Sample GRE Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free GRE practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question. Practice with the free GRE practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (600+ questions with answer explanations).

1. A test-taker writes the following thesis statement in response to a prompt about government funding for the arts: "Government funding for the arts is a complicated topic with many pros and cons that are worth discussing." Why is this thesis considered weak for a GRE essay?

   • A. It uses the first-person pronoun "I", which is not allowed.
   • B. It focuses on a controversial topic that should be avoided.
   • C. It is too long and contains too much detail for an introduction.
   • D. It fails to take a clear, arguable position on the issue.

   Answer: D. It fails to take a clear, arguable position on the issue.

   A strong thesis must state a clear and specific position. The example thesis is a statement of fact (the topic is complicated) rather than an arguable claim. It doesn't tell the reader what the author's actual argument will be. A better thesis would be, for example, "While some argue that government funding for the arts is a frivolous expense, it is a crucial investment in a nation's cultural identity and economic vitality."

2. In a class of 36 students, 20 passed the math test, 18 passed the English test, and 8 passed both. How many students failed both tests? (A) 4 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 10

   • A. 4
   • B. 6
   • C. 8
   • D. 10

   Answer: B. 6

   Passed at least + 18 − 8 = 30. Failed both = 36 − 30 = 6.

3. A test-taker is responding to the prompt: "Claim: The most effective way to understand a society is to examine its scientific and technological innovations." The test-taker decides to argue against the claim by using only the example of ancient Rome, focusing entirely on its legal and political systems. What is the primary weakness of this approach?

   • A. The example of ancient Rome is irrelevant to the prompt.
   • B. A single, narrowly-focused example is insufficient to address the complexity of the claim.
   • C. The essay should agree with the claim, as scientific progress is always the most important factor.
   • D. Historical examples are less persuasive than examples from current events.

   Answer: B. A single, narrowly-focused example is insufficient to address the complexity of the claim.

   High-scoring "Analyze an Issue" essays demonstrate an understanding of the topic's complexity. Relying on a single example, no matter how well-explained, often fails to provide a comprehensive analysis. A stronger essay would either use multiple examples to support its point or, if using a single extended example, would also acknowledge and refute other perspectives, such as the role technology *did* play in that society.

4. p is a prime number greater than 2. **Quantity A:** The remainder when p is divided by 2. **Quantity B:** 1

   • A. The quantity in Column A is greater.
   • B. The quantity in Column B is greater.
   • C. The two quantities are equal.
   • D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

   Answer: C. The two quantities are equal.

   This question is about number properties. A prime number is a positive integer greater than 1 that has no positive integer divisors other than 1 and itself. The only even prime number is 2. The question states that p is a prime number greater than 2. This means p must be an odd number (e.g., 3, 5, 7, 11, ...). Any odd integer, when divided by 2, will have a remainder of 1. Therefore, Quantity A is always 1, which is equal to Quantity B.

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