GRE Sentence Equivalence Advanced Questions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The memoir was praised for its ______ tone, refusing to flatter its subject or excuse his failings. Which pair completes it?
- sycophantic ... fawning
- unsparing ... candid (Correct answer)
- nostalgic ... wistful
- evasive ... guarded
Correct answer: unsparing ... candid
'Unsparing' and 'candid' both convey honest, unflinching treatment of the subject.
Question 2: His arguments, though superficially persuasive, rested on ______ premises that crumbled under scrutiny. Which two words fit?
- robust ... sturdy
- specious ... fallacious (Correct answer)
- explicit ... clear
- novel ... original
Correct answer: specious ... fallacious
'Specious' and 'fallacious' both describe reasoning that seems sound but is flawed.
Question 3: The mountaineers showed remarkable ______ in pressing on despite frostbite, exhaustion, and dwindling supplies. Which pair works?
- timidity ... cowardice
- fortitude ... tenacity (Correct answer)
- recklessness ... rashness
- complacency ... smugness
Correct answer: fortitude ... tenacity
'Fortitude' and 'tenacity' both denote enduring courage and persistence under hardship.
Question 4: Rather than clarifying the issue, the lengthy report only ______ matters with jargon and digressions. Which two words complete it?
- obfuscated ... muddled (Correct answer)
- elucidated ... clarified
- summarized ... condensed
- validated ... confirmed
Correct answer: obfuscated ... muddled
'Obfuscated' and 'muddled' both mean made confusing, opposite to clarifying.
Question 5: The audience grew ______ as the speaker droned on, glancing repeatedly at the clock. Which pair fits?
- enthralled ... captivated
- restive ... fidgety (Correct answer)
- serene ... placid
- grateful ... appreciative
Correct answer: restive ... fidgety
'Restive' and 'fidgety' both convey restless impatience, matching the clock-watching.
Question 6: Critics found the film's ending ______, leaving too many questions deliberately unanswered. Which two words complete it?
- conclusive ... decisive
- inconclusive ... ambiguous (Correct answer)
- predictable ... formulaic
- uplifting ... heartening
Correct answer: inconclusive ... ambiguous
'Inconclusive' and 'ambiguous' both describe an ending that resolves nothing clearly.
Question 7: The philanthropist's gift was entirely ______, given without expectation of recognition or return. Which pair works?
- mercenary ... self-serving
- altruistic ... magnanimous (Correct answer)
- grudging ... reluctant
- ostentatious ... showy
Correct answer: altruistic ... magnanimous
'Altruistic' and 'magnanimous' both denote generous selflessness, matching no expected return.
GRE Sentence Equivalence Advanced Questions 3
The memoir was praised for its ______ tone, refusing to flatter its subject or excuse his failings.
Which pair completes it?