GRE Verbal Practice: Questions, Answers and Explanations

The verbal reasoning section of the Graduate record examination (GRE) evaluates your ability to analyze complex sentences, the deeper meaning of the words, and the rich vocabulary in a contextual way. To get a good score in GRE verbal , the candidate should be in a position to comprehend the complex reading text, draw inferences, and also understand the author's point of view. GRE verbal practice ensures that one is ready for the exam, however students should make sure that they diligently check the techniques to solve GRE verbal practice questions and regularly attempt GRE practice test.

GRE: Sample Papers | Preparation Tips | Guide

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Importance of GRE Verbal Section

The GRE score sets you apart from all the applicants as your communication skills are well-proven. Not just this, some of the universities also offer scholarships based on your GRE score. While you prepare for GRE, you are also growing both personally and professionally. Verbal reasoning, articulation of ideas in a structured manner, and good communication skills are the keys to having an excellent career path.

Success Strategies

The success strategies of the GRE differ on an individual basis, it depends on the current knowledge of the candidate and the way the candidates prepare their road map for the preparation of the exam. Some candidates prefer reading authenticated material to enhance their vocabulary while others rely on online platforms. Indulging yourself in various vocabulary games is also an added merit to the preparation.

For reading (to enhance vocabulary) one may prefer magazines like The Economist or National Geographic, American literature books, and also referring native English newspapers both offline and online.

Understanding GRE Verbal Practice Questions

To score exceptionally high in the GRE verbal section you should familiarize yourself with the format, content, and level of difficulty that is assessed in the exam. Further, you should use effective ways to develop strong reasoning skills, critical reading, and comprehension skills. One must check out the latest updates given in the authenticated web portal of the exam, analyze weaknesses, and prepare a daily schedule to gain confidence before the real exam.

GRE Question Types

There are 2 sections of GRE verbal, each with 12 and 15 questions, ideally a student just has 1.5 minutes to answer the question after having correct analyses. Let's check out the different types of questions:

Text Completion

There are around 6 text completion questions in each verbal section and as the name says, you just have to fill the blanks with a suitable selection of words. To attempt it correctly one must critically read and understand the entire text as a whole before inferring the logical answer.

You must read the instructions carefully, to understand if the question statement has only one blank or it has two blanks. Check out the sample given below to have a clear picture.:

Sample of A text completion question with one blank:

Sentence:

"The discovery of new evidence ________ the theory that dinosaurs were warm-blooded creatures, providing further support for the idea."

Options:

A. contradicts

B. confirms

C. refutes

D. challenges

E. corroborates

Correct Answer: B. confirms

Sample of A text completion with two blanks:

Sentence:

"The company's decision to ________ its outdated manufacturing equipment and ________ state-of-the-art technology was met with enthusiasm by investors."

Blank 1:

A. upgrade

B. abandon

C. modernize

D. maintain

E. replace

Blank 2:

A. implement

B. adopt

C. incorporate

D. disregard

E. integrate

Correct Answer for both the options: C. modernize, incorporate

Sentence Equivalence:

There are almost 4 questions of this type in each verbal reasoning section and in each sentence, one word will be missing and the candidate must find two correct words to complete the sentence.

The student must remember that while selecting the right option for two words, the sentences made should have similar meanings, just like paraphrased words inserted in a sentence keeping the sentence with the same meaning.

Sample of a sentence equivalence type question:

Although the lab assistant openly apologized for allowing the sample to spoil, her _____________ did not appease the research head, and she was let go.

a) insincerity

b) frankness

c) falsehoods

d) candor

e) inexperience

f) hesitation

Answer: b, d

GRE Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension has around 10 reading passages with 20 questions divided into the two verbal reading sections of the GRE. The candidate is tested on his/her ability to understand the purpose of the passage, analyze the deeper meaning of the text and infer certain aspects.

Sample of reading comprehension question:

Source: Authenticated GRE web portal of ETS.

Questions 1 and 2 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 without imitating it. 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.

Directions: 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

Answer: E

Directions: Consider each of the 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

Answer: A and C

Strategies for Tackling Verbal Questions

There are various ways to tackle the different types of questions of verbal reasoning section of the GRE, Lets check out according to the question type:

GRE Text Completion Tactics

This type of question will check your ability to understand the text and also paraphrase it in a right manner. Follow the given steps to reach out to the right answer:

Completion Question with one blank

· Read the sentence carefully.

· Check out the connecting words in the statement

· There are two types of connecting words, one that states similarity or a direct connection and others that contradict. \

- For similarities the example of connecting words are likewise, similarly, in addition, moreover…

- For direct relation, the examples are because, also, thus, consequently

- For contradiction the words are but, despite, yet, however, rather, nevertheless.

· In your preparation time, you should learn the correct usage of all the words mentioned above and also make a list of all such words in your journal.

· Once you have analyzed the connecting word, think of an answer that best matches with the statement.

· Now use the elimination method to reach the correct answer.

· Post this, read the statement at least twice so that you are confident about the answer.

· This approach may look time-consuming at the time of preparation, however, with practice you will be able to master it.

Example Question:

Despite her ___________ efforts, Sarah couldn't seem to grasp the intricacies of calculus.

a) diligent

b) sporadic

c) half-hearted

Lets apply the steps given above:

1. Read the question statement

2. Analyse the connecting word – Despite, could’nt

3. You can easily think that Sara could not do well in calculus.

4. Use the elimination method

5. The first word diligent means to make an effort constantly, this could match the statement however, we should never forget to check the next options.

6. The word sporadic means something done or occurring in irregular intervals, hence this does not match.

7. The word half-hearted is a feeling and shows that something is not done mindfully or is just done with a casual approach so this option also does not match.

8. We are easily able to conclude that option a) is the correct answer.

9. Finally, read the statement using the selected answer to be confident about it.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Approaches

This type of question can also be solved using the above mentioned technique.

Example of sentence equivalence and application of the above mentioned technique:

Question:

Although the lab assistant openly apologized for allowing the sample to spoil, her _____________ did not appease the research head, and she was let go.

a) insincerity

b) frankness

c) falsehoods

d) candor

e) inexperience

f) hesitation

Application of the technique:

· Read the question statement and analyze the connecting word to infer the statement's correct meaning.

· The connecting words are Although, did not appease

· These words clearly indicate contradiction

· Start eliminating the options by analyzing their meanings

· The word insincerity means not being open, hence this is contradicting the statement as the question statement talks about stating correct information and not being fearful.

· frankness means being straightforward, this is most likely the correct option, as it opposes fear and makes one truthful.

· falsehoods means being fake, hence this does not match

· candor means being open and honest, hence this also matches

· inexperience means not having appropriate practical knowledge so this word is inappropriate.

· hesitation means not being confident about the approach so this also does not match

· Lastly, we conclude that options b) and d) are correct.

· Option b)- frankness and option d)candor.

· Read the question statement to be sure of the selected answer.

GRE Reading Comprehension Mastery

Reading comprehension requires perfect analysis of the passage and also an understanding of the question statement. Following the steps given below will help you gain a better clarity:

· Read the passage carefully understanding the main purpose of the author.

· Make notes of the descriptions that are mentioned focusing on connecting words like however, in comparison, contrast, but, also the adjectives and adverbs used in the text.

· Highlight your notes with opinions discussed in the passage.

· Make abbreviated notes for your understanding, keep it short as it is just for your understanding.

· Focus on the big idea of the passage.

· After reading the passage, analyze the question, it might ask you any one of the following:

a) The primary purpose of the entire passage

- To answer this, use the elimination method, under this, the candidate should eliminate all answer choices that have partial information.

b) The basic reason or details of a particular aspect or part of the text.

- Use the notes that are made

- Analyse the paraphrased words and information

- Use the elimination method to remove all those choices that change the information of the passage to reach the correct answer.

c) To infer an aspect

- check out your notes and the author's main point and purpose

- concentrate on the words that make relevance

- use the elimination method and eliminate choices that state the information that is beyond the passage.

d) Making logical connections, the question may ask a particular reason or a primary cause of the text.

- Check out the notes that are made

- Observe the reference text and quickly read the passage information again.

- Try understanding the affects of the reference text and start the elimination method

- Eliminate all the choices that do not match with the purpose of the text.

e) Understand the meaning of a word, the candidate is expected to have an enriched vocabulary.

- Check out the way the word is used in the text

- Try matching the word that can be replaced.

f) Understand and state the author's point of view

- Check out the conclusion of the argument or the author's claim

- Also observe the author's assumption

- Evaluate the answer choices and try predicting the right choice.

· After applying all the above, the candidate should re-check the work and evaluate the answers correctly. While analyzing he/she must consider the prediction that comes to mind while reaching the correct answer.

Conclusion

Students aspiring to score high in GRE must practice on a regular basis using the techniques mentioned above. Being diligent and following a proper schedule of GRE practice questions and GRE practice tests will help you to excel in the exam.