GRE Sample Question Test (Verbal Reasoning)
Verbal Reasoning section contains 20 questions which are to be solved in 30 minutes.
- 1.
Very often, exhortations are made, “Forgive and forget”, reminding the listener also that forgiveness can not be complete with out forgetting it all. However, all know that unless afflicted by illness or amnesia, one can not erase memories, especially the bitter ones. Then, what is the purpose of it all? Would all talk on forgiving prove to be illusory? The answers lie in first understanding one’s actual objectivity, and also the very concept and purpose behind forgiveness. Addressing yourself, realize that the objective is, first and foremost, healing and benefitting yourself. Therefore, the main task in hand is to cleanse yourself of the trauma left behind by the gnawing agony and shock suffered in the knowledge that you have been wronged, taken for a ride and used. The primary purpose of the passage is to
- A.
Discuss a problem and propose a solution.
- B.
Discuss a problem and its ramifications.
- C.
Discuss a problem and try to analyze that.
- D.
Analyze the purpose for getting rid of and reach on the solution of the problem
- E.
Analyze a problem which can not be resolved.
Correct Answer
C. Discuss a problem and try to analyze that.Explanation
ANS: C (Here the problem is how to forget a bitter memory to achieve complete forgiveness. Obviously C is correct because the passage discusses the problem and analyzes the same.)Rate this question:
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- 2.
Very often, exhortations are made, “Forgive and forget”, reminding the listener also that forgiveness can not be complete with out forgetting it all. However, all know that unless afflicted by illness or amnesia, one can not erase memories, especially the bitter ones. Then, what is the purpose of it all? Would all talk on forgiving prove to be illusory? The answers lie in first understanding one’s actual objectivity, and also the very concept and purpose behind forgiveness. Addressing yourself, realize that the objective is, first and foremost, healing and benefitting yourself. Therefore, the main task in hand is to cleanse yourself of the trauma left behind by the gnawing agony and shock suffered in the knowledge that you have been wronged, taken for a ride and used. The passage implies that (select all that apply)
- A.
Normally, it is difficult to erase bad memories.
- B.
People resort to forgiveness mainly for self benefit.
- C.
Forgetting is the only way for forgiveness.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Normally, it is difficult to erase bad memories.
B. People resort to forgiveness mainly for self benefit.Explanation
The passage suggests that it is difficult to erase bad memories, as stated in the line "all know that unless afflicted by illness or amnesia, one can not erase memories, especially the bitter ones." It also implies that people resort to forgiveness mainly for self-benefit, as mentioned in the line "the objective is, first and foremost, healing and benefiting yourself." However, it does not state that forgetting is the only way for forgiveness, so this option is not supported by the passage.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Very often, exhortations are made, “Forgive and forget”, reminding the listener also that forgiveness can not be complete with out forgetting it all. However, all know that unless afflicted by illness or amnesia, one can not erase memories, especially the bitter ones. Then, what is the purpose of it all? Would all talk on forgiving prove to be illusory? The answers lie in first understanding one’s actual objectivity, and also the very concept and purpose behind forgiveness. Addressing yourself, realize that the objective is, first and foremost, healing and benefitting yourself. Therefore, the main task in hand is to cleanse yourself of the trauma left behind by the gnawing agony and shock suffered in the knowledge that you have been wronged, taken for a ride and used. What is the role of 3rd paragraph in the passage?
- A.
It attempts to resolve the doubts raised in earlier paragraphs.
- B.
Presents why forgiveness is required.
- C.
Discusses the ways to forget the bad memories.
- D.
It further elaborates the problem discussed in the passage.
- E.
Presents how people achieve complete forgiveness.
Correct Answer
A. It attempts to resolve the doubts raised in earlier paragraphs.Explanation
The third paragraph in the passage attempts to resolve the doubts raised in earlier paragraphs. It explains the purpose and objective of forgiveness, which is to heal and benefit oneself. It addresses the question of why forgiveness is necessary and emphasizes the importance of cleansing oneself from the trauma and pain caused by being wronged. By providing this explanation, the paragraph seeks to clarify the doubts and misconceptions surrounding forgiveness.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Vitamin E supplementation may extend the life span of certain men depending on dietary habits. But several large randomized trials of humans found that vitamin E supplementation does not reduce mortality. Which of the following, if true, best tries to resolve the paradox in the above argument?
- A.
The average effect on mortality in a large group of people may mask an effect of vitamin E on the lifespan.
- B.
It is possible that a benefit on the oldest participants might be camouflaged by the large middle-aged majority of participants.
- C.
It might be useful to analyze the effect of vitamin E supplementation on a small relevant participants.
- D.
In a trial involving a small group of men with dietary vitamin C intake above the median, vitamin E extended life span by two years.
- E.
The trials might have not included the men from different socio-economic and demographic groups.
Correct Answer
A. The average effect on mortality in a large group of people may mask an effect of vitamin E on the lifespan.Explanation
ANS: (a) (This is a resolve the paradox type question. The option which fills up the gap in the argument, is the correct one. Here both the statements are contradictory, so the correct option should remove this contradiction. (a) is correct because it says that in a large group, the effect on a small group may be averaged out. (b) talks about age, which is not an issue. (c) suggests some solution but does not resolve the paradox. (d) talks about a different group which is not in question. (e) is also not relevant because it is already mentioned that the samples were large and were random, so no question of not including any particular group arises.)Rate this question:
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- 5.
Not that the prisoners would have been able to attempt much, …………………. as they were to stone slabs built into the wall.
- A.
Attached
- B.
Detached
- C.
Chained
- D.
Settled
- E.
Pulled
Correct Answer
C. ChainedExplanation
ANS: C (The suitable word to be used with prisoners is ‘chained’)Rate this question:
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- 6.
Thousands of rogue alien planets may be …………………………….. space in our Milky Way, instead of being locked in orbit around a star.
- A.
Moving through
- B.
Rambling through
- C.
In
- D.
Available in
- E.
Lying in
Correct Answer
B. Rambling throughExplanation
ANS: B (Use of ‘instead’ establishes a contrast between ‘locked’ and the blank. ‘Rambling’ means ‘moving freely’, which is the correct.)Rate this question:
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- 7.
Aid softens the need for a government to forge a bond with citizens by ............................... revenue and ................................ those funds as services.
- A.
(1) For first Blank
- B.
Maintaining
- C.
Neglecting
- D.
Raising
- E.
(2) For second Blank
- F.
Redistributing
- G.
Not using
- H.
Utilizing
Correct Answer(s)
D. Raising
F. RedistributingExplanation
ANS: D and F (Always in a sentence, one part of the sentence refers to that part which is closer. So the part after ‘by’ refers to ‘how government can forge a bond with citizens’. For the first blank, ‘raising’ is the suitable use as other two do not show positive scenarios. Obviously, citizens will be happy when the revenue earned by government is redistributed. So D and F are correct.)Rate this question:
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- 8.
The corporate strategy today must be flexible enough to change constantly and to adapt to outside and internal conditions even as the …………………….to deliver favorable outcomes for shareholders remains constant. This approach implies an expectation that major midcourse ………………………..will be required, not that everything will go according to plan. It calls for ……………………………… to shut down initiatives if it becomes clear that they are headed nowhere.
- A.
(1) For first Blank
- B.
Aspiration
- C.
Commitment
- D.
Interest
- E.
(2) For second Blank
- F.
Adherence
- G.
Corrections
- H.
Judgments
- I.
(3) For third Blank
- J.
An action
- K.
A willingness
- L.
Patience
Correct Answer(s)
B. Aspiration
G. Corrections
K. A willingnessExplanation
ANS: B, G and K (For the first blank, ‘aspiration’ is suitable as commitment is something you commit and which one has to keep and there is no question of it remaining constant and interest is something which is conditional and does not show necessity.
The second sentence implies that some suitable changes are required in the strategy, so ‘correction’ is the suitable word.
The third sentence stems from the second sentence which indicates an expectation for some requirement and not for an immediate action. ‘A willingness’ sounds more suitable here.)Rate this question:
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- 9.
There may be 100,000 times more of wandering, homeless planets, which may not be locked in orbits, than stars in the Milky Way. If this is the case, these intriguing cosmic bodies would belong to a whole new class of alien worlds, shaking up existing theories of planet formation, and may also raise new and tantalizing questions in the search for life beyond Earth. If any of these nomad planets are big enough to have a thick atmosphere, they could have trapped enough heat for bacterial life to exist. And while nomad planets cannot benefit from the heat given off from their parent stars, these worlds could generate heat from tectonic activity or internal radioactive decay. For now, characteristics of these foreign objects are still unknown; they could be icy bodies, similar to other objects found in the outer solar system, rocky like asteroids, or gas giants similar to the most massive planets in our solar system. The passage may be based on
- A.
A voyage to one of these nomad planets.
- B.
Available facts
- C.
Astronomical study
- D.
Study of theories of planet formation
- E.
Study of theories of life formation
Correct Answer
C. Astronomical studyExplanation
The passage discusses the possibility of the existence of wandering, homeless planets and how they would belong to a new class of alien worlds. It suggests that these nomad planets could challenge existing theories of planet formation and raise new questions in the search for extraterrestrial life. The passage also mentions that if these planets have a thick atmosphere, they could potentially support bacterial life. Overall, the passage focuses on the study of these nomad planets and their characteristics, making "Astronomical study" the most appropriate answer.Rate this question:
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- 10.
There may be 100,000 times more of wandering, homeless planets, which may not be locked in orbits, than stars in the Milky Way. If this is the case, these intriguing cosmic bodies would belong to a whole new class of alien worlds, shaking up existing theories of planet formation, and may also raise new and tantalizing questions in the search for life beyond Earth. If any of these nomad planets are big enough to have a thick atmosphere, they could have trapped enough heat for bacterial life to exist. And while nomad planets cannot benefit from the heat given off from their parent stars, these worlds could generate heat from tectonic activity or internal radioactive decay. For now, characteristics of these foreign objects are still unknown; they could be icy bodies, similar to other objects found in the outer solar system, rocky like asteroids, or gas giants similar to the most massive planets in our solar system. Which part of the passage answers to some extent the question that in what way these wandering planets may be similar to some existing objects?
- A.
There may be 100,000 times more of wandering, homeless planets, which may not be locked in orbits, than stars in the Milky Way.
- B.
If this is the case, these intriguing cosmic bodies would belong to a whole new class of alien worlds, shaking up existing theories of planet formation, and may also raise new and tantalizing questions in the search for life beyond Earth.
- C.
If any of these nomad planets are big enough to have a thick atmosphere, they could have trapped enough heat for bacterial life to exist.
- D.
And while nomad planets cannot benefit from the heat given off from their parent stars, these worlds could generate heat from tectonic activity or internal radioactive decay.
- E.
For now, characteristics of these foreign objects are still unknown; they could be icy bodies, similar to other objects found in the outer solar system, rocky like asteroids, or gas giants similar to the most massive planets in our solar system.
Correct Answer
E. For now, characteristics of these foreign objects are still unknown; they could be icy bodies, similar to other objects found in the outer solar system, rocky like asteroids, or gas giants similar to the most massive planets in our solar system.Explanation
The passage suggests that the wandering planets may be similar to existing objects such as icy bodies found in the outer solar system, rocky asteroids, or gas giants similar to the most massive planets in our solar system.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The meltdown in the Arctic is speeding up and as a result the North Pole could be ice-free within 5 years instead of 60 years time as earlier predicted. This is based on computer studies of satellite images that reveal that ice at North Pole melted at an unprecedented rate recently-the disappearance is said to have exceeded the record loss of more than a million square kilometers in 2007 as global warming tightened its grip. The crucial point is that ice is clearly not building up enough over winter to restore cover and that when you combine current estimates of ice thickness with the extent of the ice cap, you get a very clear indication that the Arctic is going to be ice free in five years. In the above argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
- A.
The first is an apprehension against some belief; the second is the conclusion based on that apprehension.
- B.
The first is a prediction based on some evidence; the second is that evidence.
- C.
The first is the conclusion; the second is the assumption on which the conclusion is based.
- D.
The first is an apprehension against some belief; the second is an explanation in support of that apprehension.
- E.
The first is a prediction; the second is the explanation on which the prediction is based.
Correct Answer
D. The first is an apprehension against some belief; the second is an explanation in support of that apprehension.Explanation
ANS: (d) In boldface questions, important is to understand different parts of the arguments and their roles. The first portion is an evidence in the form of an apprehension which is based on second portion which is also an evidence. Third portion is an explanation which supports the apprehension expressed in first portion.)Rate this question:
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- 12.
Almost all of these newfound worlds orbit stars, but last year, scientists found about a dozen planets with no ………………………. host stars.
- A.
Possible
- B.
Concealed
- C.
Orbiting
- D.
Discernible
- E.
Indistinct
Correct Answer
D. DiscernibleExplanation
ANS: D (The first part of the sentence indicates that the most of the new objects orbit stars then the second part presents a contrasting evidence of few discovered planets which do not orbit the stars or do not have noticeable host stars. ‘Discernible’ means ‘noticeable’, so ‘discernible’ is the suitable word. ‘Concealed’ or ‘indistinct’ both mean ‘unnoticeable’, which is not the meaning in the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 13.
It would be a mistake to hear only the rumbling accusations of electoral fraud and rule out the possibility of the new leadership pursuing such an agenda of …………………….
- A.
Aggressiveness
- B.
Upheaval
- C.
Renewal
- D.
Simplicity
- E.
Suppression
Correct Answer
C. RenewalExplanation
ANS: C (The first part of the sentence mentions it a mistake to hear only bad thing about new leadership. The second part is in contrast to the first one and mentions some good act of new leadership. Hence ‘renewal’ (agenda of renewal) is the correct choice. ‘Aggressiveness’, ‘upheaval’ and ‘suppression’ show negative act and ‘simplicity’ is too mild word.)Rate this question:
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- 14.
There is a penchant for unusual names all over the world, supposedly culled from ancient texts or even scientific tomes. However, the move by celebrities to trademark their peculiar choice of names for their progeny takes the drive for ……………………….. a bit too far. Protecting their privacy is one thing, precluding anyone else ……………………….. their spark of nomenclature creativity – even as a sincere form of flattery – smacks more of …………………………than a genuine desire to make their offspring one-of-a-kind in the arena of internet name searches.
- A.
For first Blank
- B.
Uniqueness
- C.
Decency
- D.
Beleaguerment
- E.
For second Blank
- F.
Noticing
- G.
Originating
- H.
Imitating
- I.
For third Blank
- J.
Adversity
- K.
Inadequacy
- L.
Churlishness
Correct Answer(s)
B. Uniqueness
H. Imitating
L. ChurlishnessExplanation
ANS: B, H and L (The sentence basically criticizes the misadventures of celebrities in maintaining the uniqueness of the names of their children. Obviously ‘uniqueness’ is correct for first blank. ‘Beleaguerment’ means isolation which indicates negativity. The second blank will be ‘imitating’ because celebrities want that others should not keep the same names as their progeny’s. The third blank must be in contrast to ‘genuine’, ‘churlishness’ means ‘lack of graciousness’, which is the correct use.)Rate this question:
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- 15.
The recent advertisement was enough to …………….. some people, and get it pulled off.
- A.
Enrage
- B.
Pacify
- C.
Distract
- D.
Appeal
- E.
Engage
Correct Answer
A. EnrageExplanation
ANS: A (The advertisement is pulled off only when it violates some regulation or is not fulfilling its purpose or makes some people infuriated. So ‘enrage’ which means ‘make violently angry’ is the suitable word. Other words do not indicate a situation which can lead to pulling off the advertisement.)Rate this question:
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- 16.
Despite the host of women-friendly laws enacted over the years, the ground reality has not changed for the women; partly because the necessary support mechanism is missing and partly because …………………………….social values are constantly being reinforced.
- A.
Overprotective
- B.
Vulnerable
- C.
Anachronistic
- D.
Tough
- E.
Current
Correct Answer
C. AnachronisticExplanation
ANS: C (The sentence indicates that despite so many new laws over the years, the condition of women is still same as it was earlier. The sentence containing the blank mentions the reason for this failure. Obviously the word has to be negative, so ‘overprotective’ and ‘current’ are ruled out. ‘Tough’ can be for anyone and may be supportive also. ‘Anachronistic’ means ‘chronologically misplaced’, obviously chronologically misplaced social values can result in no improvement in the society with time. So C is correct. ‘Vulnerable’ social values can not be specifically vulnerable for women, so B is not correct.)Rate this question:
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- 17.
There is a critical need for a law that protects farmers’ interests and which can indemnify their losses in the event of their purchased farm inputs being proved to be ............................. (Select the two answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.)
- A.
Unvendible
- B.
Spurious
- C.
Unmerchantable
- D.
Crappy
- E.
Inferior
Correct Answer(s)
B. Spurious
E. InferiorExplanation
ANS: B and E (The blank indicates bad farm inputs which can be of poor quality, not genuine or rotten. Since ‘prove’ word is used so ‘rotten’ can not be used because it is normally visible. ‘Unvendible’ and ‘Unmerchantable’ mean not saleable which is not the case here because if inputs are not saleable then why the farmers will buy them. ‘Spurious’ and ‘inferior’ are the correct words as they indicate ‘fake’ and ‘poor quality’ respectively. ‘Crappy’ means rotten, so not correct.)Rate this question:
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- 18.
Anti-sweatshop activists see their tasks as convincing multinationals that whatever the cost of improved working conditions at their suppliers’ plants, it is less than the potential cost to their reputation of allowing workers to toil in sweatshop conditions. But they must not forget that the No.1 priority for most of suppliers’ workers is to keep their jobs. While outside pressure might improve their lives, it could also persuade suppliers to replace them. Many of the victories of consumer activists in the past turned a little sour. When brands get caught at one facility, and pressure is brought to bear, they can be forced to push for changes at that facility. However, if those changes raise costs and slow delivery times, it is easy enough, a year or two down the road, for the brand to reduce orders at that factory in favor of others. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage? (select all that apply)
- A.
It is beneficial for the multinational companies to improve the working conditions at their suppliers’ plants.
- B.
Anti-sweatshop movement may not always result in desired results.
- C.
MNCs prefer to shift orders from a factory which is under activists attack.
Correct Answer(s)
A. It is beneficial for the multinational companies to improve the working conditions at their suppliers’ plants.
B. Anti-sweatshop movement may not always result in desired results.Explanation
ANS: A and B (C may not be true because MNCs shift orders only when the changes at the facility raise costs and slow delivery time.)Rate this question:
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- 19.
Anti-sweatshop activists see their tasks as convincing multinationals that whatever the cost of improved working conditions at their suppliers’ plants, it is less than the potential cost to their reputation of allowing workers to toil in sweatshop conditions. But they must not forget that the No.1 priority for most of suppliers’ workers is to keep their jobs. While outside pressure might improve their lives, it could also persuade suppliers to replace them. Many of the victories of consumer activists in the past turned a little sour. When brands get caught at one facility, and pressure is brought to bear, they can be forced to push for changes at that facility. However, if those changes raise costs and slow delivery times, it is easy enough, a year or two down the road, for the brand to reduce orders at that factory in favor of others. Which part of the passage shows that the pressure of activists may backfire against individual workers?
- A.
Anti-sweatshop activists see their tasks as convincing multinationals that whatever the cost of improved working conditions at their suppliers’ plants, it is less than the potential cost to their reputation of allowing workers to toil in sweatshop conditions.
- B.
But they must not forget that the No.1 priority for most of suppliers’ workers is to keep their jobs.
- C.
While outside pressure might improve their lives, it could also persuade suppliers to replace them.
- D.
When brands get caught at one facility, and pressure is brought to bear, they can be forced to push for changes at that facility.
- E.
However, if those changes raise costs and slow delivery times, it is easy enough, a year or two down the road, for the brand to reduce orders at that factory in favor of others.
Correct Answer
C. While outside pressure might improve their lives, it could also persuade suppliers to replace them.Explanation
ANS: C (As per C, the factory owners may be persuaded to replace the workers may be few also.)Rate this question:
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- 20.
Anti-sweatshop activists see their tasks as convincing multinationals that whatever the cost of improved working conditions at their suppliers’ plants, it is less than the potential cost to their reputation of allowing workers to toil in sweatshop conditions. But they must not forget that the No.1 priority for most of suppliers’ workers is to keep their jobs. While outside pressure might improve their lives, it could also persuade suppliers to replace them. Many of the victories of consumer activists in the past turned a little sour. When brands get caught at one facility, and pressure is brought to bear, they can be forced to push for changes at that facility. However, if those changes raise costs and slow delivery times, it is easy enough, a year or two down the road, for the brand to reduce orders at that factory in favor of others. What can be inferred about anti-sweatshop movements EXCEPT
- A.
These may not always lead to desired results.
- B.
These may deviate MNCs from their main goal of maximizing profit.
- C.
These may negatively impact suppliers.
- D.
These movements need to observe caution.
- E.
These have been successful in forcing MNCs to make changes in the facilities.
Correct Answer
B. These may deviate MNCs from their main goal of maximizing profit.Explanation
ANS: B (In inference question, the answer is always which is true with respect to the passage. In the above question, the correct answer is which is not true with respect to the passage (EXCEPT). It is nowhere mentioned in the passage that the MNCs compromise their profitability while implementing activists’ demands.)Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 12, 2012Quiz Created by
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