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.

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This Story also Contains

1. Importance of GRE Verbal Section
2. GRE Verbal Practice: Questions, Answers and Explanations
3. GRE verbal practice test
4. GRE preparation ebooks

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.

GRE Verbal Practice: Questions, Answers and Explanations

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.

GRE verbal practice test

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the character of Ophelia undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the play. Initially portrayed as a dutiful daughter and obedient lover, Ophelia gradually succumbs to madness following the death of her father, Polonius, and Hamlet’s erratic behaviour. This descent into insanity ultimately leads to her tragic death, which is ambiguously presented as either a suicide or an accidental drowning. Shakespeare’s ambiguous depiction of Ophelia’s demise invites various interpretations regarding her character’s agency and the impact of the events around her.

One prominent interpretation is that Ophelia’s madness is a result of the patriarchal pressures and manipulations she faces from the men in her life, including her father, Polonius, and her brother, Laertes. These characters consistently dictate her actions and decisions, leaving her with little autonomy. Another perspective suggests that Ophelia’s madness is a response to the emotional turmoil and betrayal she experiences from Hamlet, who vacillates between professing love and cruelty.

Despite the tragic trajectory of her character, Ophelia remains a central figure in Hamlet, symbolizing innocence corrupted by the surrounding moral decay. Her death serves as a poignant commentary on the limited roles and expectations imposed on women during the Elizabethan era, ultimately highlighting the devastating effects of such constraints.

1. In the context in which it is used, "autonomy" most nearly means

A) dependence

B) freedom

C) indecision

D) obedience

E) authority

Answer: B) freedom

Process to attempt the solution:

1. Read the passage carefully to understand the context in which the word "autonomy" is used.

2. Identify that "autonomy" refers to Ophelia's ability to make her own decisions and act independently.

3. Review the provided options: dependence, freedom, indecision, obedience, authority.

4. Recognize that "freedom" aligns best with the meaning of autonomy as described in the passage, where Ophelia's actions are influenced by external pressures rather than her own choices.

5. Therefore, select option B) freedom as the correct answer.

2. According to the passage, one interpretation of Ophelia’s madness is that it stems from A) her own inherent instability B) the pressures and manipulations from the men in her life C) her ambition for power D) a curse placed on her family E) her jealousy of Hamlet

A) her own inherent instability

B) the pressures and manipulations from the men in her life

C) her ambition for power

D) a curse placed on her family

E) her jealousy of Hamlet

Answer: B) the pressures and manipulations from the men in her life

Process to attempt the solution:

1. Identify the question is asking about one interpretation of the cause of Ophelia's madness as described in the passage.

2. Review the passage and note that one interpretation suggests Ophelia's madness is a result of external factors.

3. Specifically, the interpretation attributes Ophelia's madness to "the patriarchal pressures and manipulations she faces from the men in her life" such as her father and brother.

4. Review the provided options: inherent instability, pressures from men, ambition for power, curse on family, jealousy of Hamlet.

5. Select option B) the pressures and manipulations from the men in her life as the interpretation discussed in the passage regarding the cause of Ophelia's madness.

3. The author of the passage would take exception to all of the following statements regarding the interpretations of Ophelia's madness EXCEPT?

A) The interpretations of Ophelia’s madness are not uniform in their insightfulness.

B) The interpretations offer little insight into the broader themes of the play.

C) The interpretations misunderstand the context of Elizabethan society.

D) The interpretations of Ophelia’s madness have more in common with each other than with Shakespeare's intended message.

E) The interpretations, while not entirely accurate, are consistently thought-provoking.

Answer: B) The interpretations offer little insight into the broader themes of the play.

Process to attempt the solution:

1. Identify that the question is asking which statement the author of the passage would not agree with regarding interpretations of Ophelia's madness.

2. Recall that the passage discusses interpretations of Ophelia's madness and acknowledges their varying insights and thought-provoking nature.

3. Review each statement and consider whether the author would critique it based on the passage's discussion.

4. Option B suggests that the interpretations offer little insight into the broader themes of the play, which contradicts the passage's acknowledgment of their depth and relevance.

5. Therefore, select option B) The interpretations offer little insight into the broader themes of the play as the statement the author of the passage would take exception to.

4. According to the passage, Shakespeare’s portrayal of Ophelia's character allowed him to accomplish which of the following?

Select ALL answers that apply.

A) He was able to highlight the limited roles and expectations imposed on women during the Elizabethan era.

B) He was able to adhere to the traditional portrayal of women in literature.

C) He was able to present a commentary on the impact of patriarchal pressures and manipulations.

Answer: A) He was able to highlight the limited roles and expectations imposed on women during the Elizabethan era. C) He was able to present a commentary on the impact of patriarchal pressures and manipulations.

Process to attempt the solution:

1. Read the passage carefully to identify how Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia's character contributes to broader themes.

2. Note that the passage discusses how Ophelia's character symbolizes the limited roles and expectations imposed on women during Shakespeare's time.

3. Look for evidence supporting the portrayal of Ophelia as a commentary on patriarchal pressures and manipulations, as discussed in the passage.

4. Review the options: A) highlight limited roles, B) adhere to traditional portrayal, C) present commentary on patriarchal pressures.

5. Select options A) and C) based on the evidence and interpretations presented in the passage regarding Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia's character.

5. Which sentence best explains the reasoning behind Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia's descent into madness in Hamlet?

A) "Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia’s descent into madness is a response to the emotional turmoil and betrayal she experiences from Hamlet, who vacillates between professing love and cruelty."

B) "This tragic transformation serves as a poignant commentary on the limited roles and expectations imposed on women during the Elizabethan era, highlighting the devastating effects of such constraints."

C) "However, this does not fully address the complexity of Ophelia’s character and her impact on the play's themes."

D) "Critics of the time viewed Ophelia's madness as an audacious departure from conventional female roles in literature."

E) "Nevertheless, Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia’s descent into madness underscores his critique of patriarchal pressures and manipulations."

Answer: E) "Nevertheless, Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia’s descent into madness underscores his critique of patriarchal pressures and manipulations."

Process to attempt the solution:

1. Identify that the question asks for the best sentence that explains the reasoning behind Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia's descent into madness.

2. Review the options and eliminate those that do not directly address Shakespeare's critique of patriarchal pressures or manipulations.

3. Recall that the passage discusses how Ophelia's descent into madness serves as a commentary on societal expectations and influences.

4. Choose option E) as it directly connects Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia's madness to a critique of patriarchal pressures and manipulations, as discussed in the passage.

6. The portrayal of Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet serves as a ____________ of the challenges faced by women constrained within patriarchal norms during the Elizabethan era.

A) critique
B) symbol
C) representation
D) reflection
E) misunderstanding

Answer: B) symbol

Process to attempt the solution:

1. Understand that the question asks for a word that describes how Ophelia's portrayal in Hamlet represents the challenges faced by women under patriarchal norms.

2. Recall from the passage that Ophelia's character symbolizes the broader societal issues and constraints faced by women during Shakespeare's time.

3. Review the options: critique, symbol, representation, reflection, misunderstanding.

4. Choose option B) symbol because it best describes how Ophelia's portrayal serves as a representation or embodiment of the challenges faced by women under patriarchal norms in Elizabethan society.

7. In (i) __________ Ophelia's descent into madness and her tragic death, literary scholars have explored various interpretations that leave her character (ii) __________.

Options to blank 1

A) response to
B) context of
C) portrayal of
D) reflection on
E) understanding of
Options to blank 2

F) unresolved
G) undisputed
H) controversial
I) conclusive
J) insignificant

Answer: A) response to F) unresolved

Process to attempt the solution:

1. Understand that the question requires filling in two blanks to complete a sentence about interpretations of Ophelia's character.

2. Recognize that "response to" is appropriate to describe how literary scholars interpret Ophelia's descent into madness and tragic death.

3. Consider that "unresolved" fits the context of leaving Ophelia's character open to various interpretations without definitive conclusions.

4. Review the options for each blank: A) response to, B) context of, C) portrayal of, D) reflection on, E) understanding of and F) unresolved, G) undisputed, H) controversial, I) conclusive, J) insignificant.

5. Select options A) and F) to complete the sentence logically and accurately based on the context provided.

GRE preparation ebooks

The GRE preparation ebooks offer ample opportunities to practice different types of GRE questions. Regular practice enhances your skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and reading comprehension. These are essential abilities evaluated in the GRE, and practice books provide targeted exercises to strengthen them.