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GRE General Test — Text Completion

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Question 1

The activist's tactics grew increasingly ________ over time, escalating from peaceful petitions to disruptive public demonstrations.

A) passive
B) confrontational
C) subtle
D) apologetic
E) predictable

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) confrontational

Escalating "from peaceful petitions to disruptive public demonstrations" describes a shift toward more aggressive, direct opposition -- confrontational fits this escalation, opposite of passive.

Question 2

The new regulations were designed to ________ small businesses from the compliance burdens that larger corporations could more easily absorb.

A) expose
B) exempt
C) penalize
D) inform
E) recruit

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) exempt

Since larger corporations can "more easily absorb" compliance burdens, the regulations aim to spare smaller businesses from that burden -- "exempt" (free from an obligation) fits, not "expose" or "penalize," which would increase the burden.

Question 3

The reviewer found the film's plot ________, praising its refusal to follow the predictable three-act structure typical of the genre.

A) formulaic
B) unconventional
C) derivative
D) forgettable
E) simplistic

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) unconventional

Praising the film for "refusal to follow the predictable... structure typical of the genre" implies the plot broke from convention -- unconventional (not following what is usual or expected) fits, opposite of formulaic or derivative.

Question 4

The professor's argument, while intellectually ________, rested on a single, easily disprovable premise that undermined its entire conclusion.

A) shallow
B) elegant
C) redundant
D) irrelevant
E) derivative

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) elegant

"While" signals a contrast between the argument's intellectual quality and its fatal flaw. Elegant (admirably neat and simple) fits as a positive quality undermined by the disprovable premise, contrasting with the argument's ultimate failure.

Question 5

Contrary to its reputation for ________ prose, the legal brief was, in this instance, unusually clear and accessible to non-lawyers.

A) lucid
B) turgid
C) simple
D) concise
E) friendly

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) turgid

"Contrary to its reputation" signals the brief is the opposite of what's typically expected of legal writing. Since this instance was "unusually clear and accessible," the reputation must be for the opposite quality -- turgid (overly complex, pompous, or difficult) fits legal writing's stereotype.

Question 6

The historian's account was praised for its ________, drawing on newly declassified documents that no previous scholar had consulted.

A) originality
B) brevity
C) bias
D) simplicity
E) predictability

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) originality

Using "newly declassified documents that no previous scholar had consulted" is a hallmark of original research -- originality (novelty, freshness of approach) is the fitting praise.

Question 7

The professor's ________ style of teaching, in which she posed questions rather than delivering lectures, encouraged students to reach conclusions on their own.

A) Socratic
B) passive
C) lecture-based
D) rote
E) monologic

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) Socratic

"Posed questions rather than delivering lectures" to encourage independent reasoning describes the classic question-and-answer teaching method associated with "Socratic" instruction.

Question 8

Despite the ________ evidence against him, the defendant maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

A) nonexistent
B) mounting
C) absent
D) negligible
E) scant

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) mounting

"Despite" signals contrast with his continued claim of innocence, implying the evidence was substantial and growing -- "mounting" fits this description.

Question 9

The critic accused the film of being ________, borrowing so heavily from earlier movies that entire scenes felt like direct copies.

A) groundbreaking
B) inventive
C) derivative
D) original
E) innovative

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C) derivative

"Borrowing so heavily...that entire scenes felt like direct copies" describes unoriginal work -- "derivative" fits this description.

Question 10

The architect's design was praised for its ________, using natural light and open sightlines to make the modest building feel far more spacious than its actual square footage.

A) ingenuity
B) confinement
C) darkness
D) clutter
E) monotony

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) ingenuity

"Making the modest building feel far more spacious" through clever use of light and sightlines describes a clever, resourceful solution -- "ingenuity" fits this description.

Question 11

The board's ________ response to the whistleblower's allegations, issued within hours and promising a full independent investigation, was widely seen as a model of corporate accountability.

A) sluggish
B) evasive
C) dismissive
D) swift
E) delayed

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D) swift

"Issued within hours" describes a rapid response -- "swift" fits this description, and a fast, transparent reaction aligns with being "widely seen as a model of...accountability."

Question 12

Although the two proposals appeared ________ at first glance, a closer reading revealed that they differed substantially in their funding mechanisms.

A) distinct
B) opposing
C) contradictory
D) incompatible
E) similar

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: E) similar

"Although...at first glance" signals a contrast with the later finding that they "differed substantially." Appearing alike at first, despite later differences, fits "similar."

Question 13

The negotiations, which had dragged on for months without progress, were suddenly ________ by the arrival of a mediator who proposed a compromise both sides found acceptable.

A) prolonged
B) invigorated
C) suspended
D) complicated
E) forgotten

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) invigorated

The negotiations had been stagnant ("dragged on... without progress"), and the mediator's arrival changed this for the better (leading to an acceptable compromise), so the negotiations were energized -- invigorated -- by the intervention.

Question 14

Despite the committee's reputation for careful deliberation, its decision to approve the project without further review struck many observers as surprisingly ________.

A) meticulous
B) hasty
C) predictable
D) unanimous
E) transparent

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) hasty

The word "despite" signals a contrast with the committee's reputation for "careful deliberation." A decision made "without further review" that surprises observers, given that reputation, is best described as hasty -- the opposite of careful.

Question 15

The critic praised the novel's prose for its ________ quality, noting that not a single word felt superfluous or out of place.

A) florid
B) economical
C) meandering
D) archaic
E) ambiguous

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) economical

Prose in which "not a single word felt superfluous" is prose that uses language efficiently -- economical is the word that captures this sense of tightness and lack of waste.

Question 16

Although the scientist's early hypotheses were later disproven, her willingness to ________ them in light of new evidence set an example of intellectual honesty for her students.

A) abandon
B) publicize
C) defend
D) elaborate
E) memorize

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) abandon

The sentence praises her "intellectual honesty" in responding to disproven hypotheses; the honest response to being proven wrong is to abandon the hypothesis, not defend or elaborate on it.

Question 17

Far from being a ________ thinker, the philosopher revised her central thesis at least three times over the course of her career as new arguments emerged.

A) dogmatic
B) flexible
C) prolific
D) obscure
E) renowned

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) dogmatic

"Far from being" signals that the philosopher is the opposite of the blank. Someone who revises her views repeatedly is the opposite of dogmatic (rigidly attached to fixed beliefs), so "dogmatic" is what she is NOT, fitting the blank.

Question 18

The senator's speech was widely criticized as ________, offering vague generalities instead of the concrete policy proposals the audience had expected.

A) substantive
B) nebulous
C) controversial
D) impassioned
E) concise

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) nebulous

The speech offered "vague generalities instead of... concrete policy proposals," which is precisely what "nebulous" (vague, unclear, lacking definite form) means.

Question 19

The city council's plan to renovate the waterfront was met with ________ from residents, who packed public meetings for months to voice their objections.

A) apathy
B) resistance
C) gratitude
D) indifference
E) approval

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) resistance

Residents who "packed public meetings for months to voice their objections" are actively opposing the plan -- resistance captures this active pushback, unlike apathy or indifference, which would suggest no reaction at all.

Question 20

The archaeologist's initial findings were ________ later challenged by more sophisticated dating techniques that placed the artifacts several centuries earlier than she had proposed.

A) subsequently
B) never
C) unanimously
D) rarely
E) permanently

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) subsequently

Since "more sophisticated dating techniques" produced a revised timeline, this challenge to her findings happened afterward -- "subsequently" (following in time) fits, in contrast to "never" which would contradict the sentence's own claim that the findings were challenged.

Question 21

Though the professor's manner in class was famously ________, students who visited her office hours discovered a warmth and patience rarely glimpsed during lectures.

A) affable
B) brusque
C) generous
D) welcoming
E) sentimental

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) brusque

"Though" signals a contrast between her classroom manner and the "warmth and patience" discovered in office hours. Brusque (curt, abrupt) is the opposite of warm and patient, fitting the contrastive structure.

Question 22

The committee's report was praised for its ________ tone, presenting even the most contentious findings without a hint of editorializing or bias.

A) polemical
B) impartial
C) emotional
D) persuasive
E) evasive

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) impartial

A report presenting contentious findings "without a hint of editorializing or bias" is one that treats all sides fairly -- impartial (unbiased, fair) captures this, opposite of polemical (argumentative, one-sided).

Question 23

The startup's founders were so ________ about the product's eventual success that they turned down two lucrative acquisition offers in its first year.

A) doubtful
B) confident
C) apologetic
D) neutral
E) resigned

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) confident

Turning down lucrative acquisition offers because of belief in "eventual success" reflects strong confidence, not doubt or resignation.

Question 24

The senator's voting record, once fiercely partisan, has grown noticeably more ________ in recent years, as she has crossed the aisle to co-sponsor bills with members of the opposing party.

A) polarized
B) conciliatory
C) predictable
D) secretive
E) hostile

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) conciliatory

Crossing the aisle to co-sponsor bills with the opposing party reflects a willingness to cooperate -- conciliatory (seeking to reconcile or appease) fits, in contrast to the earlier "fiercely partisan" record.

Question 25

The startup's founders were praised for their ________ approach to hiring, prioritizing cultural fit and long-term potential over an applicant's most recent job title.

A) conventional
B) unorthodox
C) careless
D) hasty
E) discriminatory

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) unorthodox

Prioritizing "cultural fit and long-term potential" over the usual focus on recent job titles departs from standard hiring practice -- unorthodox (not conventional) fits this departure.

Question 26

The panel's verdict was ________ criticized by both sides of the debate, an unusual outcome for a ruling that typically satisfies at least one party.

A) selectively
B) universally
C) rarely
D) privately
E) belatedly

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) universally

Being criticized "by both sides" -- an "unusual outcome" since rulings "typically satisfy at least one party" -- means the criticism came from everyone involved. "Universally" (by all, without exception) fits this description.

Question 27

The consultant's recommendations were often ________, sound in theory but nearly impossible to implement given the company's limited resources.

A) practical
B) impractical
C) inexpensive
D) welcomed
E) straightforward

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) impractical

Recommendations "sound in theory but nearly impossible to implement" given resource constraints are not practically workable -- impractical fits precisely, despite being theoretically valid.

Question 28

Once a fierce critic of the policy, the columnist has become one of its most ________ defenders, writing weekly columns in its favor.

A) reluctant
B) ardent
C) silent
D) occasional
E) skeptical

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) ardent

Writing "weekly columns in its favor" after once being "a fierce critic" describes a passionate reversal -- ardent (enthusiastic, passionate) fits someone writing so frequently and favorably.

Question 29

The board's response to the crisis was widely seen as ________, arriving weeks after competitors had already announced comprehensive plans.

A) prompt
B) sluggish
C) decisive
D) proactive
E) coordinated

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) sluggish

A response "arriving weeks after competitors had already announced comprehensive plans" is slow -- sluggish (slow-moving, lacking energy) fits, opposite of prompt or proactive.

Question 30

The editor's ________ approach to fact-checking meant that even minor claims were verified against at least three independent sources before publication.

A) lax
B) rigorous
C) selective
D) hurried
E) informal

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) rigorous

Verifying "even minor claims... against at least three independent sources" describes an extremely thorough process -- rigorous (thorough, strict, exacting) captures this level of diligence.

Question 31

The professor's lecture style, often criticized as ________, left many students struggling to follow the thread of her argument.

A) disorganized
B) methodical
C) engaging
D) concise
E) rigorous

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) disorganized

Students struggling to follow the argument implies a lack of organization, not the positive traits offered as distractors.

Question 32

Despite the committee's ________ efforts to reach consensus, the meeting ended with three unresolved factions and no clear path forward.

A) concerted
B) haphazard
C) reluctant
D) cursory
E) solitary

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) concerted

The committee genuinely tried hard ("efforts") even though it failed -- "concerted" (coordinated, determined) fits; the others contradict genuine effort.

Question 33

The critic's review was notably ________: it praised the film's cinematography in one paragraph and dismissed it as amateurish in the next.

A) laudatory
B) inconsistent
C) measured
D) scathing
E) perfunctory

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) inconsistent

Praising and dismissing the same element within one review is a contradiction, so "inconsistent" is the only fit.

Question 34

Far from being ________, the new employee asked incisive questions in her first meeting that revealed she had already mastered the department's core metrics.

A) diligent
B) inquisitive
C) unprepared
D) meticulous
E) astute

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C) unprepared

"Far from being X" signals the opposite of what follows is true; since she was clearly prepared, X = unprepared.

Question 35

The senator's speech was widely praised for its ________, addressing a complex policy issue in language any voter could follow.

A) ambiguity
B) verbosity
C) technicality
D) clarity
E) brevity

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D) clarity

Language "any voter could follow" on a complex topic is the definition of clarity; the other options describe traits that would obscure, not aid, understanding.

Question 36

Although the drought had persisted for months, the farmers remained ________ that the rains would return before the harvest was lost.

A) resigned
B) indifferent
C) skeptical
D) despondent
E) hopeful

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: E) hopeful

"Although X persisted... remained ___" signals a contrast with the bleak situation -- despite the drought, they still had hope.

Question 37

The new CEO's ________ management style, marked by open Q&A sessions and an open-door policy, contrasted sharply with her predecessor's secretive decision-making.

A) candid
B) transparent
C) autocratic
D) opaque
E) collaborative

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B) transparent

"Open Q&A sessions and an open-door policy" describe a leader who shares information openly -- "transparent" fits. "Candid" describes blunt speech rather than institutional openness, "autocratic" and "collaborative" describe unrelated traits (control and teamwork), and "opaque" is simply the direct opposite of the quality being praised.

Question 38

The diplomat was praised for her ________ handling of the crisis, never once losing her composure even as reporters shouted contradictory questions from every direction.

A) imperturbable
B) diplomatic
C) rattled
D) stoic
E) circumspect

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A) imperturbable

"Never once losing her composure" amid shouted, contradictory questions describes someone who cannot be shaken -- "imperturbable" fits. "Stoic" is close but emphasizes enduring hardship without complaint rather than simply staying unshaken; "diplomatic" and "circumspect" describe unrelated traits (tact, caution); "rattled" is the direct opposite.

Question 39

The committee's report was notable for its ________ prose, distilling a year of complex research into a document that a general audience could read in under twenty minutes.

A) lucid
B) verbose
C) technical
D) comprehensive
E) succinct

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: E) succinct

"Distilling a year of complex research" into something readable "in under twenty minutes" describes writing that is brief and to the point -- "succinct" fits. "Lucid" is close but describes clarity, not brevity; "technical" and "comprehensive" describe unrelated qualities a report might have; "verbose" is the direct opposite.

Question 40

Despite growing up in poverty, the philanthropist remained remarkably ________ throughout his life, donating the vast majority of his eventual fortune to causes that had once seemed out of reach for someone in his circumstances.

A) frugal
B) altruistic
C) munificent
D) enterprising
E) miserly

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C) munificent

Donating "the vast majority of his eventual fortune" describes extreme generosity -- "munificent" fits. "Altruistic" is close but describes selfless motive rather than the scale of giving itself; "frugal" describes careful spending, not generosity; "enterprising" describes ambition unrelated to giving; "miserly" is the direct opposite.

Question 41

The critic argued that the film's ending felt ________, as if the writers had simply run out of ideas and cobbled together a resolution in the final ten minutes.

A) inevitable
B) formulaic
C) organic
D) anticlimactic
E) contrived

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: E) contrived

An ending "cobbled together" as if the writers "ran out of ideas" is artificial and forced -- "contrived" fits precisely. "Inevitable" describes an ending that feels fated, not fake; "formulaic" is close but implies a stock pattern rather than a rushed patch job; "organic" is the opposite quality; "anticlimactic" describes a flat letdown, a different flaw than artificiality.

Question 42

Although the novelist's prose could be ________ at times, sprawling across page-long sentences thick with subordinate clauses, her admirers considered this density part of the book's hypnotic pull.

A) ornate
B) turgid
C) terse
D) baroque
E) whimsical

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D) baroque

"Sprawling across page-long sentences thick with subordinate clauses" describes highly ornate, elaborate prose -- "baroque" fits best. "Ornate" is close but describes decoration rather than syntactic complexity, "turgid" implies bloated, pompous writing rather than admired density, "terse" is the opposite quality, and "whimsical" describes tone, not structure.

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