we are looking for an adjective that means distinct or different. "Discordant" and "disparate" are each possible choices. For the second blank, we need a word that means something like "eager." Choosing between "exigent" (demanding) and "voracious" (very hungry or eager to do something), we can pick "disparate . . . voracious" as the correct answer.
We can tell that the twins have very different personalities, so for the first blank, we are looking for an adjective that means distinct or different. "Discordant" and "disparate" are each possible choices. For the second blank, we need a word that means something like "eager." Choosing between "exigent" (demanding) and "voracious" (very hungry or eager to do something), we can pick "disparate . . . voracious" as the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author worked not only , re-reading her newest chapter three times before rewriting its conclusion for the fifth time, but also , not letting any word or punctuation mark go unconsidered.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author worked not only , re-reading her newest chapter three times before rewriting its conclusion for the fifth time, but also , not letting any word or punctuation mark go unconsidered.
For the first blank, we need an adverb that describes the author's strong work ethic. Possible choices include "solicitously" (eagerly) and "seduously" (diligently). This leaves us to decide whether "meticulously" or "intransigently" is the better option for the second blank, which needs an adverb that describes how carefully the author works. "Meticulously" (e xtremely carefully) is the better choice, so the answer is "sedulously . . . meticulously."
For the first blank, we need an adverb that describes the author's strong work ethic. Possible choices include "solicitously" (eagerly) and "seduously" (diligently). This leaves us to decide whether "meticulously" or "intransigently" is the better option for the second blank, which needs an adverb that describes how carefully the author works. "Meticulously" (e xtremely carefully) is the better choice, so the answer is "sedulously . . . meticulously."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Napoleon’s that he would conquer all of Europe confirmed his nature.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Napoleon’s that he would conquer all of Europe confirmed his nature.
The structure of the sentence indicates that the first word is a noun and the second word is an adjective that describes Napoleon’s nature. Moreover, the second word is “confirm\[ing\]” or supporting the first one. A "promulgation" is an announcemen t, and Napoleon’s claim that he will take over all of Europe would confirm his "headstrong" or stubborn and willful nature.
The structure of the sentence indicates that the first word is a noun and the second word is an adjective that describes Napoleon’s nature. Moreover, the second word is “confirm\[ing\]” or supporting the first one. A "promulgation" is an announcemen t, and Napoleon’s claim that he will take over all of Europe would confirm his "headstrong" or stubborn and willful nature.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
While bald eagles most commonly build their in the branches of tall trees near freshwater lakes and rivers, the effects of human activities, such as logging, have resulted in habitat loss.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
While bald eagles most commonly build their in the branches of tall trees near freshwater lakes and rivers, the effects of human activities, such as logging, have resulted in habitat loss.
An "aerie" is a nest or habitat built high above the ground. "Deleterious" means harmful, often in a subtle way. As eagles live in trees, it makes sense that logging can have a negative effect on their habitats.
An "aerie" is a nest or habitat built high above the ground. "Deleterious" means harmful, often in a subtle way. As eagles live in trees, it makes sense that logging can have a negative effect on their habitats.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The Taj Mahal is a tourist destination that draws over 2 million visitors a year. While many people are under the misconception that it is a residence for royalty, it is actually a .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The Taj Mahal is a tourist destination that draws over 2 million visitors a year. While many people are under the misconception that it is a residence for royalty, it is actually a .
To be "palatial" means to resemble a palace, often in size. The Taj Mahal only resembles a palace, and is in fact a "mausoleum," or a building that houses tombs.
To be "palatial" means to resemble a palace, often in size. The Taj Mahal only resembles a palace, and is in fact a "mausoleum," or a building that houses tombs.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Because no one understood his works at the time, the author was considered an enigmatic figure. Decades later, when his works were rediscovered , readers began to appreciate his wit and verbal .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Because no one understood his works at the time, the author was considered an enigmatic figure. Decades later, when his works were rediscovered , readers began to appreciate his wit and verbal .
Since decades have passed when his works are rediscovered, the only answer for the second blank that makes sense is "posthumously," after his death. Acumen means sharpness and skill, and the author is now thought of as a good and sharp writer.
Since decades have passed when his works are rediscovered, the only answer for the second blank that makes sense is "posthumously," after his death. Acumen means sharpness and skill, and the author is now thought of as a good and sharp writer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Judging by the weeping on his forearm, the young man’s claim to have been beaten by the protestors seems .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Judging by the weeping on his forearm, the young man’s claim to have been beaten by the protestors seems .
The first blank is "lacerations," because, of the choices, only lacerations weep on the forearm. The second blank is "credible" because the lacerations support the young man’s claim to have been beaten.
The first blank is "lacerations," because, of the choices, only lacerations weep on the forearm. The second blank is "credible" because the lacerations support the young man’s claim to have been beaten.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The bombastic dictator’s from the podium whipped the mob into a frenzy; they were willing to attack the object of his hatred.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The bombastic dictator’s from the podium whipped the mob into a frenzy; they were willing to attack the object of his hatred.
A "bombastic" dictator (that is, an arrogant dictator) is not likely to cower or be servile; neither is "tardiness" likely to whip a mob into a frenzy. A "harangue," or noisy attacking speech, is very likely to rouse a mob, but only if that mob is comprised of gullible people. Gullible people are typically not "incredulous," "skeptical," or "objective." The second blank is therefore "credulous."
A "bombastic" dictator (that is, an arrogant dictator) is not likely to cower or be servile; neither is "tardiness" likely to whip a mob into a frenzy. A "harangue," or noisy attacking speech, is very likely to rouse a mob, but only if that mob is comprised of gullible people. Gullible people are typically not "incredulous," "skeptical," or "objective." The second blank is therefore "credulous."
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The old man was known by all to be a . He spent little on himself and was particularly with the needs and wants of his family.
The old man was known by all to be a . He spent little on himself and was particularly with the needs and wants of his family.
A number of these answers are meant to be traps, though not all for the same reason. Clearly a matter of money is involved, so one might want to call the old man a "scrooge" but this fails not only because of its colloquial tone but also because "nasty" doesn't fit. "Pecuniary" tries to catch one who has a good vocabulary but is not appropriate at all in this context. He might have been a "rake" but certainly couldn't be effusive with his family's needs. The answer with "troglodyte" doesn't make sense. "Miser . . . parsimonious" fits perfectly.
A number of these answers are meant to be traps, though not all for the same reason. Clearly a matter of money is involved, so one might want to call the old man a "scrooge" but this fails not only because of its colloquial tone but also because "nasty" doesn't fit. "Pecuniary" tries to catch one who has a good vocabulary but is not appropriate at all in this context. He might have been a "rake" but certainly couldn't be effusive with his family's needs. The answer with "troglodyte" doesn't make sense. "Miser . . . parsimonious" fits perfectly.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
From the time of her birth, the girl had been , always disobeying the of her elders.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
From the time of her birth, the girl had been , always disobeying the of her elders.
The sense of the first term is that the girl is to be described as stubborn or disobedient (as is clear from the rest of the sentence). The second blank appears to indicate some sort of suggestions or (better) commands given her by her elders. To this end, "refractory . . . injunctions" fits best. Probably the most tempting answers are "unflinching . . . sagacity" and "willful . . . insights." The latter only fits closely enough for "willful." In the case of the former, process of elimination will show that "refractory . . . injunctions" is a closer fit. Always remember the importance of eliminating answers so you can make this kind of intelligent decision.
The sense of the first term is that the girl is to be described as stubborn or disobedient (as is clear from the rest of the sentence). The second blank appears to indicate some sort of suggestions or (better) commands given her by her elders. To this end, "refractory . . . injunctions" fits best. Probably the most tempting answers are "unflinching . . . sagacity" and "willful . . . insights." The latter only fits closely enough for "willful." In the case of the former, process of elimination will show that "refractory . . . injunctions" is a closer fit. Always remember the importance of eliminating answers so you can make this kind of intelligent decision.
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