GRE Critical Reading and Inference Questions 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: "The town council approved the new zoning ordinance by a 5–2 vote despite a packed public hearing at which the majority of speakers opposed the measure." Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the statement above? (A) The council members were influenced by speakers at the public hearing (B) The council acted without considering public input (C) The council's vote did not reflect the sentiment expressed at the public hearing (D) Public hearings are ineffective because officials ignore them

The council members were influenced by speakers at the public hearing
The council acted without considering public input
The council's vote did not reflect the sentiment expressed at the public hearing (Correct answer)
Public hearings are ineffective because officials ignore them

Correct answer: The council's vote did not reflect the sentiment expressed at the public hearing

The passage states most speakers opposed the measure, yet the council passed it 5–2. The most direct inference is that the vote did not reflect the hearing's sentiment.

The passage establishes a contrast: most speakers opposed the ordinance, but it passed by a strong majority. Option C is the most direct inference — the vote outcome didn't match the public sentiment. Option B overclaims (considers is too strong — they may have heard the input but voted differently). Option D generalizes too broadly from one instance.

Question 2: "Studies consistently show that countries with higher rates of newspaper readership also have higher levels of civic participation. Researchers have concluded that reading newspapers causes greater civic engagement." Which logical flaw does this argument contain? (A) It ignores the sample size of the studies (B) It assumes correlation implies causation (C) It fails to define civic participation (D) It relies on surveys rather than direct observation

It ignores the sample size of the studies
It assumes correlation implies causation (Correct answer)
It fails to define civic participation
It relies on surveys rather than direct observation

Correct answer: It assumes correlation implies causation

The studies show a correlation between newspaper readership and civic participation. Concluding causation from correlation is a classic logical fallacy.

Correlation means two variables move together; causation means one produces the other. Both newspaper readership and civic participation could be caused by a third factor (e.g., education, community values). The flaw is inferring causation from correlation.

Question 3: "The wildlife preserve was established in 1985 to protect the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse. In 1995, the mouse population within the preserve stood at 12,000. By 2010, the population had grown to 38,000." Which conclusion is best supported by this information? (A) The preserve is the most effective tool ever created to protect endangered species (B) The salt marsh harvest mouse has fully recovered as a species (C) Population growth of the mouse occurred within the protected area during this period (D) Predators were removed from the preserve during this period

The preserve is the most effective tool ever created to protect endangered species
The salt marsh harvest mouse has fully recovered as a species
Population growth of the mouse occurred within the protected area during this period (Correct answer)
The predators were removed from the preserve during this period

Correct answer: Population growth of the mouse occurred within the protected area during this period

The only thing directly stated is the population within the preserve grew from 12,000 to 38,000. All other conclusions go beyond the evidence.

Option A overclaims ('most effective ever') — the passage doesn't compare to other tools. Option B overclaims ('fully recovered') — species recovery involves global population, not just one preserve. Option D is unsupported — no mention of predator removal. Option C is exactly what the numbers show: population grew in the preserve during this time.

Question 4: A public health official states: "If we do not mandate mask-wearing in schools, we will definitely see a spike in flu cases this winter." Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument? (A) Some students are unable to wear masks due to medical conditions (B) Last winter, mask mandates in neighboring districts did not prevent a flu spike (C) Flu vaccines are widely available and have 70% effectiveness (D) Teachers have expressed support for mask mandates

Some students are unable to wear masks due to medical conditions
Last winter, mask mandates in neighboring districts did not prevent a flu spike (Correct answer)
Flu vaccines are widely available and have 70% effectiveness
Teachers have expressed support for mask mandates

Correct answer: Last winter, mask mandates in neighboring districts did not prevent a flu spike

If mask mandates did not prevent flu spikes elsewhere, this directly undermines the claim that mandates will prevent a spike here.

The official's argument: no mask mandate → flu spike (certain). Option B provides a direct counter-example: even WITH mandates, other districts had flu spikes. This weakens the claim that mandates prevent spikes. Option A raises an implementation issue but doesn't refute the core logic. Option C suggests an alternative prevention but doesn't directly address the mask-spike relationship.

Question 5: Passage: "Ocean acidification occurs when seawater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, forming carbonic acid. Marine biologists warn that this threatens shellfish populations because acid dissolves the calcium carbonate that forms their shells. Some economists argue that market forces will adapt: shellfish prices will rise, reducing demand, and producers will shift to other seafood." The economists' argument assumes which of the following? (A) Shellfish are not nutritionally important to human diets (B) Market adjustments can compensate for ecological damage (C) Carbon dioxide emissions will stabilize in the near future (D) Shellfish producers already have plans to diversify

Shellfish are not nutritionally important to human diets
Market adjustments can compensate for ecological damage (Correct answer)
Carbon dioxide emissions will stabilize in the near future
Shellfish producers already have plans to diversify

Correct answer: Market adjustments can compensate for ecological damage

The economists argue that market shifts (price changes, product substitution) will handle the problem — this assumes economic adaptation can address ecological harm.

The economists propose that rising prices and market shifts will 'solve' the acidification problem. This assumes economic adaptation is sufficient to offset ecological damage — that the market can compensate for environmental harm. This is the core assumption being made.

Question 6: "Professor Chen argued that Shakespeare did not write his own plays because he lacked sufficient formal education and had no documented access to the books cited in the plays. However, historical records from Elizabethan England are notoriously incomplete." The final sentence most likely serves to: (A) Provide a definitive rebuttal to Professor Chen's argument (B) Suggest that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence (C) Confirm that Shakespeare's education was limited (D) Indicate that historical research is generally unreliable

Provide a definitive rebuttal to Professor Chen's argument
Suggest that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence (Correct answer)
Confirm that Shakespeare's education was limited
Indicate that historical research is generally unreliable

Correct answer: Suggest that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence

Chen argues from lack of documentation; the final sentence notes records are incomplete, suggesting the absence of documents doesn't prove the books weren't accessed.

Professor Chen's argument relies on absence of documentation. The final sentence — that records are notoriously incomplete — undermines arguments from negative evidence. It suggests: just because we can't document something doesn't mean it didn't happen. This is the logical principle that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

Question 7: A restaurant review reads: "The service was prompt, the ambiance was pleasant, and the wine list was impressive. The entrées, however, were disappointing — overpriced, underseasoned, and served cold." A reader can most reasonably conclude that the reviewer would: (A) Recommend the restaurant for dinner (B) Not recommend the restaurant primarily based on the food quality (C) Recommend the restaurant primarily for its wine and ambiance (D) Give the restaurant a mixed but overall positive review

Recommend the restaurant for dinner
Not recommend the restaurant primarily based on the food quality (Correct answer)
Recommend the restaurant primarily for its wine and ambiance
Give the restaurant a mixed but overall positive review

Correct answer: Not recommend the restaurant primarily based on the food quality

For a restaurant, the food quality is central. The entrées — the main course — were 'disappointing, overpriced, underseasoned, cold,' making a primary recommendation difficult despite other positives.

While service, ambiance, and wine were praised, the food (entrées) was described with three negatives: disappointing, overpriced, underseasoned, and cold. Since dining is primarily about food, a reviewer would likely not recommend it as a place to eat. Option C is possible but the strong language ('disappointing') suggests non-recommendation rather than selective recommendation.

Question 8: "The graph shows that as income rises, happiness initially increases rapidly, but above $75,000 annual income, additional income produces diminishing gains in happiness." Which of the following is an inference supported by the graph's description? (A) Money cannot buy happiness (B) People earning over $75,000 are always happier than those earning less (C) The marginal benefit of income on happiness decreases above a certain threshold (D) Happiness depends entirely on factors unrelated to income

Money cannot buy happiness
People earning over $75,000 are always happier than those earning less
The marginal benefit of income on happiness decreases above a certain threshold (Correct answer)
Happiness depends entirely on factors unrelated to income

Correct answer: The marginal benefit of income on happiness decreases above a certain threshold

The description explicitly states 'diminishing gains' above $75,000 — this is the economic concept of diminishing marginal returns.

Option A overstates — money does buy some happiness (rapid initial gains). Option B overstates — it says 'additional income' produces smaller gains, not that $75K earners are always happier than those below. Option D contradicts the passage (income clearly has some effect). Option C precisely matches 'diminishing gains' = diminishing marginal benefit.

Question 9: "Despite decades of research, scientists have not identified a single gene responsible for intelligence. Instead, studies of twins suggest that hundreds of genes each contribute small effects, and that environment accounts for roughly half the variance in intelligence." Which of the following is most consistent with the passage? (A) Intelligence cannot be measured accurately (B) Genes are irrelevant to intelligence (C) Intelligence is influenced by both heredity and environment (D) Twin studies are the most reliable method for measuring genetic influence

Intelligence cannot be measured accurately
Genes are irrelevant to intelligence
Intelligence is influenced by both heredity and environment (Correct answer)
Twin studies are the most reliable method for measuring genetic influence

Correct answer: Intelligence is influenced by both heredity and environment

The passage says hundreds of genes contribute and environment accounts for roughly half the variance — both genetics and environment play significant roles.

Option A is unsupported — the passage doesn't address measurement accuracy. Option B is contradicted — hundreds of genes DO contribute. Option D is not stated — only that twin studies suggest something, not that they're the 'most reliable.' Option C directly matches the passage: genes AND environment both influence intelligence.

Question 10: A senator argues: "We should not cut the defense budget. Every time we have cut defense spending in the past, our adversaries have become more aggressive." Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the senator's argument? (A) Defense contractors are significant campaign donors (B) The most recent cut in defense spending was followed by improved diplomatic relations (C) Other countries spend less on defense than the United States (D) Reduced defense spending could fund domestic programs

Defense contractors are significant campaign donors
The most recent cut in defense spending was followed by improved diplomatic relations (Correct answer)
Other countries spend less on defense than the United States
Reduced defense spending could fund domestic programs

Correct answer: The most recent cut in defense spending was followed by improved diplomatic relations

If the most recent cut led to improved (not worsened) relations, this directly provides a counter-example to the senator's historical claim.

The senator makes a historical generalization: cuts → aggression. Option B provides a direct counter-example: a recent cut led to the opposite (improved relations). This undermines the 'every time' claim. Option A attacks motive (ad hominem) not the argument's logic. Options C and D raise competing considerations but don't directly refute the historical pattern claim.

Question 11: "The Romantic poets valued emotional authenticity and individual experience over the rationalism of the Enlightenment. Yet Byron, Shelley, and Keats were all highly educated in classical literature, philosophy, and political theory." What is the primary purpose of the second sentence? (A) To contradict the characterization of Romanticism (B) To show that the Romantics were hypocrites (C) To add nuance by showing that rejecting rationalism did not mean rejecting learning (D) To prove that the Romantic movement was part of the Enlightenment tradition

To contradict the characterization of Romanticism
To show that the Romantics were hypocrites
To add nuance by showing that rejecting rationalism did not mean rejecting learning (Correct answer)
To prove that the Romantic movement was part of the Enlightenment tradition

Correct answer: To add nuance by showing that rejecting rationalism did not mean rejecting learning

The second sentence doesn't contradict the first — it adds nuance: the Romantics could value emotion while still being deeply learned.

Option A is too strong — 'contradict' implies the second sentence refutes the first. Option B requires a moral judgment (hypocrisy) not implied by the text. Option D goes too far — being educated doesn't make them part of the Enlightenment. Option C is correct: the sentences together show that Romantic anti-rationalism was a philosophical stance, not ignorance.

Question 12: "Numerous studies have linked sitting for more than 8 hours a day to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and early mortality. These risks were not significantly reduced by exercising for 30 minutes daily." Which conclusion is most strongly supported by this information? (A) Exercise is ineffective for maintaining good health (B) A single 30-minute workout cannot undo the harm from prolonged sitting (C) Office workers are inevitably doomed to poor health (D) Standing desks eliminate the risks of prolonged sitting

Exercise is ineffective for maintaining good health
A single 30-minute workout cannot undo the harm from prolonged sitting (Correct answer)
Office workers are inevitably doomed to poor health
Standing desks eliminate the risks of prolonged sitting

Correct answer: A single 30-minute workout cannot undo the harm from prolonged sitting

The passage specifically states that 30 minutes of exercise did not reduce the sitting risks — this directly supports Option B.

Option A overgeneralizes — the passage doesn't say exercise is ineffective for health generally, just for the risks of prolonged sitting. Option C adds 'inevitably' and 'doomed' — too extreme. Option D introduces standing desks not mentioned in the passage. Option B precisely matches: 30 minutes of exercise didn't offset sitting risks.

Question 13: "The school district reported that students at schools using tablet computers scored 12% higher on standardized tests than students at schools without tablets." Which of the following is the most important limitation to consider before accepting this finding? (A) Tablets may damage students' eyesight over time (B) The schools with tablets may differ from schools without tablets in ways that also affect scores (C) 12% is not a statistically significant difference (D) Teachers may not be trained to use tablet technology effectively

Tablets may damage students' eyesight over time
The schools with tablets may differ from schools without tablets in ways that other factors also affect scores (Correct answer)
12% is not a statistically significant difference
Teachers may not be trained to use tablet technology effectively

Correct answer: The schools with tablets may differ from schools without tablets in ways that other factors also affect scores

Without random assignment, schools with tablets may be wealthier, better-staffed, or serve higher-income students — confounding variables make causation unclear.

This is a confounding variables/selection bias problem. Schools that can afford tablets may also have more funding, better teachers, higher-income students — all of which correlate with test scores. Without controlling for these factors, we can't attribute the 12% gap to tablets. Options A, C, and D raise real concerns but don't address this fundamental methodological issue.

Question 14: Philosopher A argues: "Free will is impossible because every thought we have is the product of prior neurological states, which are themselves determined by genetics and environment." Philosopher B most effectively counters this argument by saying: (A) "Neuroscience is an imprecise science." (B) "Some people clearly make choices that contradict their genetic predispositions." (C) "Determinism and free will may be compatible if free will means acting on one's own desires, even if those desires have prior causes." (D) "Many cultures believe in free will, which provides strong evidence for its existence."

Neuroscience is an imprecise science.
Some people clearly make choices that contradict their genetic predispositions.
Determinism and free will may be compatible if free will means acting on one's own desires, even if those desires have prior causes. (Correct answer)
Many cultures believe in free will, which provides strong evidence for its existence.

Correct answer: Determinism and free will may be compatible if free will means acting on one's own desires, even if those desires have prior causes.

Option C introduces compatibilism — the philosophical position that determinism and free will can coexist. It directly engages with Philosopher A's argument at the conceptual level.

Option A attacks the credibility of neuroscience without addressing the logical argument. Option B is weak — genetic predispositions still have prior causes. Option D commits the appeal to popularity fallacy. Option C introduces the compatibilist position, arguing that A's definition of 'free will' is too restrictive — if free will means acting on one's own (causally-determined) desires, the argument fails.

Question 15: "The city's recycling rate has climbed steadily from 22% in 2010 to 58% in 2023. Officials credit the success to a financial incentive program launched in 2012 that rewards households for recycling." Which of the following would most strengthen the claim that the incentive program caused the increase? (A) A similar city without the program saw no change in recycling rates from 2010 to 2023 (B) Recycling infrastructure in the city improved significantly between 2012 and 2023 (C) Survey data show that residents are aware of the incentive program (D) The program received national media attention in 2015

A similar city without the program saw no change in recycling rates from 2010 to 2023 (Correct answer)
Recycling infrastructure in the city improved significantly between 2012 and 2023
Survey data show that residents are aware of the incentive program
The program received national media attention in 2015

Correct answer: A similar city without the program saw no change in recycling rates from 2010 to 2023

A control comparison — a similar city without the program that showed no improvement — would strongly support causation by ruling out broader trends.

Option A creates a natural comparison group — if a similar city without the program stayed flat while this city improved, it strongly supports the program's causal role. Option B could be an alternative cause (infrastructure may explain the rise, undermining the claim). Option C shows awareness but not behavior change. Option D relates to publicity, not a causal mechanism.

Question 16: "More than 70% of doctors surveyed said they would recommend Drug X for certain chronic conditions. However, the survey was sponsored by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Drug X." Which of the following is the most appropriate response to this information? (A) Disregard the survey entirely since it is sponsored by the manufacturer (B) Accept the finding since doctors are medical experts (C) Consider the finding but note that the survey's funding source creates a potential bias (D) Assume that the manufacturer manipulated the results

Disregard the survey entirely since it is sponsored by the manufacturer
Accept the finding since doctors are medical experts
Consider the finding but note that the survey's funding source creates a potential bias (Correct answer)
Assume that the manufacturer manipulated the results

Correct answer: Consider the finding but note that the survey's funding source creates a potential bias

Funding source can create bias without outright manipulation. The appropriate response is critical consideration, not blanket dismissal or acceptance.

Option A overreacts — industry-funded studies aren't automatically invalid. Option B ignores the conflict of interest entirely. Option D assumes bad faith without evidence of actual manipulation. Option C represents the appropriate critical thinking stance: acknowledge the finding, note the potential bias from the funding source, and consider it with appropriate skepticism.

Question 17: "Studies show that children who read for pleasure before age 8 tend to score higher on reading comprehension tests throughout school." Which of the following would most WEAKEN the inference that early pleasure reading causes better reading scores? (A) Schools with strong reading programs also encourage pleasure reading at home (B) Many children who don't read for pleasure also score highly on comprehension tests (C) Children who score highly on reading tests often come from households where adults read frequently (D) Reading comprehension tests may not fully measure all aspects of literacy

Schools with strong reading programs also encourage pleasure reading at home
Many children who don't read for pleasure also score highly on comprehension tests
Children who score highly on reading tests often come from households where adults read frequently (Correct answer)
Reading comprehension tests may not fully measure all aspects of literacy

Correct answer: Children who score highly on reading tests often come from households where adults read frequently

If household reading environment predicts both pleasure reading AND test scores, it could be the real cause — pleasure reading would be a correlate, not the cause.

Option C introduces a confound: homes where adults read frequently likely produce both children who read for pleasure AND children who score highly on comprehension tests. The household literary environment, not the pleasure reading itself, may be the actual cause. This is a classic example of a lurking variable weakening a causal inference.

Question 18: "The author argues that urbanization has made society more atomized and lonely, pointing to rising rates of social media use, declining club memberships, and smaller household sizes." Which of the following, if true, would most CHALLENGE the author's conclusion? (A) Social media use has also increased in rural areas (B) People in large cities report higher average life satisfaction than rural residents in multiple surveys (C) Club membership has declined in part because of online communities that provide similar social functions (D) Smaller household sizes reflect lifestyle choices rather than involuntary isolation

Social media use has also increased in rural areas
People in large cities report higher average life satisfaction than rural residents in multiple surveys (Correct answer)
People in large cities report higher average life satisfaction
Smaller household sizes reflect lifestyle choices rather than involuntary isolation

Correct answer: People in large cities report higher average life satisfaction than rural residents in multiple surveys

If urban residents report higher life satisfaction than rural residents, this directly contradicts the claim that urbanization makes society lonelier.

Option A changes the scope without addressing the urbanization-loneliness claim. Option B directly challenges the conclusion: if urbanites report higher life satisfaction, the hypothesis that urbanization creates atomization and loneliness is undermined. Option C and D offer alternative explanations for the data points but don't directly refute the conclusion.

Question 19: A passage states: "Although consumption of red meat has been linked to cardiovascular disease in some epidemiological studies, other research suggests that processed red meat (such as hot dogs and bacon) drives the risk, while unprocessed red meat poses minimal additional risk." This passage implies that: (A) All red meat should be avoided to prevent cardiovascular disease (B) Epidemiological studies are unreliable for studying diet (C) The relationship between red meat and cardiovascular disease may depend on processing method (D) Unprocessed red meat is definitively safe to eat in large quantities

All red meat should be avoided to prevent cardiovascular disease
Epidemiological studies are unreliable for studying diet
The relationship between red meat and cardiovascular disease may depend on processing method (Correct answer)
Unprocessed red meat is definitively safe to eat in large quantities

Correct answer: The relationship between red meat and cardiovascular disease may depend on processing method

The passage distinguishes between processed and unprocessed red meat and their different risk profiles, implying that processing method matters.

Option A contradicts the second study (unprocessed is low risk). Option B goes beyond what the passage says. Option D overclaims 'definitively safe' and 'large quantities' — the passage only says 'minimal additional risk.' Option C precisely captures the implication: the type of processing mediates the relationship between red meat and cardiovascular risk.

Question 20: "The company's new CEO was hired specifically to cut costs and restructure operations. In the first year of her tenure, operating costs fell by 18%, though employee headcount decreased by 12%." Which of the following can be inferred from this information? (A) The CEO's cost-cutting was achieved entirely through layoffs (B) The remaining employees became more productive (C) The cost reduction occurred while a significant reduction in workforce also occurred (D) The CEO was successful because she cut more costs than employees

The CEO's cost-cutting was achieved entirely through layoffs
The remaining employees became more productive
The cost reduction occurred while a significant reduction in workforce also occurred (Correct answer)
The CEO was successful because she cut more costs than employees

Correct answer: The cost reduction occurred while a significant reduction in workforce also occurred

The passage states both an 18% cost reduction and a 12% headcount decrease in the same period. The only safe inference is that both occurred simultaneously.

Option A goes beyond the text — 'entirely through layoffs' is not stated; other cost cuts likely occurred too. Option B is not supported — improved productivity is not mentioned. Option D is a strange comparison and not supported. Option C is the most conservative and direct reading: both changes happened, in the same period — we can't say one caused the other without more data.

Question 21: A biologist writes: "The presence of microplastics in deep ocean sediments at levels far exceeding surface water concentrations suggests these particles are actively sinking and accumulating rather than remaining suspended." The word 'suggests' in this passage indicates that: (A) The biologist is uncertain about the sinking of microplastics (B) The biologist has not measured ocean sediment depths (C) The conclusion is an inference drawn from indirect evidence, not direct observation of the process (D) The finding has been disputed by other scientists

The biologist is uncertain about the sinking of microplastics
The biologist has not measured ocean sediment depths
The conclusion is an inference drawn from indirect evidence, not direct observation of the process (Correct answer)
The finding has been disputed by other scientists

Correct answer: The conclusion is an inference drawn from indirect evidence, not direct observation of the process

'Suggests' signals that the claim about sinking and accumulating is inferred from the concentration data, not directly observed.

In scientific writing, 'suggests' means the data point toward a conclusion but direct observation of the process wasn't made. The biologist observed concentration differences (evidence) and inferred the sinking mechanism (inference). This is not uncertainty per se, nor dispute — it's the appropriate epistemic caution when making mechanistic claims from correlational data.

Question 22: "Critics of standardized testing argue that such tests favor students from higher-income families because those students have more access to test preparation materials and coaching. Proponents respond that standardized tests are the most objective measure available, free from the subjective biases that affect teacher-assigned grades." Which of the following best characterizes this debate? (A) The critics are correct because wealthy students always score higher (B) The proponents are correct because objectivity is the only important criterion for assessment (C) Both sides are making valid points about different aspects of what makes a good assessment (D) The debate cannot be resolved because the two sides use different definitions of 'fairness'

The critics are correct because wealthy students always score higher
The proponents are correct because objectivity is the only important criterion for assessment
Both sides are making valid points about different aspects of what makes a good assessment (Correct answer)
The debate cannot be resolved because the two sides use different definitions of 'fairness'

Correct answer: Both sides are making valid points about different aspects of what makes a good assessment

Critics raise an access/equity concern; proponents raise an objectivity/reliability concern. Both concerns are legitimate dimensions of assessment quality.

Option A and B both declare one side entirely correct, which is a stronger claim than the passage supports. Option D introduces 'fairness' definitions not mentioned in the passage. Option C accurately captures that critics address socioeconomic access bias while proponents address consistency and teacher bias — both are real assessment concerns.

Question 23: "Between 1990 and 2020, the average global temperature rose by approximately 0.6°C. Climate scientists project that without significant emission reductions, temperatures will rise an additional 2–4°C by 2100." Which distinction is important for understanding this passage correctly? (A) The difference between average global temperature and local temperature records (B) The difference between a measured past trend and a projected future scenario (C) The difference between climate and weather (D) The distinction between greenhouse gases and CO₂ specifically

The difference between average global temperature and local temperature records
The difference between a measured past trend and a projected future scenario (Correct answer)
The difference between climate and weather
The distinction between greenhouse gases and CO₂ specifically

Correct answer: The difference between a measured past trend and a projected future scenario

The 0.6°C is a historical measurement; the 2–4°C is a conditional projection. Conflating historical fact with future projection would be a reading error.

The first sentence describes what was measured (past observation). The second describes a conditional projection (if emissions aren't reduced). Readers who treat both as 'facts' or both as 'projections' misread the passage. The key reading comprehension skill is distinguishing empirical findings from model-based conditional forecasts.

Question 24: A sociologist writes: "The data clearly show that married individuals report higher levels of happiness than unmarried individuals. Policy makers should therefore create incentives for marriage." Which reasoning error does this argument commit? (A) Overgeneralizing from a small sample (B) Inferring a policy prescription from a statistical correlation without considering confounds or alternative interpretations (C) Ignoring cultural differences in marriage practices (D) Confusing correlation with causation in data analysis

Overgeneralizing from a small sample
Inferring a policy prescription from a statistical correlation without considering confounds or alternative interpretations (Correct answer)
Ignoring cultural differences in marriage practices
Confusing correlation with causation in data analysis

Correct answer: Inferring a policy prescription from a statistical correlation without considering confounds or alternative interpretations

The argument jumps from a correlation (married people report more happiness) to a policy prescription (promote marriage), ignoring many alternative explanations and the leap from data to policy.

The argument has multiple leaps: First, the correlation doesn't prove marriage causes happiness (happier people may be more likely to marry). Second, even if marriage caused happiness in the past, policy-incentivized marriages may not replicate that. Third, other factors (health, income) that correlate with marriage may explain the happiness difference. Option B most completely captures these errors.

Question 25: "The report found that neighborhoods with more trees have lower crime rates. City planners have proposed a tree-planting initiative to reduce urban crime." A critic of this plan argues that it is based on flawed reasoning. Which response best supports the critic's position? (A) Tree planting is expensive and may not be cost-effective (B) Neighborhoods with more trees tend to be wealthier and may have lower crime for other reasons (C) Some crimes increase in areas with trees because they provide hiding spots (D) The city has tried tree-planting initiatives before with limited success

Tree planting is expensive and may not be cost-effective
Neighborhoods with more trees tend to be wealthier and may have lower crime for other reasons (Correct answer)
Some crimes increase in areas with trees because they provide hiding spots
The city has tried tree-planting initiatives before with limited success

Correct answer: Neighborhoods with more trees tend to be wealthier and may have lower crime for other reasons

The correlation between trees and low crime may be explained by wealth — richer neighborhoods both have more trees and less crime. Planting trees alone won't address the underlying socioeconomic factors.

This is the classic confounding variable problem. Wealthier neighborhoods have both more trees AND lower crime, not because trees reduce crime, but because wealth is the common cause. Simply adding trees to poor neighborhoods wouldn't address the socioeconomic factors driving crime. Option B best articulates this alternative explanation for the correlation.

Question 26: "A newly published study in a peer-reviewed journal found no significant link between moderate coffee consumption and heart disease. The lead researcher said in an interview: 'People who enjoy a couple of cups of coffee daily can do so without worry.'" Which of the following best illustrates a potential gap between the study's finding and the researcher's statement? (A) Peer-reviewed journals may publish flawed studies (B) The study found 'no significant link' while the researcher implies coffee is definitively safe (C) The researcher may benefit financially from the coffee industry (D) Moderate consumption means different amounts for different people

Peer-reviewed journals may publish flawed studies
The study found 'no significant link' while the researcher implies coffee is definitively safe (Correct answer)
The researcher may benefit financially from the coffee industry
Moderate consumption means different amounts for different people

Correct answer: The study found 'no significant link' while the researcher implies coffee is definitively safe

'No significant link' is a statistical finding that doesn't prove safety — it means no detected association. The researcher's quote implies definitive safety, which is a stronger claim than the data support.

'No significant link' means the study failed to detect a statistically significant association — it does not prove absence of risk. The researcher's public statement ('can do so without worry') implies definitive safety — a much stronger claim. This gap between statistical non-significance and proven safety is a common communication error in science journalism.

Question 27: A passage describes two historians debating the fall of the Roman Empire: Historian A argues internal corruption and overextension caused the fall. Historian B argues external pressures (barbarian invasions) were decisive. Which of the following best describes the nature of their disagreement? (A) One is right and one is wrong, pending further historical research (B) They disagree about primary vs. contributing causes of a complex historical event (C) Their views are mutually exclusive and cannot both be partially correct (D) The debate is unresolvable because historical events have no causes

One is right and one is wrong, pending further historical research
They disagree about primary vs. contributing causes of a complex historical event (Correct answer)
Their views are mutually exclusive and cannot both be partially correct
The debate is unresolvable because historical events have no causes

Correct answer: They disagree about primary vs. contributing causes of a complex historical event

Complex historical events typically have multiple causes. The historians are debating which factor was most important — not whether the other played any role.

Internal weakness AND external pressure could both contribute to an empire's fall. The historians are debating relative weight and primacy, not mutual exclusivity. Option A oversimplifies to a binary right/wrong. Option C incorrectly assumes the explanations can't coexist. Option D is nihilistic and unsupported. Option B correctly characterizes the debate as one about the primary vs. secondary causes of a complex, multicausal event.

Question 28: "After the town installed speed cameras on Main Street, the number of speeding violations dropped by 67% in the first month." Which of the following is the most cautious interpretation of this finding? (A) Speed cameras are highly effective at reducing speeding everywhere (B) Drivers on Main Street drove more slowly in the month after cameras were installed (C) The town should install speed cameras on all roads immediately (D) Speeding will continue to decline at the same rate for years to come

Speed cameras are highly effective at reducing speeding everywhere
Drivers on Main Street drove more slowly in the month after cameras were installed (Correct answer)
The town should install speed cameras on all roads immediately
Speeding will continue to decline at the same rate for years to come

Correct answer: Drivers on Main Street drove more slowly in the month after cameras were installed

Option B states only what the data directly shows, without generalizing to other locations, times, or policy recommendations.

Option A generalizes from one street to 'everywhere' — unsupported. Option C is a policy prescription not supported by one month's data. Option D extrapolates a trend — the initial effect might fade as drivers habituate (a known phenomenon). Option B is appropriately conservative: it only claims what directly happened at the measured location in the observed time period.

GRE Critical Reading and Inference Questions 1

"The town council approved the new zoning ordinance by a 5–2 vote despite a packed public hearing at which the majority of speakers opposed the measure."
Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the statement above?
(A) The council members were influenced by speakers at the public hearing
(B) The council acted without considering public input
(C) The council's vote did not reflect the sentiment expressed at the public hearing
(D) Public hearings are ineffective because officials ignore them

🃏 GRE Flashcards — Study This Quiz as Flip Cards →

📚 Want to go deeper? Read the Full GRE Study Guide →