GRE Sample Question Test (Verbal Reasoning)

1. (Sentence Equivalence — Choose Two) The author's prose style was widely admired for its _______, each sentence crafted with precision and economy without sacrificing depth or clarity.

Elegance

Verbosity

Ambiguity

Refinement

Prolixity

Obscurity

The sentence describes a style that is precise, economical, and clear — qualities associated with elegance and refinement. Both words produce the same meaning when inserted into the sentence. 'Verbosity' and 'prolixity' both mean using too many words, which contradicts 'economy.' 'Ambiguity' and 'obscurity' contradict 'clarity' — none of which fit the admiring tone of the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence describes a style that is precise, economical, and clear — qualities associated with elegance and refinement. Both words produce the same meaning when inserted into the sentence. 'Verbosity' and 'prolixity' both mean using too many words, which contradicts 'economy.' 'Ambiguity' and 'obscurity' contradict 'clarity' — none of which fit the admiring tone of the sentence.

Submit

2. (Sentence Completion — One Blank) The biographer was careful to present her subject's achievements without _______ them, acknowledging both the genuine contributions and the significant failures that defined his career.

Understating

Analyzing

Lionizing

Documenting

Contextualizing

The sentence describes a balanced biography that acknowledges both achievements and failures — implying the biographer avoided excessive praise. 'Lionizing' means to treat someone as a celebrity or hero, which fits as the thing being avoided. 'Understating' would mean downplaying achievements, which contradicts the balanced tone described. 'Analyzing,' 'documenting,' and 'contextualizing' are all neutral activities a biographer would normally do — none of which represent something to be careful to avoid.

Explanation

The sentence describes a balanced biography that acknowledges both achievements and failures — implying the biographer avoided excessive praise. 'Lionizing' means to treat someone as a celebrity or hero, which fits as the thing being avoided. 'Understating' would mean downplaying achievements, which contradicts the balanced tone described. 'Analyzing,' 'documenting,' and 'contextualizing' are all neutral activities a biographer would normally do — none of which represent something to be careful to avoid.

3. (Text Completion — One Blank) The committee's report, while exhaustive in its documentation of the problem, was criticized for being _______ when it came to actionable recommendations, offering little more than vague platitudes.

Thorough

Ambitious

Deficient

Provocative

Comprehensive

The sentence contrasts the thoroughness of the problem documentation with the weakness of the recommendations. 'Deficient' means lacking or inadequate, which fits the criticism that the recommendations were vague and unhelpful. 'Thorough' and 'comprehensive' describe the documentation positively — not the recommendations. 'Ambitious' implies overreaching rather than failing to deliver, and 'provocative' means stirring controversy — neither of which captures the failure to provide useful guidance.

Explanation

The sentence contrasts the thoroughness of the problem documentation with the weakness of the recommendations. 'Deficient' means lacking or inadequate, which fits the criticism that the recommendations were vague and unhelpful. 'Thorough' and 'comprehensive' describe the documentation positively — not the recommendations. 'Ambitious' implies overreaching rather than failing to deliver, and 'provocative' means stirring controversy — neither of which captures the failure to provide useful guidance.

4. (Sentence Equivalence — Choose Two) The diplomat's speech was carefully worded to avoid giving _______ to either side in the dispute, maintaining a position of strict neutrality throughout the proceedings.

Assistance

Offense

Recognition

Priority

Umbrage

Direction

The sentence describes a neutral speech designed not to antagonize either party. 'Offense' and 'umbrage' both mean causing displeasure or resentment — they are synonymous in this context and both produce the same meaning when inserted. 'Assistance' means help, 'recognition' means acknowledgment, 'priority' means preference, and 'direction' means guidance — none of which describe the risk of alienating a party in a diplomatic context.

Explanation

The sentence describes a neutral speech designed not to antagonize either party. 'Offense' and 'umbrage' both mean causing displeasure or resentment — they are synonymous in this context and both produce the same meaning when inserted. 'Assistance' means help, 'recognition' means acknowledgment, 'priority' means preference, and 'direction' means guidance — none of which describe the risk of alienating a party in a diplomatic context.

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5. (Critical Reasoning — Boldface) Scientists studying deep-sea ecosystems have discovered that certain species of fish thrive at depths previously considered uninhabitable. Marine biologists now believe that the biodiversity of deep-sea environments has been significantly underestimated. This suggests that current conservation frameworks, which focus primarily on shallow coastal waters, may be failing to protect a substantial portion of marine life. The two boldface portions play which of the following roles in the argument?

The first is the conclusion; the second is the evidence on which the conclusion is based

The first is background information; the second is a counterargument to the main claim

The first is an assumption; the second is the paradox that the assumption creates

The first and second are both pieces of evidence that support the same conclusion stated in the middle sentence

The first boldface sentence is an empirical finding — evidence that deep-sea biodiversity is greater than assumed. The middle sentence is the main claim that follows from this finding. The second boldface sentence is the conclusion drawn from combining the evidence and the main claim — that conservation frameworks are inadequate. A reverses the roles, B misidentifies both portions, D introduces the concept of assumption and paradox which do not apply, and E incorrectly treats both as evidence rather than recognizing the second as a conclusion.

Explanation

The first boldface sentence is an empirical finding — evidence that deep-sea biodiversity is greater than assumed. The middle sentence is the main claim that follows from this finding. The second boldface sentence is the conclusion drawn from combining the evidence and the main claim — that conservation frameworks are inadequate. A reverses the roles, B misidentifies both portions, D introduces the concept of assumption and paradox which do not apply, and E incorrectly treats both as evidence rather than recognizing the second as a conclusion.

6. (Text Completion — Three Blanks) The historian's account of the colonial period was praised for its ___ approach, yet some scholars felt that its reluctance to make definitive moral judgments rendered it somewhat _, leaving readers without the clear _____ they had come to expect from her earlier work. For the first blank: A) Balanced B) Revisionist C) Sensationalist For the second blank: D) Provocative E) Noncommittal F) Authoritative For the third blank: G) Perspective H) Methodology I) Ambiguity

A, E, and G

A, D, and H

B, E, and I

C, F, and G

The first blank describes a quality that earned praise — 'balanced' fits as it suggests fairness and objectivity. 'Revisionist' and 'sensationalist' both carry connotations that would not straightforwardly earn praise. The second blank describes a criticism stemming from reluctance to make moral judgments — 'noncommittal' means avoiding clear positions, which fits. 'Provocative' and 'authoritative' are the opposite of what the criticism implies. The third blank refers to something readers expected from her earlier work that was absent here — 'perspective' fits as a clear point of view. 'Methodology' refers to research methods, and 'ambiguity' is what the readers found problematic, not what they expected.

Explanation

The first blank describes a quality that earned praise — 'balanced' fits as it suggests fairness and objectivity. 'Revisionist' and 'sensationalist' both carry connotations that would not straightforwardly earn praise. The second blank describes a criticism stemming from reluctance to make moral judgments — 'noncommittal' means avoiding clear positions, which fits. 'Provocative' and 'authoritative' are the opposite of what the criticism implies. The third blank refers to something readers expected from her earlier work that was absent here — 'perspective' fits as a clear point of view. 'Methodology' refers to research methods, and 'ambiguity' is what the readers found problematic, not what they expected.

7. (Reading Comprehension) Behavioral economists have long challenged the classical assumption that human beings are rational actors who consistently make decisions in their own best interest. Research in this field has demonstrated that people are susceptible to a wide range of cognitive biases — systematic errors in thinking that lead to predictable patterns of irrational behavior. Among the most well-documented is the sunk cost fallacy, the tendency to continue investing in a failing course of action simply because resources have already been committed to it. What makes the sunk cost fallacy particularly insidious is that it often masquerades as rational perseverance. A manager who continues funding a struggling project because of the money already spent may genuinely believe they are demonstrating commitment and strategic resolve. In reality, they are allowing past losses — which are unrecoverable regardless of future action — to distort present decision-making. Recognizing this bias requires not only intellectual awareness but also a degree of psychological detachment that many find difficult to achieve in high-stakes situations. Which of the following best describes the role of the second paragraph in relation to the first?

It introduces a counterargument that challenges the claims made in the first paragraph

It presents statistical evidence supporting the existence of the sunk cost fallacy

It deepens the analysis of the concept introduced in the first paragraph by examining why it persists

It proposes solutions to the problem identified in the first paragraph

It shifts focus to a different cognitive bias related to the sunk cost fallacy

The first paragraph introduces the sunk cost fallacy and defines it. The second paragraph does not challenge it, provide statistics, propose solutions, or shift focus — it deepens the analysis by explaining why the fallacy is hard to recognize and overcome. This makes C the most accurate description of the relationship between the two paragraphs.

Explanation

The first paragraph introduces the sunk cost fallacy and defines it. The second paragraph does not challenge it, provide statistics, propose solutions, or shift focus — it deepens the analysis by explaining why the fallacy is hard to recognize and overcome. This makes C the most accurate description of the relationship between the two paragraphs.

8. (Reading Comprehension — Select All That Apply) Behavioral economists have long challenged the classical assumption that human beings are rational actors who consistently make decisions in their own best interest. Research in this field has demonstrated that people are susceptible to a wide range of cognitive biases — systematic errors in thinking that lead to predictable patterns of irrational behavior. Among the most well-documented is the sunk cost fallacy, the tendency to continue investing in a failing course of action simply because resources have already been committed to it. What makes the sunk cost fallacy particularly insidious is that it often masquerades as rational perseverance. A manager who continues funding a struggling project because of the money already spent may genuinely believe they are demonstrating commitment and strategic resolve. In reality, they are allowing past losses — which are unrecoverable regardless of future action — to distort present decision-making. Recognizing this bias requires not only intellectual awareness but also a degree of psychological detachment that many find difficult to achieve in high-stakes situations. The passage implies which of the following? (Select all that apply)

The sunk cost fallacy can be mistaken for a positive quality such as commitment

Awareness of a cognitive bias is not always sufficient to prevent it from influencing decisions

Behavioral economics has fully replaced classical economic theory in academic research

A is supported by the second paragraph's description of how the fallacy 'masquerades as rational perseverance' and may look like commitment. B is supported by the statement that overcoming the bias requires not just awareness but also psychological detachment — implying awareness alone is insufficient. C is not supported — the passage does not claim behavioral economics has replaced classical theory, only that it has challenged one of its assumptions.

Explanation

A is supported by the second paragraph's description of how the fallacy 'masquerades as rational perseverance' and may look like commitment. B is supported by the statement that overcoming the bias requires not just awareness but also psychological detachment — implying awareness alone is insufficient. C is not supported — the passage does not claim behavioral economics has replaced classical theory, only that it has challenged one of its assumptions.

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9. (Reading Comprehension) Behavioral economists have long challenged the classical assumption that human beings are rational actors who consistently make decisions in their own best interest. Research in this field has demonstrated that people are susceptible to a wide range of cognitive biases — systematic errors in thinking that lead to predictable patterns of irrational behavior. Among the most well-documented is the sunk cost fallacy, the tendency to continue investing in a failing course of action simply because resources have already been committed to it. What makes the sunk cost fallacy particularly insidious is that it often masquerades as rational perseverance. A manager who continues funding a struggling project because of the money already spent may genuinely believe they are demonstrating commitment and strategic resolve. In reality, they are allowing past losses — which are unrecoverable regardless of future action — to distort present decision-making. Recognizing this bias requires not only intellectual awareness but also a degree of psychological detachment that many find difficult to achieve in high-stakes situations. The primary purpose of the passage is to:

Argue that classical economic theory is fundamentally flawed

Explain a specific cognitive bias and examine why it is difficult to overcome

Compare behavioral economics with classical economic theory

Provide a comprehensive overview of cognitive biases in decision-making

Propose strategies for avoiding irrational decision-making in business contexts

The passage focuses specifically on the sunk cost fallacy — explaining what it is and why it is hard to recognize and avoid. A is too broad — the passage does not argue that classical theory is entirely flawed. C implies a systematic comparison, which the passage does not provide. D suggests a comprehensive overview of multiple biases, while the passage focuses on one. E implies practical strategies, which the passage does not offer.

Explanation

The passage focuses specifically on the sunk cost fallacy — explaining what it is and why it is hard to recognize and avoid. A is too broad — the passage does not argue that classical theory is entirely flawed. C implies a systematic comparison, which the passage does not provide. D suggests a comprehensive overview of multiple biases, while the passage focuses on one. E implies practical strategies, which the passage does not offer.

10. (Sentence Completion — One Blank) Despite publishing dozens of papers on the subject, the researcher remained _______ about drawing firm conclusions, insisting that the available evidence was still too limited.

Prolific

Dismissive

Circumspect

Dogmatic

Indifferent

'Circumspect' means cautious and unwilling to take risks, which fits a researcher who refuses to draw firm conclusions despite extensive work. 'Prolific' means producing a large body of work — which describes the output but not the attitude toward conclusions. 'Dismissive' means showing little consideration, 'dogmatic' means rigidly certain, and 'indifferent' means lacking interest — none of which describe cautious restraint in drawing conclusions.

Explanation

'Circumspect' means cautious and unwilling to take risks, which fits a researcher who refuses to draw firm conclusions despite extensive work. 'Prolific' means producing a large body of work — which describes the output but not the attitude toward conclusions. 'Dismissive' means showing little consideration, 'dogmatic' means rigidly certain, and 'indifferent' means lacking interest — none of which describe cautious restraint in drawing conclusions.

11. Read the following passage and answer the question. The debate over whether cities should prioritize economic growth or environmental sustainability has intensified in recent decades. Proponents of growth argue that a thriving economy generates the tax revenue necessary to fund public services, infrastructure, and social programs that ultimately benefit all citizens. Critics, however, contend that unchecked development depletes natural resources, worsens air and water quality, and disproportionately harms lower-income communities who lack the means to relocate or adapt. What is often overlooked in this debate is that economic growth and environmental protection need not be mutually exclusive. Several cities have demonstrated that investing in green infrastructure — such as renewable energy grids, urban forests, and sustainable public transit — can simultaneously stimulate job creation and reduce environmental degradation. The challenge lies not in choosing between growth and sustainability, but in redesigning the frameworks through which cities pursue both. The primary purpose of the passage is to:

Challenge a false dichotomy and propose a more nuanced perspective

Argue that environmental sustainability should take precedence over economic growth

Present evidence that economic growth inevitably harms the environment

Analyze the political motivations behind urban development policies

Describe the specific green infrastructure initiatives adopted by major cities

The passage does not side with either economic growth or environmental sustainability. Instead it argues that framing the two as opposites is a mistake and that cities can pursue both simultaneously. Options B and C are too one-sided, D introduces political motivations not discussed in the passage, and E is too specific — the passage mentions green infrastructure only as a general example.

Explanation

The passage does not side with either economic growth or environmental sustainability. Instead it argues that framing the two as opposites is a mistake and that cities can pursue both simultaneously. Options B and C are too one-sided, D introduces political motivations not discussed in the passage, and E is too specific — the passage mentions green infrastructure only as a general example.

12. Read the following passage and answer the question. The widespread adoption of algorithmic decision-making in hiring has been heralded by many organizations as a solution to human bias. By removing subjective judgment from the initial screening process, algorithms are said to evaluate candidates purely on merit. However, research has consistently shown that algorithms trained on historical hiring data tend to replicate and even amplify existing biases, since the data itself reflects past discriminatory practices. This creates a troubling paradox: the very tool introduced to eliminate bias becomes a vehicle for perpetuating it. Some researchers argue that the solution lies in auditing algorithms regularly and diversifying the data sets used for training. Others contend that the problem is more fundamental — that any system trained on biased historical data will inevitably encode those biases, regardless of how sophisticated the algorithm becomes. Which portion of the passage most directly supports the idea that the problem of algorithmic bias may not have a straightforward technical fix?

"The widespread adoption of algorithmic decision-making in hiring has been heralded by many organizations as a solution to human bias."

"By removing subjective judgment from the initial screening process, algorithms are said to evaluate candidates purely on merit."

"Research has consistently shown that algorithms trained on historical hiring data tend to replicate and even amplify existing biases."

"Some researchers argue that the solution lies in auditing algorithms regularly and diversifying the data sets used for training."

Option E directly states that the problem is fundamental and persists regardless of algorithmic sophistication — implying no technical improvement alone can solve it. A and B describe the promise of algorithmic hiring, not its limitations. C identifies the problem but does not suggest it is unsolvable. D presents a potential solution, which is the opposite of what the question asks for.

Explanation

Option E directly states that the problem is fundamental and persists regardless of algorithmic sophistication — implying no technical improvement alone can solve it. A and B describe the promise of algorithmic hiring, not its limitations. C identifies the problem but does not suggest it is unsolvable. D presents a potential solution, which is the opposite of what the question asks for.

13. Read the following passage and answer the question. The widespread adoption of algorithmic decision-making in hiring has been heralded by many organizations as a solution to human bias. By removing subjective judgment from the initial screening process, algorithms are said to evaluate candidates purely on merit. However, research has consistently shown that algorithms trained on historical hiring data tend to replicate and even amplify existing biases, since the data itself reflects past discriminatory practices. This creates a troubling paradox: the very tool introduced to eliminate bias becomes a vehicle for perpetuating it. Some researchers argue that the solution lies in auditing algorithms regularly and diversifying the data sets used for training. Others contend that the problem is more fundamental — that any system trained on biased historical data will inevitably encode those biases, regardless of how sophisticated the algorithm becomes. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage? (Select all that apply)

Historical hiring data may reflect discriminatory practices

Algorithmic hiring tools do not always achieve the neutrality they promise

Most organizations are aware that their hiring algorithms are biased

A is directly supported — the passage states that algorithms trained on historical data replicate biases because the data reflects past discrimination. B is supported by the paradox described — the tool introduced to eliminate bias perpetuates it. C is not supported — the passage does not indicate whether organizations are aware of this problem, only that researchers have identified it.

Explanation

A is directly supported — the passage states that algorithms trained on historical data replicate biases because the data reflects past discrimination. B is supported by the paradox described — the tool introduced to eliminate bias perpetuates it. C is not supported — the passage does not indicate whether organizations are aware of this problem, only that researchers have identified it.

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14. (Sentence Completion — One Blank) The committee's decision to release the findings without prior consultation was seen as _______, undermining months of carefully built trust among the stakeholders.

Prudent

Inevitable

Precipitate

Transparent

Judicious

'Precipitate' means done hastily and without careful consideration, which fits a decision that undermined trust by bypassing consultation. 'Prudent' and 'judicious' both mean wise and careful — the opposite of what is needed. 'Inevitable' means unavoidable, which does not carry the negative connotation required. 'Transparent' means open and honest, which is also positive — none of which convey reckless haste.

Explanation

'Precipitate' means done hastily and without careful consideration, which fits a decision that undermined trust by bypassing consultation. 'Prudent' and 'judicious' both mean wise and careful — the opposite of what is needed. 'Inevitable' means unavoidable, which does not carry the negative connotation required. 'Transparent' means open and honest, which is also positive — none of which convey reckless haste.

15. (Text Completion — Two Blanks) Although the documentary was praised for its _ depiction of the refugee crisis, some critics argued that its narrow focus ultimately _ the complexity of the broader geopolitical situation. Choose the best combination of answers for the two blanks:

Superficial / Captured

Sensationalist / Exaggerated

Unflinching / Obscured

Unflinching / Exaggerated

Superficial / Obscured

The first blank must describe a quality that earned the documentary praise — 'unflinching' means honest and direct even when the subject is difficult, which fits. 'Superficial' and 'sensationalist' are negative and would not earn praise. The second blank must describe a failure — 'obscured' means hidden or made unclear, which fits the criticism that the narrow focus concealed complexity. 'Captured' would be positive and contradict the critical tone, and 'exaggerated' changes the meaning entirely.

Explanation

The first blank must describe a quality that earned the documentary praise — 'unflinching' means honest and direct even when the subject is difficult, which fits. 'Superficial' and 'sensationalist' are negative and would not earn praise. The second blank must describe a failure — 'obscured' means hidden or made unclear, which fits the criticism that the narrow focus concealed complexity. 'Captured' would be positive and contradict the critical tone, and 'exaggerated' changes the meaning entirely.

16. (Sentence Equivalence — Choose Two) The professor's lecture was so _______ that several students struggled to follow the argument, despite having read the assigned material thoroughly.

Lucid

Engaging

Abstruse

Provocative

Recondite

Methodical

The sentence indicates the students struggled to follow the argument, implying the lecture was difficult to understand. 'Abstruse' means difficult to understand, and 'recondite' means dealing with obscure subject matter — both produce the same meaning and fit the context. 'Lucid' means clear, which is the opposite of what is needed. 'Engaging' and 'provocative' describe tone rather than comprehensibility. 'Methodical' means systematic, which would not cause comprehension difficulties.

Explanation

The sentence indicates the students struggled to follow the argument, implying the lecture was difficult to understand. 'Abstruse' means difficult to understand, and 'recondite' means dealing with obscure subject matter — both produce the same meaning and fit the context. 'Lucid' means clear, which is the opposite of what is needed. 'Engaging' and 'provocative' describe tone rather than comprehensibility. 'Methodical' means systematic, which would not cause comprehension difficulties.

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17. (Sentence Completion — One Blank) The negotiator's approach was surprisingly _______, given that most observers had expected her to adopt a firm and uncompromising stance from the outset.

Belligerent

Methodical

Conciliatory

Perfunctory

Assertive

The sentence sets up a contrast with 'firm and uncompromising,' so the blank must describe an approach that is cooperative or accommodating. 'Conciliatory' means intended to make peace or reduce conflict, which fits perfectly. 'Belligerent' means aggressive, 'methodical' means systematic, 'perfunctory' means carried out with minimal effort, and 'assertive' means confident and direct — none of which contrast with 'firm and uncompromising.'

Explanation

The sentence sets up a contrast with 'firm and uncompromising,' so the blank must describe an approach that is cooperative or accommodating. 'Conciliatory' means intended to make peace or reduce conflict, which fits perfectly. 'Belligerent' means aggressive, 'methodical' means systematic, 'perfunctory' means carried out with minimal effort, and 'assertive' means confident and direct — none of which contrast with 'firm and uncompromising.'

18. (Critical Reasoning — Resolve the Paradox) Studies show that employees who work from home report higher job satisfaction than those who work in offices. Yet companies that allow remote work have not seen a corresponding increase in overall productivity. Which of the following, if true, best resolves the paradox above?

Job satisfaction and productivity are influenced by different factors, and higher satisfaction does not necessarily translate into greater output

Remote workers tend to work longer hours than office-based employees

Companies that offer remote work attract more highly qualified candidates

Office environments provide more opportunities for spontaneous collaboration

Productivity metrics used by most companies are outdated and fail to capture the full value of remote work

The paradox is that higher satisfaction has not led to higher productivity. Option A resolves this by explaining that the two outcomes are driven by different factors — satisfaction and output are not causally linked in the way the paradox assumes. B would suggest remote workers produce more, which deepens rather than resolves the paradox. C is irrelevant to productivity outcomes. D explains why office workers might be more productive but does not resolve the paradox. E challenges the measurement but does not explain the disconnect between satisfaction and productivity.

Explanation

The paradox is that higher satisfaction has not led to higher productivity. Option A resolves this by explaining that the two outcomes are driven by different factors — satisfaction and output are not causally linked in the way the paradox assumes. B would suggest remote workers produce more, which deepens rather than resolves the paradox. C is irrelevant to productivity outcomes. D explains why office workers might be more productive but does not resolve the paradox. E challenges the measurement but does not explain the disconnect between satisfaction and productivity.

19. Read the following passage and answer the question. The debate over whether cities should prioritize economic growth or environmental sustainability has intensified in recent decades. Proponents of growth argue that a thriving economy generates the tax revenue necessary to fund public services, infrastructure, and social programs that ultimately benefit all citizens. Critics, however, contend that unchecked development depletes natural resources, worsens air and water quality, and disproportionately harms lower-income communities who lack the means to relocate or adapt. What is often overlooked in this debate is that economic growth and environmental protection need not be mutually exclusive. Several cities have demonstrated that investing in green infrastructure — such as renewable energy grids, urban forests, and sustainable public transit — can simultaneously stimulate job creation and reduce environmental degradation. The challenge lies not in choosing between growth and sustainability, but in redesigning the frameworks through which cities pursue both. What role does the second paragraph play in the passage?

It introduces a counterargument that undermines the first paragraph's position

It provides statistical evidence to support the claims made in the first paragraph

It resolves the tension introduced in the first paragraph by offering an alternative framework

It elaborates further on the problems discussed in the first paragraph

It presents a historical account of urban sustainability initiatives

The first paragraph sets up a tension between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The second paragraph resolves this by arguing the two are not mutually exclusive and that a redesigned framework can accommodate both. It does not introduce a counterargument, provide statistics, elaborate on problems, or offer a historical account.

Explanation

The first paragraph sets up a tension between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The second paragraph resolves this by arguing the two are not mutually exclusive and that a redesigned framework can accommodate both. It does not introduce a counterargument, provide statistics, elaborate on problems, or offer a historical account.

20. Read the following passage and answer the question. The debate over whether cities should prioritize economic growth or environmental sustainability has intensified in recent decades. Proponents of growth argue that a thriving economy generates the tax revenue necessary to fund public services, infrastructure, and social programs that ultimately benefit all citizens. Critics, however, contend that unchecked development depletes natural resources, worsens air and water quality, and disproportionately harms lower-income communities who lack the means to relocate or adapt. What is often overlooked in this debate is that economic growth and environmental protection need not be mutually exclusive. Several cities have demonstrated that investing in green infrastructure — such as renewable energy grids, urban forests, and sustainable public transit — can simultaneously stimulate job creation and reduce environmental degradation. The challenge lies not in choosing between growth and sustainability, but in redesigning the frameworks through which cities pursue both. The passage implies which of the following? (Select all that apply)

Lower-income communities are more vulnerable to the negative effects of urban development

Green infrastructure can generate employment opportunities

Most cities have already adopted sustainable development frameworks

A is supported by the mention of lower-income communities lacking the means to relocate or adapt. B is supported by the statement that green infrastructure can stimulate job creation. C is not supported — the passage says 'several cities have demonstrated' this, implying it is not yet widespread practice.

Explanation

A is supported by the mention of lower-income communities lacking the means to relocate or adapt. B is supported by the statement that green infrastructure can stimulate job creation. C is not supported — the passage says 'several cities have demonstrated' this, implying it is not yet widespread practice.

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GRE Sample Question Test (Verbal Reasoning)

1. (Sentence Equivalence — Choose Two) The author's prose style was widely admired for its _______, each sentence crafted with precision and economy without sacrificing depth or clarity.

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

2. (Sentence Completion — One Blank) The biographer was careful to present her subject's achievements without _______ them, acknowledging both the genuine contributions and the significant failures that defined his career.

3. (Text Completion — One Blank) The committee's report, while exhaustive in its documentation of the problem, was criticized for being _______ when it came to actionable recommendations, offering little more than vague platitudes.

4. (Sentence Equivalence — Choose Two) The diplomat's speech was carefully worded to avoid giving _______ to either side in the dispute, maintaining a position of strict neutrality throughout the proceedings.

10. (Sentence Completion — One Blank) Despite publishing dozens of papers on the subject, the researcher remained _______ about drawing firm conclusions, insisting that the available evidence was still too limited.

14. (Sentence Completion — One Blank) The committee's decision to release the findings without prior consultation was seen as _______, undermining months of carefully built trust among the stakeholders.

15. (Text Completion — Two Blanks) Although the documentary was praised for its _______ depiction of the refugee crisis, some critics argued that its narrow focus ultimately _______ the complexity of the broader geopolitical situation. Choose the best combination of answers for the two blanks:

16. (Sentence Equivalence — Choose Two) The professor's lecture was so _______ that several students struggled to follow the argument, despite having read the assigned material thoroughly.

17. (Sentence Completion — One Blank) The negotiator's approach was surprisingly _______, given that most observers had expected her to adopt a firm and uncompromising stance from the outset.

15. (Text Completion — Two Blanks) Although the documentary was praised for its _ depiction of the refugee crisis, some critics argued that its narrow focus ultimately _ the complexity of the broader geopolitical situation. Choose the best combination of answers for the two blanks: