GRE Practice Test (Verbal Reasoning)

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Violence….slim

Answer

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 _____.

Accepted Answer

Ruse

Answer

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.

Accepted Answer

Prodigy….talent

Answer

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.

Accepted Answer

Unaccustomed….nervous

Answer

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.

Accepted Answer

Acclaim

Answer

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.