1,014 GRE Practice Questions, 3rd Edition

1. E If you notice the same direction trigger so too, you can recycle the clue personalities for the blank. None of initiations, implementations, or rationalizations means personalities, so eliminate choices (A), (B), and (D). Although aptitudes means skills, which pets can have, it does not directly relate to the clue in the sentence, personalities. So eliminate choice (C), and select choice (E).

2. initiative and strive

Lisa is frustrated by her husband’s lack of something, so that something must be good. Lassitude is the quality of being lazy or lacking in energy, which is not a good quality. Eloquence, or being skilled in the use of language is a positive quality, but the lack of eloquence would not likely be something that a wife would find frustrating. Initiative means ambition, a positive quality for a person to have. To motivate a person who lacks initiative, one must encourage him to try to do things. To mitigate means to make a problem better, which isn’t quite what you’re looking for. To invigorate means to give life to something, and there’s no indication in the sentence that the husband is expected to give life to anything. To strive means to aim for; a person with a lack of initiative should try to aim for things, so this word is a good fit for the blank.

3. remote and corroboration

The astronomers have discovered objects at the edges of the universe, so you need a word that is consistent with that clue. Paranormal means beyond the scope of scientific understanding; it is usually used to describe supernatural things like aliens and ghosts. Viscous means fluid or sticky, so that word is definitely not consistent with the blank. Remote means distant, which would describe objects at the edges of the universe. The quasars have shown scientists something about the existence of stars, so blank (ii) must mean something like proof. Distortion means changing, so that word is not consistent with the blank. Intuition is a feeling that something is true, but not actual proof. Corroboration means proof, and so it is a good fit for blank (ii).

4. B With the opposite direction trigger but in fact, you can recycle the opposite of the descriptive clue much less well-known, by filling the blank with well-known. None of contingent, cogent, or insistent means well-known, so eliminate choices (C), (D), and (E). Infamous means well-known, but in a negative way, so eliminate choice (A). Renowned means well-known, so select choice (B).

5. distinction between and interchangeably

For the first blank, the clues difference and has become unimportant require something like difference between. Similarity of and usefulness of do not mean difference between; distinction between does. For the second blank, the opposite-direction trigger but and the clue difference require something like similar. Statistically and differentially do not mean similar, but interchangeably does. Select distinction between and interchangeably.

6. B The clue is that Klemfuss created Secretaries’ Day, so he must have appreciated the value and significance of administrative assistants. None of proscribed, refuted, undermined, or admonished means appreciated, so eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E). Although touted does not—strictly speaking—mean appreciated, a person touts only something that is appreciated, so select choice (B).

7. anomalies, daunting, and authoritative

For the first blank, recycle the clue differences. Of the choices, only anomalies means differences. The second blank relates how these differences affect the task of literary scholars, so a word like difficult or challenging would make sense. Of the choices, only daunting makes sense. The third blank describes the type of texts that such differences would make so challenging, so a word that means genuine or authentic would make sense. Of the choices, authoritative is the best fit.

8. C The clue is the CD is similar to the painting, so you can fill the blank with something like reminds people of. None of obfuscates, disenchants, or sanctions means reminds people of, so eliminate choices (B), (D), and (E). Although the designer of the CD may admire the painting, the CD itself does not. Moreover, admires does not mean reminds people of. Evokes means reminds people of, so eliminate choice (A) and select choice (C).

9. E Despite the use of the word although, the structure of this sentence, including the colon, makes clear that you need a word that goes in the same direction as the clue. Whether you look to known or the phrase after the colon (or both), the blank must mean something like recognized. None of relegated, abrogated, annulled, or criticized means recognized, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (D). Someone who is positively recognized for something would be apotheosized, so select choice (E).

10. A With the opposite-direction trigger though, and the clue that Dan wanted honest criticism, the blank can mean something like yes-men. None of pedants, benefactors, adversaries, or mavericks means yes-men, so eliminate choices (B), (C), (D), and (E). Sycophants means yes-men, so select choice (A).

11. despondency, elation, and euphoric

The third blank has the clearest clue, so start there: The trigger although indicates that you need a word to contrast disappointed, so you need something like happy. Of the choices, only euphoric means happy. The third blank also provides part of the clue for the first two blanks: They’ll describe a strange mix of emotions, and they’ll be parallel to disappointed and euphoric. Of the choices for the first blank, only despondency matches disappointed; of the choices for the second blank, only elation matches euphoric.

12. glut and belied

The sentence states that sequels and remakes are derivative, and thus the article would be decrying their existence. Eliminate dearth, which means scarcity. Also eliminate quality as too neutral a word. Glut means overabundance and correctly reflects the clue word flooding. Next, a large quantity of sequels decades ago would disprove the claim at the end of the sentence. Eliminate underscored and predicted because neither one is supported. Belied means disproved, making glut and belied the final answers.

13. pecuniary and panacea

For the first blank, the information regarding the type of resources that were expended are the clues financial albatross and bankrupted. Thus, the first blank must mean something like financial. Assiduous and wholesome do not mean financial; pecuniary does. For the second blank, you learn that the drug is supposed to be used to treat numerous physical and mental ailments. Thus, the second blank must mean something like cure-all. Sinecure and mendicant do not mean cure-all, but panacea does. Thus, select pecuniary and panacea.

14. B Recycle the clue that Sheila made what seemed like bitter complaints. Neither waffle about, cater to, nor mince about means to make bitter complaints, so eliminate choices (A), (C), and (E). You might have associated grieve with the word grievance, but it actually means to mourn, so eliminate choice (D). To rail is to make bitter complaints, so select choice (B).

15. timorous, precarious, and suspect

Because the stress tests are supposed to reassure the investors, the first blank must describe someone in need of reassurance, so something like scared or nervous would make sense; timorous is the best match. The second blank describes financial institutions that are distinguished from reliable ones, so the word for that blank should contrast with reliable. Of the choices, precarious offers the best contrast. Finally, the results are reported with a lack of candor, so the test results should be dishonest or unreliable. Suspect is the best choice.

1. A Recycle the clue bickering. None of laudations, affectations, procrastinations, or humor mean bickering, so eliminate choices (B), (C), (D), and (E). To squabble means to bicker, so select choice (A).

2. D The clues that the Mayor was involved in a long trial and as a result suffered failing health require that the blank mean something like sick. None of distraught, exonerated, inspired, or vindicated mean sick, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (E). Debilitated means sick, so select choice (D).

3. chronically and agile

The sentence starts with the trigger word Despite to set up a contrast between the two parts of the sentence. Since the first part describes her poor physical condition and the second her surprisingly positive state, the first blank has to describe her arthritis in a negative way. Mildly and sympathetically would not present the arthritis negatively, so the best answer is chronically. Similarly, the clue to the second blank is pleasant and it implies that the dog is positively described. Enervated means lacking energy, and acute could means perceptive, which also does not make sense here. Thus the best answers are chronically and agile.

4. D The clue that the goal is to prevent breaking the shell requires that the blank mean something like strong. None of tenuous, pristine, permeable, or obtuse mean strong, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (E). Resilient means strong, so select choice (D).

5. belligerent, corporeal, and epithets

Start with the third blank: You need something that can be yelled, and can’t be stopped with handcuffs, so a word like insults would make sense in the blank. Of the choices, only epithets means insults. The second blank should contrast with the third blank, and describe the type of violence that can be stopped with handcuffs. Hence, you need a word like physical; of the choices, corporeal is the best fit. Finally, the first blank should mean something like fighting, since you know the two men are handcuffed and have been engaging in physical violence. Belligerent is the best choice.

6. bucolic and cultural

The sentence starts with the trigger word Though, signaling that the two parts of the sentence will be different. Since you know the town is scenically beautiful, the second blank means something else besides its appearance. Eliminate attractive, and eliminate picaresque because there is no clue that the town refers to an adventure story. Cultural makes the most sense for the meaning of the second blank. The first blank describes the scenically beautiful town, and must mean something similar to attractive country as a contrast to the city. Eliminate sprawling and desolate, neither of which are suggested by the clues. Bucolic, which means pertaining to country pleasantness, is the strongest fit. The best answers are bucolic and cultural.

7. C Recycle the clue dominion. None of heterodoxy, methodology, impotence, or timorousness means dominion, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (D), and (E). Hegemony means dominion, so select choice (C).

8. glib, exacerbating, and parlous

The clues for the first blank indicate that the chairman’s comments made the people even angrier; you can eliminate compassionate and solicitous, because people would not be angered by kind or helpful comments. Glib is the best choice. For the second blank, you need something like making worse, because you know that the people are even angrier; exacerbating is the best fit. The third blank describes the situation that was made worse, so it must have already been bad. Of the choices, only parlous, which means perilous, is sufficiently negative.

9. expatiate, petty, and impending

The clue to the last blank is next month, so the missing word must mean coming or about to happen. Impending is the best match, and neither of the two other choices is supported. For the first blank, the clue is that the memoir allows distinguished figures to tell us about experiences and wisdom learned, so the missing word must mean write about. Extemporize means to improvise, which is incorrect because Grant wrote an actual account, and exagitate is incorrect because there is no suggestion of his stirring up or censuring. Expatiate, which means to write about in detail, is the best fit. For the second blank, note the contrast between the significant works of distinguished figures and the experience of a fly-by-night internet celebrity. The missing word will mean insignificant. Apocryphal is incorrect because the writings are not necessarily fictional, and eccentric is incorrect because there’s no context to support the experiences being unusual. That leaves petty, which fits the context of the sentence.

10. esteem and approbation

For the first blank, the opposite-direction triggers although and not cancel each other out, so you can recycle the clue honored. Neither decorum nor ennui means honor, but esteem does. For the second blank, the semicolon trigger indicates than an explanation will be given about how Father’s Day became an honored tradition. Ask yourself what was required from prominent figures before Americans embraced the holiday. The second blank must mean something like praise. Neither opprobrium nor hyperbole means praise, but approbation means praise. Thus, select esteem and approbation.

11. inerrancy and doctrine

For the first blank, the clue is that the conservatives’ belief deals with the Scripture never being wrong, suggesting the missing word means perfection or infallibility. Fallacy is the opposite of what you need, and interpretation also does not mean infallibility. That makes inerrancy the best answer for the first blank. For the second blank, the trigger word However signals a different interpretation of the same belief, the meaning of the missing word. Erudition, or scholarly knowledge, can be eliminated, and centurion is irrelevant to the clues and blank. The right answer is doctrine, which means belief.

12. bellicose, diatribes, and magnanimous

First, find the story. Here is the funeral of a mean, judgmental man. The speaker respectfully finds nice things to say about him. For the first blank, look for things that go with arrogant and bitterly critical. Only bellicose, meaning aggressive and hostile, is sufficiently negative. The second blank describes the actions of the guy, so we need something along the same lines. Although eulogies belong at funerals, we need something bad. Diatribes work. The last sentence changes the direction by starting with nevertheless so we need something positive. Only magnanimous is positive.

13. pilloried and deride

Start with the first blank because it is easier. The clue disruptive child tells you the mother probably punished the child. Touted would provide you with a sentence that was opposite in meaning and calumniated has a similar negative connotation, but it would not be appropriate. The second blank’s clue mock can be recycled for the blank. Laud is opposite of mock, and renege simply doesn’t make sense. Select pilloried and deride.

14. E The same direction trigger provided by the colon and indeed, and the clue that some people have never even seen a live chicken or cow requires that the blank mean something like absence. None of pith, dross, surfeit, or dirge mean absence, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (D). Dearth does mean absence, so select choice (E).

15. B The same direction trigger as and the clues hoax and feigned require that the blank mean something like tricked. None of reconnoitered, lambasted, vitiated, or derided mean tricked, so eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E). Hoodwinked does mean tricked, so select choice (B).

1. D The same-direction semi-colon and the clues that an aloe plant is an excellent choice for someone who lacks time for frequent watering or careful maintenance requires that the blank mean something like thrive. None of facilitate, ingest, consume, or advance means thrive, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (E). Flourish means thrive, so select choice (D).

2. silences and falsely

The word in the first blank gives a false impression about Howard’s underlying gregariousness, so you need something that suggests he isn’t sociable; hence, silences is the best choice. Since Howard is, underneath it all, gregarious, new acquaintances who think him churlish are incorrect, so falsely is the best fit.

3. C Recycle the clue peaceful pasture for the blank. None of halcyon, perennial, eclectic, or quiescent mean relating to a peaceful pasture, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (D), and (E). Bucolic does mean relating to a peaceful pasture, so select choice (C).

4. tact and denigrating

The first blank refers to what Jill doesn’t have, so you need a word that means politeness. Of the choices, only tact fits. The second blank refers to what Jill does without meaning to, so you need a word that means insulting. Of the choices, only denigrating means insulting.

5. E The same-direction trigger and as well as the clue nothing but contempt requires that the blank mean something like disrespectfully. None of didactically, affably, jocularly, or morosely means disrespectfully, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (D). Disdainfully does mean disrespectfully, so select choice (E).

6. precluded and pragmatic

The council member’s strategy made her opponent’s attacks impossible or useless, so you need a word for the first blank that means something like made impossible. Of the choices, only precluded makes sense. The second blank is a description of the strategy in opposition to a less effective one, so a word like effective or useful would make sense. Of the choices, only pragmatic, which means practical, fits.

7. B Lindsay is described as hesitant and unsure, and is weighing the conflicting motivations of health and convenience, so you need a word that means something like hesitated or was unsure. Of the choices, only vacillated makes sense. Be careful of choice (C): To support equivocated, you would have to know that Lindsay had already spoken to guests about the issue.

8. umbrage and dross

Start with the second blank. You know from the second part of the sentence that slush piles are unsolicited, soon-to-be-rejected manuscripts, so the missing word is probably something like unwanted material. Of the choices, only dross is sufficiently negative. For the first blank, since the agent is arguing that several major authors were discovered in the pile, he must not like the idea of the slush pile being called dross. The missing word, then, must mean something like offense. Of the choices, only umbrage means offense.

9. deride, heretical, and separate

For the first blank, the opposite-direction trigger while and the contrast between the clues modernist and traditional require that the blank mean something like criticize. Venerate and celebrate do not mean criticize, but deride does. For the second blank, the clue traditional as well as the completed first blank require that the second blank mean something like unorthodox. Dogmatic and axiomatic do not mean unorthodox, but heretical does. For the third blank, the opposite direction trigger while and the clue inherently related require that the blank mean something like distinct. Logical and intertwined do not mean distinct, but separate does. Thus, select deride, heretical, and separate.

10. D To describe the voice of the novel, recycle any of the clues unaffected, common, or everyday. Of the choices, only candid makes sense.

11. apolitical, free from, and subjective

This is a tricky passage. It talks about the controversies that surround history. It seems that even old history can still get people riled up and there are bound to be opposing views. As always, pay attention to trigger words. The second sentence says, while, which signals that blank (ii) must be different from remains the subject of polarizing debates. This is a change in direction, so one would think there would only be one view. So the second blank should say something like past or over. Free from works the best. Since everything is being argued, we need something negative or argumentative for the last blank. That knocks out mellifluous and objective. The first blank speculates on whether or not historical arguments are ever over. Apolitical is the best stand-in for the end of arguments over history.

12. execrable, an error to neglect, and mitigate the effects

The first blank describes the state of the city’s public schools; since the author is seeking remedies, something like bad would make sense in the blank. Of the choices, only execrable means bad. The second sentence lists elements that will play a vital role in the remedy, but the trigger while suggests more needs to be done; of the choices for the second blank, only an error to ignore allows this meaning. The final sentence is an example to reinforce this idea, and the blank describes what talented teachers would do to negative factors; of the choices, only mitigate the effects makes sense.

13. squandered and impugned

For the first blank, the clues that Garlin has a diminutive attention span and uncompleted projects require a word that means something like wasted. Evinced and burnished do not mean wasted, but squandered does. For the second blank, the opposite-direction trigger while and the clue venerating require a strong word such as scorned. Parried and defalcated do not mean scorned, but impugned does. Thus, select squandered and impugned.

14. D The clues origins and the entire phrase following the comma requires that the blank mean something like uncertain. None of esoteric, ephemeral, apposite, or ubiquitous means uncertain, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (E). Nebulous means mysterious which is close enough to unknown, so select choice (D).

15. A The clue made concentrating difficult requires that the blank mean something like noisy. None of quiescent, rapacious, enervated, or antagonistic means noisy, so eliminate choices (B), (C), (D), and (E). Obstreperous means noisy, so select choice (A).

1. B The same-direction semi-colon trigger and the clue bought tickets for all the show require that the blank mean something like loved. None of abhorred, owned, loathed, or managed means loved, so eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E). Cherished means loved, so select choice (B).

2. clandestine and obsolete

The clue for the first blank is that the language was created so the criminals could communicate without the authorities knowing what was going on. Thus, the missing word must mean something like secret. Of the choices, only clandestine fits. The clue for the second blank is that the language was widely used by criminals five hundred years ago, but the trigger although means you need a word that means the opposite of widely used. Of the choices, only obsolete makes sense.

3. A Even if you do not know the words philately and numismatist, the clue is new hobby, with yet additional information provided by the opposite-direction time trigger had already become and associated clue expert. Therefore, the blank must mean something like amateur. None of philanderer, mentor, specialist, or eccentric means amateur, so eliminate choices (B), (C), (D), and (E). Dilettante means amateur, so select choice (A).

4. external and minutiae

Start with the second blank, which refers to little things inside the structures: flower pots, sink fixtures, and working windows. The word in the blank, then, must mean something like details. Of the choices, only minutiae makes sense. Now work the first blank: The trigger while suggests you need a word that means the opposite of internal minutiae. Of the choices, external is the best fit. While august might be tempting, it’s too strong for the context: While the structures are important, there isn’t any indication that they’re inspiring reverence.

5. D The same-direction semi-colon trigger and the clues arduous combat, two battles in two days and subsequent defeat require that the blank mean something like exhaustion. None of bellicosity, pugnacity, pacification, or aggravation means exhaustion, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (E). Enervation means weakening, so select choice (D).

6. complications, tarnish, and assuage

For the first blank, you need a word that explains what happened during production. Audrey Hepburn almost refused the part and the director had to make several compromises, so a word like problems would make sense. Of the choices, only complications fits. The second blank describes what Hepburn feared would happen to her image; if she nearly turned down the part because her image was pristine, she didn’t want to hurt her image. Of the choices, only tarnish can mean hurt. The last blank describes why the director made compromises for the censors: to make them happy. Of the choices, only assuage makes sense.

7. zenith, feckless, and temporal

The first blank refers to state of papal power under Innocent; since his immense personal prestige cowed even kings, a word that means something like high point or greatest period would make sense in the blank. Of the choices, only zenith works. The second blank refers to John of England. Both the trigger from … to and the epithets given to John indicate that you need a word that contrasts with powerful. Of the answer choices, only feckless, which means ineffective, fits. The third blank needs to contrast with spiritual: Don’t be fooled by the word and, which is part of the change direction trigger tension between … and. Temporal is the only choice that makes sense.

8. C The clue ironically indicates that the blank needs to mean the opposite of exceeded the average in education, intellect, and experience, so your answer could be anything that suggests uneducated, unintelligent, or inexperienced. Of the choices, only mediocrity makes sense.

9. profiteering and salutary

The sentence talks about books that make money from publishing other people’s disasters. This is often what profiteering means. For the second blank, the clue helping us to appreciate the humanity of people requires a word meaning something like helpful. Specious and sedulous do not mean helpful, but salutary does. Thus, select profiteering and salutary.

10. B The opposite-direction trigger while and the opposite-direction time trigger after the incident, along with the clue answered him truthfully require that the second blank mean something like mislead. None of vituperate, illuminate, covet, or desiccate mean mislead, so eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E). Obfuscate does mean mislead, so select choice (B).

11. A The words unpopular and preferred act as opposite-direction triggers. The clues roundabout and loquaciousness require that the blank mean something like briefness. None of enlargement, garrulousness, gregariousness, or perspicacity means brevity, so eliminate choices (B), (C), (D), and (E). Succinctness does mean brevity, so select choice (A).

12. extemporaneous and germane

The students will have only a few minutes to prepare, so you need a word for the first blank that means improvised. Spurious means inauthentic, and can be eliminated. Contentious means tending to argue and does not address the lack of time to prepare, so eliminate this choice. Extemporaneous means with little or no preparation and is the best fit and correct answer. For the second blank, you need a word that means effectively on topic because their remarks have to be effective though they might know very little about the topic. Sanctimonious means showing moral superiority and seditious means inciting a rebellion, so eliminate these choices. Germane means relevant, and is the best fit for the second blank.

13. B The opposite-direction trigger although and the clue tenuous display of solidarity indicate that the remainder of the sentence will explain that the solidarity is not heartfelt. Thus, the clue incensed requires that the blank mean something like anger. None of camaraderie, adulation, facetiousness, or hubris means anger, so eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E). Rancor does mean anger, so select choice (B).

14. alacrity, chicanery, and ardent

The second-string quarterback doesn’t seem to have played much, but is well known off the field for something infamous or deceitful. For the second blank, chicanery fits the bill nicely. For the first blank, we know he turned the tide of the game and did it in a manner that surprised everyone. Alacrity will work for this blank since we are told that his impact was immediate. And for the third blank, winning a decisive game is likely to win him some passionate fans, so ardent works well.

15. effusive and apposite

For the first blank, you need a word that means expressing praise, since the journalist is giving praise at the end of the sentence. Effusive means unrestrained in expressing praise; this is the best fit and correct answer. Tentative means holding back and is not a match, and bombastic means pompous and is also incorrect. Since the crime rate has dropped, you need a word that means appropriate for the second blank. Specious means seeming true but actually false; eliminate this choice. Presumptuous means based on assumption, and is incorrect given the proven drop in crime rate. Apposite means appropriate; this fits the context of the blank and is the correct answer.

1. disappointing, garner, and nigh

Rich has a deadline approaching and needs some more time. The storm would have given him a good excuse, but it seems to have changed direction. Its shift, therefore, must have been dis-appointing to him. He planned to use the excuse to buy himself some more time, so garner works in the second blank. The third blank describes the deadline, which is approaching, so nigh works well.

2. B The clues stirring words and not enough require that the blank mean something like eloquent. None of deceptive, lengthy, crafty, or impromptu means eloquent, so eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E), and select choice (B).

3. prestige and reaped

The two parts of the sentence need to refer to the same topic, so recycle the clue respect for the first blank. Of the choices, only prestige means respect. For the second blank, the clue decline and the trigger in contrast to indicate that you need a word that means something like increased. Of the choices, only reaped makes sense.

4. E The clue odious reminder requires that the blank mean rejected. None of placated, extolled, circumscribed, or tempered mean rejected, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (D). Repudiated does mean rejected, so select choice (E).

5. membrane, porous, and permeate

For the first blank, you need a word for the tissue right on the inside of an eggshell. Yolk is the central part of the egg, so eliminate this choice. Albumen is the egg white, but this does not line the eggshell; eliminate this choice. Membrane is the word meaning the tissue that separates parts of an organism, and is the best fit. For the second blank, you need a word that states the membrane lets things get through. Impermeable means blocks from passage, the opposite of what you need. Flexible does not mean allowing to pass through, so eliminate this choice. Porous is the best choice. For the third blank, you need a word that means enter, and the correct choice, permeate, means exactly that. Addle means to confuse and infect means to cause to become ill, and neither choice fits the context of the third blank.

6. D The same-direction trigger too and the clue emotional coddling (and the opposite-direction trigger forgetting and its clue competitive environments) require that the blank mean something like leniently. None of aggressively, quixotically, fortuitously, or belligerently mean leniently, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (E). Indulgently does mean leniently, so select choice (D).

7. duration, timorous, and integral

The second blank has the strongest clue, so start there. The people who sit for only a few moments are contrasted with the bold who sit for several hours, so you need a word that means not bold. Of the choices, only timorous fits. Now go to the first blank: If some are described as sitting only briefly, and others for longer periods, then something that means period of time would make sense. Of the choices, only duration can mean period of time. The third blank refers to the role the visitors play; since the visitors themselves are half of the performance, you might use a word like necessary to describe what kind of components they are. Integral is another word for necessary, so it’s the best fit.

8. E The clues repulsed by and calculated flattery require that the blank means something like flattering. None of natty, profligate, rapacious, nor sententious means flattering, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (D). Obsequious means flattering, so select choice (E).

9. B The same-direction trigger colon and the clues tortuous and confound require that the blank mean something like complex. None of banal, elegiac, mundane, or panegyric means complex, so eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E). Recondite does mean complex, so select choice (B).

10. anomalous and dissipating

For the first blank, the clue is the contrast established between Bavaria and the rest of Europe. Thus, the blank must mean something like weird. Felicitous and querulous do not mean weird, but anomalous does. For the second blank, the opposite-direction trigger while, and the clue gained steam require a word meaning something like diminishing. Weltering and forswearing do not mean diminishing, but dissipating does. Thus, select anomalous and dissipating.

11. C The clues lacking radio and satellite, significant challenges, and changes on the battlefield require that the blank mean something like information about. None of fortification, adulteration, accretion, or adumbration of means information, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (D), and (E). Appraisal means review or evaluation, so choice (C) is the best answer.

12. E The trigger while indicates that the two parts of the sentence will disagree, and the opposition is expressed by loses and increases. Thus, the blank needs to mean effectiveness of a persuasive message. Of the choices, only cogency conveys this sense of a convincingly logical message.

13. A The clue ouster requires that the blank mean something like resignation. None of vacillation, castigation, asceticism, or misanthropy means resignation, so eliminate choices (B), (C), (D), and (E). Abnegation means resignation of the throne, so select choice (A).

14. dogmatic and checking

The first blank describes the thinking of scientists who refused to consider a process they can’t explain, so a word like rigid or limited would make sense. Of the choices, only dogmatic matches the meaning you need. The second blank describes the result of such limited thinking on the advancement of science, so you need a word that means something like slowing or stopping. Of the choices, only checking fits the context.

15. volatile, immutable, and unfettered

The third blank must be consistent with the clue free expression. Circumscribed means restricted and would disagree with free expression. Jingoistic means extremely nationalistic and has a negative connotation. Unfettered means without restriction, making it the best choice for the third blank. If America will always have a particular characteristic, then that characteristic must be always true. Egregious means extremely bad, and autonomous means self-governing, so neither of those words is a good fit for the blank. Immutable means unchanging and is your best choice. The trigger even in tells you that the first blank must go in a different direction from the second blank, and that you need a word that indicates changing. Arcadian means peacefully rustic, and idiosyncratic means strange; neither of these words means changing and both choices can be eliminated. Volatile means prone to change, and is a good contrast to immutable.

1. C Recycle the clue remaining calm. None of impracticality, cynicism, zeal, or malevolence means remaining calm, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (D), and (E). Equanimity means remaining calm, so select choice (C).

2. B The clue that Seth did not enjoy activities that required effort to meet new people requires that the blank mean something like shy. None of extroverted, gregarious, lackluster, or jaded mean shy, so eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E). Introverted means shy, so select choice (B).

3. oblivious and cognizant

If Denise looks distant, it appears that she is unaware of her surroundings. Truant means absent, which makes no sense in this text, and fetching means attractive, which is also irrelevant. Her distant look makes her appear oblivious, or unaware. The word actually signals that the second blank must go in a different direction from the first, and must mean something such as aware. Sedulous means hardworking, which has nothing to do with being aware. Insensible means unaware, and is the opposite of what you’re looking for. Cognizant means aware, and is the best fit for the second blank.

4. C The same-direction trigger because and the clue sin indicate that the blank means sinful. Of the choices, only iniquitous means sinful and is the best answer.

5. A The clue ridiculed, as well as the idea of eating snacks while working out, requires that the blank mean something like foolish. None of pithy, indolent, precarious, or hackneyed means foolish, so eliminate choices (B), (C), (D), and (E). Fatuous means foolish, so select choice (A).

6. proliferate and imminent

The clue the economy turned around and the trigger word and dictate that the blank, which refers to what happened to jobs, must mean something like increase or become more common. Of the choices, only proliferate makes sense. Be careful with aggrandize—it means to make something greater, not to become more numerous. To agree with the clue the good news would be quite transient, the second blank has to mean something like about to happen. Of the choices, only imminent fits.

7. D You are told the subject is new and doesn’t yet feel comfortable. For the blank, you need something to support the notion that she is new. Tyro means a beginner, so it fits nicely.

8. fallacious, denotation, and distinct

Veeder thinks something about synonyms, words that mean the same thing. Meaning for him seems to depend upon context and connotation as much as an actual dictionary definition, which would make the notion of synonyms difficult since there would always be external circumstances to consider. Therefore, we need something negative for the first blank at least. That knocks out veracious. Maladaptive doesn’t make sense since nothing is adapting, so fallacious must work. For the second blank we need things that contribute to the meanings of words. Only denotation works. And for the last blank, we need something that says that even synonyms are different. Distinct fits the bill.

9. tout and injudicious

A politician emphasizes his virtues, and so the first blank must mean emphasize. To enfeeble is to weaken, the opposite of what you need. To democratize is to make democratic, and doesn’t mean emphasize. To tout is to emphasize the positive nature of something, and is consistent with the context of the first blank. The clue after the colon refers to a negative consequence of the politicians’ actions, so the second blank must be a negative word. Apt means smart and is a positive word you can eliminate. Injudicious and jejune are both negative words. Injudicious means unwise and ostentatious means pretentiously showy. Injudicious is a better fit for the blank: The problem with the politicians emphasizing their own virtues is that it is ineffective and ill-advised.

10. D The opposite-direction trigger while and the clue might require that the blank mean something like inevitable. None of desultory, endemic, salient, or seminal means inevitable, so eliminate choices (A), (B), (C), and (E). Ineluctable means inevitable, so select choice (D).

11. erudite, paradigm, and menial

The first and third blanks have the clearest clues, so start with them. For the first blank, recycle the clue well-educated; of the choices, only erudite makes sense. For the third blank, recycle the clue mundane; of the choices, only menial fits. The second blank describes Dorothea, and if her marriage into a life of mundane and menial needs causes debate among Eliot scholars, then Dorothea must have been an example of a well-educated, erudite woman. Of the choices, only paradigm means example.

12. A Here is a guy who no one in the establishment takes seriously and yet has an exuberant following. His opinions must not match with the mainstream. Iconoclastic is the best fit.

13. prodigious, precariously, and perilous

The clues are the same for the second and third blanks, so start there. The new bridge was an improvement in highway safety, so the old bridge must have been a danger; of the choices, only precariously makes sense in the second blank, and only perilous makes sense in the third. The first blank describes the improvement; the old bride had been narrow, and the new one was relatively expansive, so a word that means big would make sense. Of the choices, only prodigious means big.

14. inchoate and unbedizened

The trigger word unlike and the clue drawn with rich detail require that the second blank means lacking detail. Dynamic and fractious do not mean lacking detail, and can be eliminated. Unbedizened means unadorned and is a good fit for this blank. For the first blank, the clue years before the novel was complete and the information later on indicate that the first blank means incomplete. Parochial means narrow-minded and fallow means inactive, so both can be eliminated. Inchoate means coming into existence and is the best choice for the first blank.

15. apocryphal, pusillanimous, and ingenuous

Each blank is associated with the opposite direction trigger or. For the first blank, the clue veritable requires a word that means untrue. Of the choices, only apocryphal makes sense. For the second blank, the clue mettle requires a word that means cowardly. Of the choices, pusillanimous is the best fit. For the third blank, the clue guile requires a word meaning something such as guileless. Of the choices, only ingenuous means guileless.

1. A The missing word refers to a project—in this case a screenwriter’s story—which consists of little more than a few basic plot points. Therefore, the missing word might mean something like incomplete, so you can immediately eliminate choice (B). There is not enough information to suggest that the story is convoluted, prosaic, or tortuous, so eliminate choices (C), (D), and (E). Undeveloped means incomplete, so choice (A) is the best answer.

2. B The blank describes the weather in San Francisco. The transition though indicates that it is not sunny and temperate. Inclement works the best.

3. E From the clues in this sentence, you know that Singapore’s independence was newly-granted and that industrialization and foreign investment had not yet taken root. You need a word that means something like unstable or weak for the blank. Choices (A), (B), and (C) all go in the opposite direction of what you’re looking for, so eliminate them. Fortuitous doesn’t fit in the context of your clues, making dubious the best answer.

4. advantage and rudimentary

The clue to the second blank, sophisticated weaponry that could easily overpower, suggests a word that means less sophisticated. Intricate and perilous do not pertain to being less sophisticated and can be eliminated, leaving rudimentary as the correct answer. The northern nations could easily overpower the southern nations, and so they had an upper hand. Advantage is the only choice that means upper hand and is correct.

5. C While the legislators claimed the Contagious Diseases Acts strengthened the nation, the change- direction trigger even though shows that the social purists disagreed. You want a word similar to harm or weaken for the blank. Hampered is similar to harm and provides you with an equivalent sentence; advanced and enhanced go in the opposite direction, so eliminate choices (A) and (E). Ameliorated and supplanted don’t make sense in the context of the sentence, so eliminate choices (B) and (D) and select choice (C).

6. C The hall’s design was likely plain or functional, given the clue minimalist influences. Choices (A), (B), and (E) are easy eliminations, as they are clearly opposite in meaning. You can eliminate choice (D) if you know that refulgent is the opposite of plain. Unadorned is the best match.

7. esoteric, panoramic, and scrutinized

For the first blank, the sentence states that prisons are less something than musing on ethics. Thus, while a word like theoretical would make sense, esoteric is the best match. The second blank describes the view you would have from the center; panoramic makes the most sense. Finally, the third blank is contrasting with when the guards are looking elsewhere, thus scrutinized is the best match.

8. dependent on, repudiated, and specious

Start with the last blank because it is the easiest. The clue tells you that the plaintiff’s case disintegrated. Therefore, the claims must have been shown to be false. Facetious, though somewhat negative, does not mean false but does not go far enough. Unerring goes in the opposite direction. Specious is the best match. The first blank is the easiest one to attempt next. The case fell apart when something happened to the witnesses’ credentials, so a good phrase for the first blank—which described the role of the witnesses in the plaintiff’s case—is “based on.” Dependent on is the only match. If the plaintiff’s claims were based on the witnesses, and the case fell apart, logically the witnesses must have been discredited somehow. A good word for the second blank—which describes what the court decided about the witnesses’ credentials—is denied. Vindicated goes in the opposite direction. Repudiated is the best match.

9. D The sentence states that increases in technology have led to increases in speed and power. The blank, therefore, requires something along the lines of similar or proportional. Only commensurate fits. The answer is choice (D).

10. D Look for the clue in the strong adjective electrifying. The song must pump up the pitchers’ fans. Eviscerates and enervates are the opposite of what you want, so eliminate choices (A) and (B). Pervades is unrelated to the clue, and assuages sounds like a possibility, but has nothing to do with excitement; eliminate choices (C) and (E). You’re left with choice (D), innervates, which means to pump up.

11. D The blank refers to Emmet Ray’s paradoxical character. The trigger while follows the clue, indicating that his sophisticated musical artistry is contrary to some other aspect of his personality. Look for a word that means unsophisticated, and use POE to eliminate choices (B) and (E). Petulant and audacious have appropriately negative meanings, but are unrelated to sophistication in the context of artistry. Maladroit means clumsy, so choice (D) is the best match.

12. impugn, substantiated, and foreclosing

The first blank refers to the intention of the editorial, which suggested a preferable alternative to the current administration; a good word to describe the editorial’s intention toward the incumbents might be a word such as attack or undermine. Of the choices, only impugn means attack. The second blank refers to claims made against the group that the editorial was trying to support; the actions were inadvertent, so a good word for the blank might be something like supported or proved. Of the choices, the only word that makes sense is substantiated. Since the editorial ended up damaging the interests of the preferable alternative, a good word for the third blank might be something like stopping. Foreclosing matches this meaning.

13. diurnal, gregarious, and camaraderie

The clue for the first blank is most of their activities during the day, and so that blank must describe such a pattern. Quotidian means common and circadian patterns occur once per day, but not specifically during the daytime. Diurnal is the best fit because it means during the daytime. The second blank needs to be consistent with the clue desire for company. Collaborative means enjoys working with others but not a desire for company, but a gregarious creature is quite social and seeks out company. Egregious means extremely bad, and does not match. The third blank must also describe something like company. Litheness means grace and flexibility and fatuity means idiotic, and neither one truly refers to having company. Camaraderie means trusting friendship, which is the most like company and makes it the best answer.

14. haughtiness and sanction

The first part of the sentence states that mathematicians should not be dismissive of theorems that seem beneath them. Someone who does this would be snobbish, so the first blank must mean something like snobbishness. Puerility means immaturity and substantiation means proof, so neither of those is a match, while haughtiness does mean snobbishness. If the advanced degrees are not a license, that means that they do not give someone permission to do something bad such as have arrogance or egotism. The second blank must mean something like permit. To dispel is to push away, which is almost the opposite of what you need here. To cultivate means to foster, which is not the same as permit. Sanction is the best answer because one of its standard definitions is give permission.

15. exegesis and parochial

Bettelheim has produced something that is thorough and well-researched concerning “Hansel and Gretel.” The first blank must then mean scholarly study. An incantation is a magical spell and relish could mean enjoyment, but neither word pertains to being scholarly. An exegesis is a critical explanation, or scholarly study, and is correct. Bettelheim’s focus is severely constricted by his narrow worldview, so it must be narrow. Sweeping can mean vast, the opposite of what you need. A jaundiced focus is one that is affected by envy or bitterness, and there is no support for this idea in the clues. Parochial means provincial or narrow-minded, making it a solid fit for the second blank.

ANSWERS

Drill 1

Drill 2

Drill 3

Drill 4

Drill 5

Drill 6

Drill 7