GRE Sample Questions and Free GRE Mock Test: Practice & Sample Tests

GRE Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions

GRE Sample QuestionsThe Verbal Reasoning section assesses your ability to understand complex ideas, infer meaning, and evaluate written material. There are three types of questions in the GRE verbal reasoning section, including the text completion, reading comprehension, and sentence equivalence.

GRE Verbal Sample Question 1 – Text Completion

For each blank select one entry from the corresponding column of choices, fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

1. It is refreshing to read a book about our planet by an author who does not allow facts to be (i)__________ by politics: well aware of the political disputes about the effects of human activities on climate and biodiversity, this author does not permit them to (ii)__________ his comprehensive description of what we know about our biosphere. He emphasizes the enormous gaps in our knowledge, the sparseness of our observations, and the (iii)__________, calling attention to the many aspects of planetary evolution that must be better understood before we can accurately diagnose the condition of our planet.

Thus, the correct answer is Choice A (overshadowed), Choice E (obscure) and Choice I (superficiality of our theories).

GRE Verbal Sample Question 2 – Sentence Equivalence

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.

1. Although it does contain some pioneering ideas, one would hardly characterize the work as __________.

A. orthodox

B. eccentric

C. original

D. trifling

E. conventional

F. innovative
Explanation The word "Although" is a crucial signpost here. The work contains some pioneering ideas, but apparently it is not overall a pioneering work. Thus the two words that could fill the blank appropriately are "original" and "innovative." Note that "orthodox" and "conventional" are two words that are very similar in meaning, but neither one completes the sentence sensibly.

Thus, the correct answer is Choice C (original) and Choice F (innovative)

GRE Verbal Sample Question 3 – Reading Comprehension

Questions 1 to 3 are based on this passage.

Reviving the practice of using elements of popular music in classical composition, an approach that had been in hibernation in the United States during the 1960s, composer Philip Glass (born 1937) embraced the ethos of popular music in his compositions. Glass based two symphonies on music by rock musicians David Bowie and Brian Eno, but the symphonies' sound is distinctively his. Popular elements do not appear out of place in Glass's classical music, which from its early days has shared certain harmonies and rhythms with rock music. Yet this use of popular elements has not made Glass a composer of popular music. His music is not a version of popular music packaged to attract classical listeners; it is high art for listeners steeped in rock rather than the classics.

Select only one answer choice.

1. The passage addresses which of the following issues related to Glass's use of popular elements in his classical compositions?

A. How it is regarded by listeners who prefer rock to the classics

B. How it has affected the commercial success of Glass's music

C. Whether it has contributed to a revival of interest among other composers in using popular elements in their compositions

D. Whether it has had a detrimental effect on Glass's reputation as a composer of classical music

E. Whether it has caused certain of Glass's works to be derivative in quality

Consider each of the three choices separately and select all that apply.

2. The passage suggests that Glass's work displays which of the following qualities?

A. A return to the use of popular music in classical compositions

B. An attempt to elevate rock music to an artistic status more closely approximating that of classical music

C. A long-standing tendency to incorporate elements from two apparently disparate musical styles

3. Select the sentence that distinguishes two ways of integrating rock and classical music.

Explanation: The passage describes in general terms how Philip Glass uses popular music in his classical compositions and explores how Glass can do this without being imitative. Note that there are no opposing views discussed; the author is simply presenting his or her views.

Question 1: One of the important points that the passage makes is that when Glass uses popular elements in his music, the result is very much his own creation (it is “distinctively his”). In other words, the music is far from being derivative. Thus, one issue that the passage addresses is the one referred to in answer choice E — it answers it in the negative. The passage does not discuss the impact of Glass's use of popular elements on listeners, on the commercial success of his music, on other composers or on Glass's reputation, so none of Choices A through D is correct. The correct answer is Choice E.

Question 2: To answer this question, it is important to assess each answer choice independently. Since the passage says that Glass revived the use of popular music in classical compositions, answer choice A is clearly correct. On the other hand, the passage also denies that Glass composes popular music or packages it in a way to elevate its status, so answer choice B is incorrect. Finally, since Glass's style has always mixed elements of rock with classical elements, answer Choice C is correct. Thus, the correct answer is Choice A and Choice C.

Question 3: Almost every sentence in the passage refers to incorporating rock music in classical compositions, but only the last sentence distinguishes two ways of doing so. It distinguishes between writing rock music in a way that will make it attractive to classical listeners and writing classical music that will be attractive to listeners familiar with rock. Thus, the correct answer is the last sentence of the passage.

Download the free samples, and mock tests for a strong GRE reading comprehension practice. You will also gain an understanding of the GRE vocabulary list.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Sample Questions

The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates mathematical skills and logical reasoning using quantitative concepts. The Quantitative Reasoning measure has four types of questions: Quantitative Comparison Questions, Multiple-choice Questions — Select One Answer Choice, Multiple-choice Questions — Select One or More Answer Choices , and Numeric Entry Questions.

GRE Quant Sample Question 1 – Data Interpretation

Compare Quantity A and Quantity B, using additional information centered above the two quantities if such information is given, and select one of the following four answer choices:

A. Quantity A is greater.

B. Quantity B is greater.

C. The two quantities are equal.

D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

A symbol that appears more than once in a question has the same meaning throughout the question.

1. Quantity A Quantity B

The least prime number greater than 24 The greatest prime number less than 28

A. Quantity A is greater.

B. Quantity B is greater.

C. The two quantities are equal.

D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Explanation: For the integers greater than 24, note that 25, 26, 27 and 28 are not prime numbers, but 29 is a prime number, as are 31 and many other greater integers. Thus, 29 is the least prime number greater than 24, and Quantity A is 29. For the integers less than 28, note that 27, 26, 25, and 24 are not prime numbers, but 23 is a prime number, as are 19 and several other lesser integers. Thus, 23 is the greatest prime number less than 28, and Quantity B is 23. The correct answer is Choice A, Quantity A is greater.

GRE Quant Sample Question 2 – Problem Solving

Select a single answer choice.

1. If 5x+32 = 4-2x, what is the value of x ?

1. -4

2. -3

3. 4

4. 7

5. 12

Explanation: Solving the equation for x, you get 7x= -28, and so x=-4. The correct answer is Choice A, -4

GRE Quant Sample Question 3 – Quantitative Comparison

Which of the following integers are multiples of both 2 and 3?

Indicate all such integers.

A. 8

B. 9

C. 12

D. 18

E. 21

F. 36

Explanation: You can first identify the multiples of 2, which are 8, 12, 18, and 36, and then among the multiples of 2 identify the multiples of 3, which are 12, 18, and 36. Alternatively, if you realize that every number that is a multiple of 2 and 3 is also a multiple of 6, you can identify the choices that are multiples of 6. The correct answer consists of Choices C (12), D (18), and F (36).

GRE Analytical Writing Sample Questions

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) measures your ability to articulate complex ideas and evaluate arguments.

GRE AWA Sample Question 1 – Issue Task

You have 30 minutes to plan and compose a response in which you evaluate the argument passage that appears below. A response to any other argument will receive a score of zero. Make sure that you respond according to the specific instructions and support your evaluation with relevant reasons and/or examples. Note that you are NOT being asked to present your own views on the subject.

The following is taken from a memo from the advertising director of the Super Screen Movie Production Company. “According to a recent report from our marketing department, during the past year, fewer people attended Super Screen-produced movies than in any other year. And yet the percentage of positive reviews by movie reviewers about specific Super Screen movies actually increased during the past year. Clearly, the contents of these reviews are not reaching enough of our prospective viewers. Thus, the problem lies not with the quality of our movies but with the public’s lack of awareness that movies of good quality are available. Super Screen should therefore allocate a greater share of its budget next year to reaching the public through advertising.”

GRE AWA Sample Question 2 – Argument Task

Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the recommendation and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the recommendation.

Trained GRE readers will evaluate your response for its overall quality based on how well you:

• Respond to the specific task instructions

• Identify and analyze features of the argument relevant to the assigned task

• Organize, develop, and express your ideas

• Support your analysis with relevant reasons and/or examples

• Control the elements of standard written English Before you begin writing, you may want to think for a few minutes about the argument passage and the specific task instructions and then plan your response.

Use the next page to plan your response, then write your response starting on the first lined page that follows. A total of four lined pages are provided for your response. Be sure to develop your response fully and organize it coherently, but leave time to reread what you have written and make any revisions you think are necessary. Write your response within the boxed area on the pages provided. Any text outside the boxed area will not be scored.

Free GRE Sample Papers

The best way to study for GRE is to practice for the GRE exam and download the following online GRE Mock tests. You can download them to understand the GRE math syllabus better.