GRE Practice Test (Verbal Reasoning) 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The city has been plagued by _ in recent years, and the mayor's chances of reelection appear _.

Improvements…likely
Visitors…certain
Tourists…grim
Violence….slim (Correct answer)
Gardeners….unlikely
Violence….slim was correct.

Correct answer: Violence….slim

The sentence indicates that the city has been plagued by something. "Plagued" is a negative word, and the only negative word among the choices is violence. It makes sense that if violence is a problem for a city, it could negatively affect the mayor's chances of reelection, so the logical choice for the second blank is slim. Improvements, meaning positive changes, does not make sense. Visitors, meaning those who visit, does not make sense. Gardeners, meaning those who work or tend a garden, does not make sense. Tourists, meaning travelers or visitors to an area, does not make sense.

Question 2: As we got to know Andreas better, we realized that all of his stories of fortune and fame were _____.

Lullaby
Biography
Lunacy
Ruse (Correct answer)
Secret

Correct answer: Ruse

The sentence implies that Andreas's stories of fortune and fame were not true, but rather deceptive. A 'ruse' is a trick or an action intended to deceive someone. This fits the context of realizing the stories were not genuine, suggesting they were fabricated to mislead or impress.

Question 3: Thomas, who is a musical _, showed off his amazing _ at an early age.

Vagabond…travels
Teacher….painting
Mendicant….treats
Helper….compassion
Prodigy….talent (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Prodigy….talent

The sentence describes Thomas as someone who showed 'amazing' musical ability at an 'early age.' A 'prodigy' is a young person with exceptional qualities or abilities, especially in a particular field like music. This naturally pairs with 'talent,' which refers to a natural aptitude or skill, making 'prodigy...talent' the most fitting and coherent choice.

Question 4: Since she grew up in southern Florida, Zoe was to harsh winters, and got to be very when she found herself driving through a Chicago snowstorm.

Unaccustomed….nervous (Correct answer)
Resigned….confused
Immune….giddy
Impervious….apathetic
Nostalgic…tearful

Correct answer: Unaccustomed….nervous

Growing up in southern Florida implies a lack of experience with harsh winters. Therefore, Zoe would be 'unaccustomed' to such conditions. Her reaction to driving through a Chicago snowstorm, given her lack of familiarity, would logically be to become 'nervous,' as it's an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous situation.

Question 5: David had already won wide ____ as a documentary filmmaker by the time he was thirty.

Hostility
Blame
Novelty
Creativity
Acclaim (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Acclaim

The phrase 'won wide ____ as a documentary filmmaker' suggests that David achieved significant recognition and praise for his work. 'Acclaim' means enthusiastic public praise and approval. This word perfectly captures the idea of widespread positive recognition for his achievements in filmmaking.

Question 6: Thousands of _ original copies were an unfortunate _of the region’s most recent conflict.

Medical….consequence
Irreplaceable….casualty (Correct answer)
Modern…..growth
Worthless….addition
Paper….admiration

Correct answer: Irreplaceable….casualty

The context of a 'region's most recent conflict' suggests destruction and loss. 'Irreplaceable' describes items that cannot be replaced, emphasizing their unique value. A 'casualty' refers to a person or thing injured, killed, or lost in an event like a conflict. Thus, the loss of 'irreplaceable original copies' as an 'unfortunate casualty' of the conflict makes the most logical and somber sense.

Question 7: He may barely have imagined that he would be _____ into a conspire to outwit the government.

Held
Welcomed
Thrust (Correct answer)
Journeyed
Pirated

Correct answer: Thrust

The sentence implies an unexpected and forceful involvement in a conspiracy. 'Thrust' means to push or propel suddenly or violently in a specified direction. This word conveys the idea of being unwillingly or unexpectedly drawn into a situation, fitting the context of being 'thrust into a conspire' (conspiracy) to outwit the government.

Question 8: In a ponder of linguistics, analysts _ the ordinary discourse designs of juvenile ladies in eight _ countries.

Challenged….foreign
Compared….European (Correct answer)
Watched….populated
Plagiarized….European
Annotated….unfortunate

Correct answer: Compared….European

The phrase 'ponder of linguistics' and 'discourse designs' indicates a study or analysis of language patterns. In such a study, analysts would typically 'compare' these patterns across different groups or regions. 'European' is a common and logical descriptor for a group of countries chosen for linguistic comparison, making this option the most coherent for a linguistic study.

Question 9: I didn’t gain my degree with the deliberate of utilizing it to seek after a career; I did it for my own _____.

Edification (Correct answer)
Ramification
Elements
Resonance
Doctrine

Correct answer: Edification

The sentence states the degree was not for a career but for personal reasons. 'Edification' refers to the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually. This aligns perfectly with the idea of pursuing knowledge for personal growth and intellectual development, rather than for professional advancement.

Question 10: Choose the sentence from the passage that best expresses Picasso's artistic individuality. (1) Pablo Picasso is probably the most important figure of 20th century, in terms of art, and art movements that occurred over this period. (2) To say that Pablo Picasso conquered western art is, by today, the merest usual place. (3) Before the age of 50, the Spanish born artist had become the most well known name in modern art, with the most distinct style and eye for artistic creation. (4) There had been no other artists, prior to Picasso, who had such an impact on the art world, or had a mass following of fans and critics alike, as he did.

Sentence (1)
Sentence (3) (Correct answer)
Sentence (2)
Sentence (4)

Correct answer: Sentence (3)

Sentence (3) explicitly states that Picasso had 'the most distinct style and eye for artistic creation.' This phrase directly addresses and highlights his unique artistic individuality, which is the core of what the question asks for. The other sentences discuss his general importance, widespread recognition, or impact compared to others, but not his specific artistic distinctiveness.

Question 11: The teacher expressed ______ that he would not endure late work in any form which the numerical grade for such work would continuously be zero.

unequivocally (Correct answer)
passively
humorously
wistfully

Correct answer: unequivocally

The teacher's statement about not enduring late work and assigning a zero grade is a firm and absolute declaration. 'Unequivocally' means in a way that leaves no doubt; unambiguously. This adverb perfectly describes the teacher's clear, firm, and unambiguous stance on late assignments.

Question 12: Select two words, either of which might total this sentence, and give suitable meaning. “A life-long Democrat, Congressperson Strom Thurman was so enraged by the governmentally commanded integration of southern schools within the early 1970s that he publically ____ the Democratic platform that upheld the integration and joined the restriction, the Republican Party.”

repudiated, eschewed (Correct answer)
abstained, eschewed
eluded, repudiated
begrudged, eluded

Correct answer: repudiated, eschewed

The sentence describes a politician who, enraged by a policy, publicly rejected his party's platform and switched parties. 'Repudiated' means to reject with disapproval or condemnation. 'Eschewed' means to deliberately avoid using; abstain from. Both words convey the strong rejection and abandonment of the Democratic platform, fitting the context of his extreme reaction and party change.

Question 13: Select two words, either of which seems to total this sentence and give fitting meaning. “While the vast majority of Americans bolster endeavors to constrain hate-speech, a few are concerned that intemperate limits may in a roundabout way _____ the first Amendment and restrain free speech.”

ratify, revoke
obliterate, abrogate
abrogate, revoke (Correct answer)
enact, obscure

Correct answer: abrogate, revoke

The sentence discusses concerns that 'intemperate limits' on hate speech might negatively impact the First Amendment and free speech. 'Abrogate' means to repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement). 'Revoke' means to put an end to the validity or operation of (a law, right, or agreement). Both words accurately describe the potential act of nullifying or canceling the protections of the First Amendment, which would 'restrain free speech.'

Question 14: Catriona has _ much of her life to Irish step dancing, and her _ has come about in her winning various grants, both broadly and globally.

Appointed….failure
Wasted….folly
Released….apathy
Devoted….dedication (Correct answer)
Resisted….stubbornness

Correct answer: Devoted….dedication

The first blank requires a word describing how Catriona spent her life on Irish step dancing, and 'devoted' (giving all or a large part of one's time or resources to a person, activity, or cause) fits perfectly. The second blank needs a word that explains her success in winning grants, which is a direct result of her 'dedication' (the quality of being committed to a task or purpose). This pair creates a logical cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 15: The passage addresses which criticism of Americanization? “Americanization, which critics assert is a form of imperialism, as American culture and brands usurp those native to other nations, has spread throughout the developed and undeveloped world, leading to global recognition of brands such as McDonalds and terms such as hashtag and meme. Each of these invasive elements of American culture, according to sociologists, has the potential to completely erase an element of native culture. In the early twentieth century, however, Americanization was synonymous with progress, as other nations hoped to match the industrial and technological successes of the United States. For example, in Germany, prior to the World Wars, government and business leaders referred to the American obsession with efficiency as rationalization. Adopting American manufacturing techniques led to Germany significantly improving their own practices and, eventually, surpassing the United States to become the world standard of efficient manufacturing.”

The efficiency techniques of American industrialization likely helped Germany develop the means to instigate the World Wars.
American brands are brash and do not integrate effectively into other cultures.
Americanization led to America losing ground in manufacturing prowess to other nations, including Germany.
It is a means of extending American rule and authority over other nations. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is a means of extending American rule and authority over other nations.

The first sentence of the passage explicitly states that 'critics assert [Americanization] is a form of imperialism, as American culture and brands usurp those native to other nations.' Imperialism inherently involves extending a nation's power and influence, often through cultural dominance. This directly aligns with the idea of Americanization being a means of extending American rule and authority, even if not through direct political control.

Question 16: As arranged by the Aztecs, hot tamales were _____ cooked over hot ashes buried within the ground.

Generously
Predictably
Forgettably
Fortunately
Originally (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Originally

The phrase 'As arranged by the Aztecs' indicates a historical method or origin. 'Originally' means from the beginning; in the first place. This adverb correctly describes how tamales were prepared in their initial, traditional form by the Aztecs, referring to the method of their invention or earliest practice.

Question 17: Reflect on the entry and select the explanation that best restates critics’ complaints about Banksy and Dismaland? “Culture jamming is a form of subversive art that uses corporate logos to support commentary on social justice, income inequality, and the plight of exploited workers. Activists co-opt recognizable logos, such as McDonald’s arches or the Nike swoosh, to foreground issues often unfamiliar to day-to-day consumers of these companies’ goods and services. In the summer of 2015, Banksy, the performance artist and noted culture jammer, was the focus of international news, as he unveiled a short-term exhibition in a beach town in England. The exhibition, called Dismaland, co-opted several familiar logos, including that of Disney, to make topical points within the familiar, yet subverted, setting of what he called a bemusement park. Critics argued, however, that by seeking an international stage, Bansky was not subverting, but rather reinforcing, the globalization of the consumer culture he claimed to abhor.”

It is likely, because of the attention Banksy received for Dismaland, that the subverted logos he used could become as popular as other logos.
Banksy claims to be a culture-jammer and subversive artist, but he in fact supports consumer culture with art installations that celebrate the most recognizable brands and logos.
When Banksy’s culture jamming efforts reached a global stage, they were no longer undermining consumer culture, but rather contributing to its expansion. (Correct answer)
Based on Banksy’s use of media it is clear he fully supports consumer culture, but has found ways to use logos and corporate identities to further his own ideas.

Correct answer: When Banksy’s culture jamming efforts reached a global stage, they were no longer undermining consumer culture, but rather contributing to its expansion.

The last sentence of the passage directly states the critics' argument: 'Critics argued, however, that by seeking an international stage, Bansky was not subverting, but rather reinforcing, the globalization of the consumer culture he claimed to abhor.' This precisely matches option C, explaining that his global reach inadvertently promoted the very consumer culture he intended to critique.

Question 18: Living close to an army base, we got to be _ to the sound of helicopters flying overhead, in any case, when I moved close an air terminal, I was for the sound of gigantic planes.

Enraged….hopeful
Inured….unprepared (Correct answer)
Agitated….lonely
Anxious….abominable
Attuned….indifferent

Correct answer: Inured….unprepared

Living near an army base would make one accustomed to helicopter sounds. 'Inured' means to accustom (someone) to something, especially something unpleasant. However, moving to an airport, despite being used to helicopters, would still leave one 'unprepared' for the different, perhaps louder or more frequent, sounds of gigantic planes. This contrast highlights a specific adaptation that doesn't transfer to a new, distinct noise environment.

Question 19: Select two words, either of which may total this sentence, and give fitting meaning. “While the debate team’s contention was actually ____, the subject was so provocative that the gathering of people was inclined to concur with their opponents.”

cogent, compelling (Correct answer)
absolute, precise
capable, positive
fluent, glib

Correct answer: cogent, compelling

The sentence implies that despite the debate team's argument being strong and persuasive, the audience was swayed by the provocative subject matter. 'Cogent' means (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing. 'Compelling' means evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way; not able to be refuted. Both words describe an argument that is logically sound and persuasive, creating the necessary contrast with the audience's emotional response to the subject.

Question 20: My uncle is fantastically liberal; over the a long time, numerous individuals of my family have been _ of his _.

Victims….generosity
Witness….moodiness
Objects….eccentricities
Beneficiaries….largesse (Correct answer)
Unwitting….tendencies

Correct answer: Beneficiaries….largesse

The phrase 'fantastically liberal' suggests generosity. 'Beneficiaries' are people who derive advantage from something, especially a trust, will, or life insurance policy. 'Largesse' means generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others. This pair logically connects the uncle's generosity with his family members receiving benefits from it, creating a coherent and positive relationship.

Question 21: Select two words, either of which may total this sentence, and give fitting meaning. “The pressure within the conference room was lightened by a minute of ____ when Dwindle told a joke.”

folly, gravity
satire, triviality
levity, mirth (Correct answer)
gloom, wit

Correct answer: levity, mirth

The sentence describes a joke lightening the pressure in a room. 'Levity' refers to humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or lack of due respect. 'Mirth' means amusement, especially as expressed in laughter. Both words accurately capture the sense of lightheartedness and amusement introduced by a joke, which would alleviate tension.

Question 22: The siblings had a _____relationship and their quarrels were the stuff of legend among their relatives.

Light-hearted
Platonic
Contentious (Correct answer)
Affable
Opinionated

Correct answer: Contentious

The phrase 'their quarrels were the stuff of legend' clearly indicates a relationship marked by frequent arguments and disagreements. 'Contentious' means causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial. This word perfectly describes a relationship characterized by conflict and frequent disputes.

Question 23: Select two words, either of which seems to total this sentence and give fitting meaning. “Professor Martin gestured weakly as the ____ youthful lady bored him with a breathless monolog covering a run of themes, from her current boyfriend to her childhood pets.”

reticent, candid
zealous, vehement
ernest, keen
loquacious, garrulous (Correct answer)

Correct answer: loquacious, garrulous

The description of the lady delivering a 'breathless monolog covering a run of themes' and boring Professor Martin indicates she talks excessively. 'Loquacious' means tending to talk a great deal; talkative. 'Garrulous' means excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. Both words accurately describe someone who talks too much and perhaps without much substance, fitting the context of a boring monologue.

Question 24: In spite of the fact that Joe had been a committed representative for years when the company was bought out by a new owner, he was _____ to a lower-paying position.

Decimated
Promoted
Enunciated
Truncated
Relegated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Relegated

The sentence presents a contrast: Joe was a 'committed representative' but was moved to a 'lower-paying position' after a company buyout. 'Relegated' means to consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position. This word accurately describes the demotion or reduction in status, despite his prior commitment, which is a common outcome in corporate restructuring.

Question 25: Select two words, either of which may total this sentence, and give suitable meaning. “Eager to gain validity among a bunch of social equity demonstrators, Mel gushed _____ talk with respect to societal standards, but it was clear that he was not well-informed on the issues around which he complained.”

iconoclastic, dissident (Correct answer)
gracious, urbane
dogmatic, reverent
flippant, impertinent

Correct answer: iconoclastic, dissident

Mel's desire to gain 'validity among social equity demonstrators' suggests he wants to appear critical of established norms. 'Iconoclastic' means attacking or ignoring cherished beliefs and institutions or established values and practices. 'Dissident' refers to a person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state. Both words describe speech that challenges societal standards, fitting Mel's attempt to align with demonstrators, even if his knowledge is superficial.

GRE Practice Test (Verbal Reasoning) 1

The city has been plagued by _____ in recent years, and the mayor's chances of reelection appear _____.