The 370 GRE Words You Must Know: Passage 12

A Tale of Fortitude

Once upon a time, in a realm steeped in mystique, there existed a kingdom governed by a ruler burdened with an indebted (owing money) treasury. The monarch, indebted (owing gratitude to someone or something) to the subjects for their unwavering loyalty, sought to alleviate their suffering.

The king summoned his most trusted advisor, an indefatigable (cannot be made tired) and astute intermediary, to seek a solution to their financial woes. The advisor, known for their resourcefulness, embarked on a quest to secure alliances with neighboring kingdoms.

While the advisor tirelessly toiled, the king, burdened by his own indolent (lazy) nature, remained idle (not active or in use), basking in the luxuries of the palace, oblivious to the struggles of his people.

As time passed, the advisor returned, bearing tidings of hope. They had managed to infer (to conclude from implicit evidence) an alliance with a wealthy realm, whose benevolence was ingenuous (naïve or innocent) and not inimical (harmful or hostile) like other kingdoms. The deal offered a glimmer of prosperity to the beleaguered kingdom.

With newfound optimism, the kingdom began to flourish. The alliance proved innocuous (harmless), and trade routes reopened, breathing life into the once stagnant economy.

However, beneath the surface, the advisor's intentions remained inscrutable (enigmatic, incomprehensible). Their motives and allegiance were veiled in mystery, leaving the kingdom in a state of unease.

Whispers of discontent and rumors of an insipid (bland, uninspired, inane) conspiracy began to circulate among the courtiers. The kingdom, once insular (tight-knit and isolated), now found itself entangled in a web of intrigue and suspicion.

Unbeknownst to the king, the advisor harbored a hidden agenda. Their intensive (concentrated and in-depth) knowledge of the kingdom's affairs gave them power over the monarch, and their influence grew stronger with each passing day.

As the advisor's grip tightened, the king found himself trapped in an intractable (unmanageable) predicament. His attempts to resist were met with the advisor's intransigent (uncompromising, obstinate) nature, leaving the monarch powerless and devoid of allies.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, a beacon of hope emerged. A group of intrepid (bold and adventurous) rebels, fueled by their inveterate (ingrained, habitual) love for the kingdom, rallied to challenge the advisor's dominance.

Together, they formed an alliance, a fortress of unity and strength, standing firm against the advisor's influence. United in their cause, they became invulnerable (indestructible, impervious to harm ), a force that could not be silenced or broken.

In a climactic confrontation, the kingdom's fate hung in the balance. The king, once irascible and quick-tempered, now displayed resilience and determination.

The battle raged on, fierce and unyielding, as the forces of righteousness clashed with the advisor's machinations. Victory seemed uncertain, but the kingdom's spirit remained unbreakable.

In the end, it was the unwavering courage and intrepid (bold and adventurous) spirit of the rebels that turned the tide. The advisor's reign of tyranny crumbled, and the kingdom reclaimed its autonomy.

The tale of fortitude and resilience echoed through the annals of history, a testament to the enduring human spirit. It served as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, the intrepid (bold and adventurous) few could ignite a spark of hope and reshape the destiny of nations.

Join the conversation

Join the conversation