GRE Critical Reading and Inference Questions 3

Question 1

A passage states that a novelist 'subordinates plot to atmosphere.' This means the novelist:

Accepted Answer

Prioritizes mood over storyline

Answer

To 'subordinate plot to atmosphere' is to make mood more important than storyline.

Question 2

An author notes a finding was 'replicated across independent laboratories.' The most reasonable inference is that the finding is:

Accepted Answer

More credible and reliable

Answer

Independent replication strengthens a finding's reliability and credibility.

Question 3

A passage describes an argument as 'circular.' This indicates the argument:

Accepted Answer

Assumes the very conclusion it tries to prove

Answer

A circular argument presupposes its conclusion among its premises.

Question 4

If a writer states that 'the reforms were cosmetic,' the writer implies the reforms:

Accepted Answer

Made only superficial changes

Answer

'Cosmetic' reforms change only the surface, not the substance.

Question 5

A passage reads: 'Though hailed as revolutionary, the device merely automated an existing manual process.' The author suggests the device was:

Accepted Answer

Less original than its reputation implied

Answer

'Though hailed as revolutionary... merely automated' undercuts the device's claimed originality.

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