GRE Reading Comprehension Passages 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states a generally accepted view, then introduces 'However, recent evidence suggests...' This transition most likely signals:
- The author will challenge the accepted view (Correct answer)
- The author fully endorses the accepted view
- A summary of the introduction
- An unrelated topic shift
Correct answer: The author will challenge the accepted view
'However, recent evidence' typically introduces a counterpoint to the prevailing view.
Question 2: What is the best strategy for a long GRE passage with several detail questions?
- Map the passage structure first, then locate relevant lines per question (Correct answer)
- Memorize every sentence before answering
- Skip reading and guess from answer choices
- Answer based only on the title
Correct answer: Map the passage structure first, then locate relevant lines per question
Understanding structure lets you efficiently return to the right place for each detail question.
Question 3: An 'EXCEPT' question (e.g., 'all of the following are mentioned EXCEPT') requires you to:
- Find the one choice NOT supported by the passage (Correct answer)
- Find the choice most strongly supported
- Pick the main idea
- Choose two answers
Correct answer: Find the one choice NOT supported by the passage
EXCEPT questions reverse the task: identify the single option the passage does not support.
Question 4: A passage uses a specific historical example. The example most likely functions to:
- Illustrate or support a broader claim (Correct answer)
- Replace the main argument entirely
- Contradict the author's thesis
- Pad the word count with no purpose
Correct answer: Illustrate or support a broader claim
Examples in GRE passages typically serve to support or illustrate a larger point.
Question 5: If two answer choices seem correct on a single-answer question, the better choice is usually the one that:
- Is fully supported by the passage without overstating (Correct answer)
- Uses the most extreme wording
- Introduces outside knowledge
- Is the shortest
Correct answer: Is fully supported by the passage without overstating
GRE rewards the answer precisely supported by the text, avoiding extreme or unsupported claims.
Question 6: The phrase 'on the contrary' within a paragraph indicates:
- A direct opposition to a previously stated idea (Correct answer)
- Agreement and reinforcement
- A neutral list of items
- A chronological sequence
Correct answer: A direct opposition to a previously stated idea
'On the contrary' introduces a statement that opposes what preceded it.
Question 7: A reading question asks about the role of the second paragraph. You should determine:
- How that paragraph functions within the overall argument (Correct answer)
- The definition of every word in it
- Whether it is grammatically correct
- Its exact word count
Correct answer: How that paragraph functions within the overall argument
Function/role questions ask how a paragraph contributes to the passage's argument or structure.
GRE Reading Comprehension Passages 3
A passage states a generally accepted view, then introduces 'However, recent evidence suggests...' This transition most likely signals: