GRE Sample Test 4 Verbal Reasoning 2

While this sentence includes a classic detour road sign, “however,” its structure is such that you can’t identify what “however” is contradicting. As you’ve learned from Kaplan’s strategies, key words can help you figure out the missing word in a sentence. The key words in this sentence are “conservative” and “unreceptive.” You need to predict the kind of joke a conservative audience at a charity event would receive poorly. Choice (A) plucky means “brave,” so eliminate it. Choices (B) and (C)—ribald and coarse— both mean “vulgar.” These are likely correct, but continue to test the other choices before answering definitively. Choices (D) and (F)—traitorous and treacherous—are synonyms that mean “disloyal.” Although the performers betrayed the spirit of the event, this is not the meaning of the words needed to describe the jokes. Choice (E) politic means “diplomatic.” This has the opposite meaning of the word you’re looking for, so eliminate it. The correct answers are ribald and coarse.