Question

The countless (i) ______ days left everyone (ii) _______ for the sudden downpour; the deluge brought traffic to a halt as it (iii) ______ the roads. $$\begin{aligned}&\text { Blank (i) }\\\&\begin{array}{|l|}\hline A \text { arid } \\ \hline B \text { calm } \\\\\hline C \text { humid } \\\\\hline\end{array}\end{aligned} \begin{aligned}&\text { Blank (ii) }\\\&\begin{array}{|l|l|}\hline D \text { waiting } \\\\\hline E \text { unprepared } \\\\\hline F \text { anxious } \\\\\hline\end{array}\end{aligned}\begin{aligned}&\text { Blank (iii) }\\\&\begin{array}{|l|l|}\hline G \text { inundated } \\\\\hline \text { H soaked } \\ \hline \text { I sprayed } \\\\\hline\end{array}\end{aligned}$$

Short answer

Blank (i): arid, Blank (ii): unprepared, Blank (iii): inundated

Step-by-step solution

Understand the context

The sentence describes a situation where a sudden downpour affects traffic. This indicates that it was unexpected and the amount of rain was substantial, causing significant impact.

Analyze Blank (i)

For blank (i), the word should describe the days that led up to the downpour. Options:A. aridB. calmC. humidConsidering the context of a sudden downpour, 'arid' (meaning dry) fits best because it emphasizes the contrast between dry days and a sudden heavy rain.

Analyze Blank (ii)

For blank (ii), the choice must describe the state of people due to the sudden downpour. Options:D. waitingE. unpreparedF. anxious'Unprepared' fits best as it indicates readiness for a sudden event.

Analyze Blank (iii)

For blank (iii), the word should describe how the rain affected the roads. Options:G. inundatedH. soakedI. sprayed'Inundated' fits best as it means flooded or overwhelmed, matching the context of the rain causing traffic to halt.

Key concepts

contextual analysis

When tackling GRE Vocabulary questions, understanding the context is crucial. Contextual analysis involves examining the surrounding text to grasp the overall scenario. In our exercise, the sentence describes an unexpected, heavy downpour disrupting traffic. Analyzing this context helps us select the most fitting vocabulary.
For example, in Blank (i), the context of a sudden downpour following the described days suggests these days were dry (arid), contrasting with the rain. Understanding this highlights the importance of context in interpreting vocabulary questions accurately.

sentence completion

In GRE exercises, sentence completion involves identifying words that best fit given blanks within a sentence. This demands a clear understanding of the sentence structure and flow.
In our exercise, Blank (ii) requires a word that describes how people were caught off guard by the surprise rainfall. The choices were 'waiting,' 'unprepared,' and 'anxious.' Given the unexpected nature of the downpour, 'unprepared' is the most suitable choice, as it correctly conveys that people were not ready for such an event.
This process of fitting vocabulary into sentences ensures coherence and enhances comprehension.

vocabulary building

Effective vocabulary building is about more than just learning new words; it's about understanding their meanings, nuances, and appropriate usage.
To build a strong vocabulary for the GRE, students should engage with words in diverse contexts. Reading widely from various genres like fiction, non-fiction, academic journals, and newspapers can expose you to different words and their contexts.
Our exercise features words like 'arid,' 'unprepared,' and 'inundated.' By seeing these words in sentences and learning their meanings and proper use, you can expand your vocabulary while enhancing your ability to comprehend and use new words effectively.

test preparation

Preparation for the GRE requires consistent practice and familiarization with the test format. Engaging with vocabulary exercises, like the one provided, can improve your understanding and application of words.
Effective test preparation involves:

• Regular practice with sample questions to understand typical GRE formats
• Using flashcards for vocabulary enhancement
• Taking timed practice tests to build endurance and time management
• Reviewing mistakes to understand and learn from them

By incorporating these strategies, you can enhance your skills and improve your performance on the GRE, ensuring a more confident and prepared approach on exam day.