GRE® General Test (Graduate Record Examinations) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A rectangular field has a perimeter of 50 meters and an area of 150 square meters. If the length of the field is L and the width is W, which of the following quadratic equations correctly represents the dimensions of the field?

x² + 25x + 150 = 0
x² - 50x + 150 = 0
2x² - 50x + 150 = 0
x² - 25x + 150 = 0 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: x² - 25x + 150 = 0

The formulas for the perimeter and area of a rectangle are P = 2L + 2W and A = L * W. We are given P=50 and A=150. From the perimeter equation, 50 = 2L + 2W, which simplifies to 25 = L + W. We can express one variable in terms of the other, for example, L = 25 - W. Now, substitute this into the area equation: A = (25 - W) * W = 150. Expanding this gives 25W - W² = 150. To put it in standard quadratic form (ax² + bx + c = 0), we rearrange the terms: 0 = W² - 25W + 150. This is the required quadratic equation, with the variable representing one of the dimensions.

Question 2: The CEO's ______ optimism persisted even as the company's losses mounted month after month.

fleeting
cautious
undaunted (Correct answer)
feigned

Correct answer: undaunted

'Even as losses mounted' implies optimism that remained fearless, so 'undaunted' fits.

Question 3: An 'EXCEPT' question (e.g., 'all of the following are mentioned EXCEPT') requires you to:

Choose two answers
Find the choice most strongly supported
Find the one choice NOT supported by the passage (Correct answer)
Pick the main idea

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: Which approach best develops a body paragraph?

Repeat the thesis word for word
State a reason, then support it with a specific example and analysis (Correct answer)
List several unrelated facts
Pose questions without answering them

Correct answer: State a reason, then support it with a specific example and analysis

Each body paragraph should advance one reason with relevant support and explanation.

Question 5: After years of heated debate, the committee adopted a __________ position — supporting neither the radical overhaul nor the status quo, but proposing modest incremental reforms. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) partisan (B) centrist (C) moderate (D) radical (E) reactionary (F) extremist

radical
reactionary
partisan
moderate
centrist (Correct answer)
extremist

Correct answer: centrist

Centrist (B) and moderate (C) both describe a middle position that avoids extremes — supporting neither radical overhaul nor the status quo but proposing modest reforms.

Question 6: Though privately skeptical, the board members gave __________ approval to the new strategy, nodding along without raising concerns. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) enthusiastic (B) tacit (C) fervent (D) grudging (E) perfunctory (F) fulsome

grudging
fulsome
perfunctory
enthusiastic
tacit (Correct answer)
fervent

Correct answer: tacit

Tacit (B) and perfunctory (D) — while not perfect synonyms — both describe approval given without real engagement: tacit (implied, not spoken) and perfunctory (done as routine, without care). In context, both mean going through the motions of approval.

Question 7: The phrase 'on the contrary' within a paragraph indicates:

A chronological sequence
A neutral list of items
A direct opposition to a previously stated idea (Correct answer)
Agreement and reinforcement

Correct answer: A direct opposition to a previously stated idea

'On the contrary' introduces a statement that opposes what preceded it.

Question 8: The male to female employee ratio at a telephone firm was 8 to 9. After some time had passed, ten more employees were hired, six of whom were male and four of whom were female. Quantity A: The number of male employees after hiring was complete Quantity B: The number of female employees after hiring was complete

Quantity A is greater
Both Quantities are equal
The relationship cannot be determined (Correct answer)
Quantity B is greater

Correct answer: The relationship cannot be determined

Let the initial number of male employees be 8x and female employees be 9x. After hiring, the number of male employees (Quantity A) becomes 8x + 6, and the number of female employees (Quantity B) becomes 9x + 4. To compare them, we can set up an inequality: 8x + 6 vs. 9x + 4. Subtracting 8x and 4 from both sides simplifies this to 2 vs. x. Since x represents a number of employees, it must be a positive integer. If x=1, Quantity A (14) > Quantity B (13). If x=2, Quantity A (22) = Quantity B (22). If x=3, Quantity A (30) < Quantity B (31). Because the relationship changes depending on the value of x, it cannot be determined.

Question 9: How does the Issue task differ from the (former) Argument task?

The Issue task asks you to take and defend your own position on a topic (Correct answer)
The Issue task asks you to critique someone else's argument
Both are identical
The Issue task has no time limit

Correct answer: The Issue task asks you to take and defend your own position on a topic

The Issue task requires developing your own position, unlike critiquing a given argument.

Question 10: What is the units digit of 13^123?

3
7 (Correct answer)
9
1

Correct answer: 7

The units digit of 13^123 is determined by the units digit of the base, which is 3. The pattern of the units digits for powers of 3 is cyclical: 3^1=3, 3^2=9, 3^3=27 (ends in 7), 3^4=81 (ends in 1), 3^5=243 (ends in 3). The cycle is 3, 9, 7, 1, and it repeats every 4 powers. To find the units digit for 13^123, we divide the exponent 123 by the cycle length 4. 123 ÷ 4 = 30 with a remainder of 3. The remainder of 3 corresponds to the third digit in the cycle, which is 7.

Question 11: How is the AWA score reported relative to Verbal and Quant?

Combined into the total 260–340
Not reported to schools
Averaged into the Verbal score
Reported separately on its own scale (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reported separately on its own scale

AWA is reported separately from the 130–170 Verbal and Quant scores.

Question 12: What is the distance between the points (1, 2) and (4, 6)?

25
√7
7
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

Distance = √((4−1)² + (6−2)²) = √(9 + 16) = √25 = 5.

Question 13: What is the midpoint of the segment joining (−2, 3) and (6, −1)?

(4, 2)
(1, 2)
(2, 2)
(2, 1) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: (2, 1)

Midpoint = ((−2+6)/2, (3+(−1))/2) = (2, 1).

Question 14: What is the remainder when 2^30 is divided by 7?

4
6
2
1 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1

Powers of 2 mod 7 cycle 2,4,1 with period 3, and 30 is divisible by 3, giving remainder 1.

Question 15: A passage states: 'The author neither endorses nor rejects the hypothesis, preferring to present competing views.' The author's stance is best described as:

Neutral and balanced (Correct answer)
Strongly partisan
Enthusiastically supportive
Dismissive

Correct answer: Neutral and balanced

Presenting competing views without endorsing or rejecting signals a neutral, balanced stance.

Question 16: The philanthropist's gift was entirely ______, given without expectation of recognition or return. Which pair works?

mercenary ... self-serving
grudging ... reluctant
altruistic ... magnanimous (Correct answer)
ostentatious ... showy

Correct answer: altruistic ... magnanimous

'Altruistic' and 'magnanimous' both denote generous selflessness, matching no expected return.

Question 17: A right triangle has legs of length 6 and 8. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

10 (Correct answer)
16
12
14

Correct answer: 10

By the Pythagorean theorem, √(6² + 8²) = √100 = 10.

Question 18: Select the word: "The historian's account was praised for its ______, drawing on dozens of primary sources rarely examined before."

brevity
thoroughness (Correct answer)
ambiguity
bias

Correct answer: thoroughness

Drawing on dozens of rare primary sources demonstrates "thoroughness."

Question 19: The product of three consecutive integers is always divisible by which number?

5
7
6 (Correct answer)
4

Correct answer: 6

Three consecutive integers always include a multiple of 2 and a multiple of 3, so the product is divisible by 6.

Question 20: What is the slope of the line 4x - 2y = 8?

-2
4
1/2
2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2

Solve for y: y = 2x - 4, so the slope is 2.

Question 21: A histogram shows 5 employees earn $30K, 8 earn $40K, and 7 earn $50K. What is the mean salary?

$43,000
$42,000
$41,000 (Correct answer)
$40,000

Correct answer: $41,000

Total = 5(30)+8(40)+7(50) = 150+320+350 = 820K over 20 people = $41,000.

Question 22: Select two words, either of which may total this sentence, and give suitable meaning. “Eager to gain validity among a bunch of social equity demonstrators, Mel gushed _____ talk with respect to societal standards, but it was clear that he was not well-informed on the issues around which he complained.”

dogmatic, reverent
flippant, impertinent
gracious, urbane
iconoclastic, dissident (Correct answer)

Correct answer: iconoclastic, dissident

Mel's desire to gain 'validity among social equity demonstrators' suggests he wants to appear critical of established norms. 'Iconoclastic' means attacking or ignoring cherished beliefs and institutions or established values and practices. 'Dissident' refers to a person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state. Both words describe speech that challenges societal standards, fitting Mel's attempt to align with demonstrators, even if his knowledge is superficial.

Question 23: If x is increased by 25% and the result is 75, what was x?

50
65
55
60 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60

1.25x = 75, so x = 60.

Question 24: If x and y are positive integers and xy = 36, what is the greatest possible value of x + y?

20
13
37 (Correct answer)
12

Correct answer: 37

The sum is largest when the factors are most spread apart: 1·36 gives 1 + 36 = 37.

Question 25: An investment portfolio had the following returns over 4 years: Year 1: +20%, Year 2: −10%, Year 3: +25%, Year 4: −5%. What was the approximate net percentage change over all 4 years? (A) +23% (B) +28% (C) +30% (D) +35%

+23%
+30%
+35%
+28% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: +28%

Net return = 1.20 × 0.90 × 1.25 × 0.95 = 1.08 × 1.25 × 0.95 = 1.35 × 0.95 = 1.2825 ≈ 28.25% gain.

Question 26: Which of the following is a perfect square?

196 (Correct answer)
150
200
175

Correct answer: 196

196 = 14², making it a perfect square, while the others are not.

Question 27: Something 'ubiquitous' is best described as:

easily broken
highly valuable
extremely rare
present everywhere (Correct answer)

Correct answer: present everywhere

'Ubiquitous' means existing or being everywhere at once.

Question 28: g and h are positive integers with g twice the value of h. Quantity A: The ratio of g to 1 Quantity B: The ratio of 1 to h

Quantity B is greater
Quantity A is greater (Correct answer)
The relationship cannot be determined
Both Quantities are equal

Correct answer: Quantity A is greater

Given that g and h are positive integers and g is twice the value of h, we can write g = 2h. Quantity A is the ratio of g to 1, which is g/1 = g = 2h. Quantity B is the ratio of 1 to h, which is 1/h. Since h is a positive integer, h must be 1 or greater. For any positive integer h, 2h will always be greater than 1/h (e.g., if h=1, 2 > 1; if h=2, 4 > 0.5). Therefore, Quantity A is greater.

Question 29: Choose the sentence from the passage that best expresses Picasso's artistic individuality. (1) Pablo Picasso is probably the most important figure of 20th century, in terms of art, and art movements that occurred over this period. (2) To say that Pablo Picasso conquered western art is, by today, the merest usual place. (3) Before the age of 50, the Spanish born artist had become the most well known name in modern art, with the most distinct style and eye for artistic creation. (4) There had been no other artists, prior to Picasso, who had such an impact on the art world, or had a mass following of fans and critics alike, as he did.

Sentence (4)
Sentence (2)
Sentence (1)
Sentence (3) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sentence (3)

Sentence (3) explicitly states that Picasso had 'the most distinct style and eye for artistic creation.' This phrase directly addresses and highlights his unique artistic individuality, which is the core of what the question asks for. The other sentences discuss his general importance, widespread recognition, or impact compared to others, but not his specific artistic distinctiveness.

Question 30: Passage: The reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park in 1995 is a classic example of a trophic cascade. Before the wolves' return, the elk population had grown unchecked, leading to overgrazing of willow and aspen trees, particularly along rivers. This habitat degradation negatively impacted beaver populations, which rely on willows for food and dam construction. The absence of beaver dams, in turn, altered river hydrology and reduced biodiversity. With the wolves' return, elk populations were controlled, not just through predation but also through behavioral changes—the elk avoided valleys and gorges where they could be easily trapped. This 'ecology of fear' allowed willows and aspens to rebound, leading to the return of beavers. The new beaver dams created habitats for otters, muskrats, and various fish species, while the rejuvenated trees provided homes for songbirds. Wolf kills also provided a crucial food source for scavengers like grizzly bears and eagles. Thus, the reintroduction of a single keystone species triggered a complex cascade of ecological effects, restoring the park's biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The primary purpose of the passage is to:

describe the specific ecological changes in Yellowstone following wolf reintroduction. (Correct answer)
compare the 'ecology of fear' to direct predation.
criticize the park management for its previous policy on elk populations.
argue for the reintroduction of predators in all national parks.

Correct answer: describe the specific ecological changes in Yellowstone following wolf reintroduction.

The correct answer is 'describe the specific ecological changes in Yellowstone following wolf reintroduction.' The passage is structured as a case study, detailing the chain of events—the trophic cascade—that occurred after wolves were brought back, from changes in elk behavior to the revival of plant life and the return of other species like beavers and songbirds. It focuses entirely on the Yellowstone example to illustrate a broader ecological concept.

Question 31: Although the theory was once ______, mounting evidence has since restored its standing among researchers. Which pair fits?

refined ... polished
ignored ... neglected
discredited ... debunked (Correct answer)
embraced ... accepted

Correct answer: discredited ... debunked

'Discredited' and 'debunked' both mean rejected as false, contrasting with later restoration.

Question 32: What is the value of (0.5)^-2?

1
4 (Correct answer)
0.25
2

Correct answer: 4

(0.5)^-2 = 1/(0.25) = 4.

Question 33: If 2^x = 32, what is x?

4
3
6
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

2^5 = 32, so x = 5.

Question 34: Although her scientific papers were rigorous and impeccably argued, her public lectures had a __________ quality that alienated non-specialist audiences. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) accessible (B) pedantic (C) didactic (D) engaging (E) esoteric (F) recondite

engaging
didactic
pedantic
esoteric (Correct answer)
recondite
accessible

Correct answer: esoteric

Esoteric (E) and recondite (F) both mean intended for or understood by only a small, specialized audience — which would alienate non-specialists.

Question 35: Catriona has _ much of her life to Irish step dancing, and her _ has come about in her winning various grants, both broadly and globally.

Devoted….dedication (Correct answer)
Appointed….failure
Released….apathy
Resisted….stubbornness
Wasted….folly

Correct answer: Devoted….dedication

The first blank requires a word describing how Catriona spent her life on Irish step dancing, and 'devoted' (giving all or a large part of one's time or resources to a person, activity, or cause) fits perfectly. The second blank needs a word that explains her success in winning grants, which is a direct result of her 'dedication' (the quality of being committed to a task or purpose). This pair creates a logical cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 36: If the area of a square is 64, what is the length of its diagonal?

8
8√2 (Correct answer)
16√2
16

Correct answer: 8√2

The side is 8, and the diagonal of a square is side × √2 = 8√2.

Question 37: A triangle has a base of 8 and a height of 5. What is its area?

40
26
20 (Correct answer)
13

Correct answer: 20

Area = ½ × base × height = ½ × 8 × 5 = 20.

Question 38: Which of the following facts would strengthen the author's argument if included in the essay?

Treatments can help manage the symptoms of ADHD but will not cure the condition.
Medications like methylphenidates and amphetamines have shown to effectively treat many of the symptoms of ADHD in 80% of cases.
A diet high in vitamins and lean, healthy protein helps the brain make neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other, and helps prevent surges in blood sugar that increase hyperactivity. (Correct answer)
Males are three times more likely than females to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Correct answer: A diet high in vitamins and lean, healthy protein helps the brain make neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other, and helps prevent surges in blood sugar that increase hyperactivity.

This fact would help to support the idea that diet and nutrition can play a role in managing ADHD symptoms.

Question 39: The __________ of the evidence against the defendant — hearsay, circumstantial details, and a single disputed eyewitness — struck legal observers as insufficient for conviction. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) preponderance (B) inadequacy (C) superfluity (D) paucity (E) surfeit (F) redundancy

preponderance
inadequacy (Correct answer)
superfluity
redundancy
paucity
surfeit

Correct answer: inadequacy

Inadequacy (B) and paucity (D) both convey insufficient or scarce evidence — hearsay and a single disputed witness is not enough for conviction.

Question 40: Why should examples be relevant rather than merely impressive?

Relevance does not matter
Relevance directly supports the claim being made (Correct answer)
Graders prefer obscure topics
Impressive examples always score higher

Correct answer: Relevance directly supports the claim being made

An example only strengthens an argument when it logically connects to the claim.

Question 41: Which pair completes the sentence equivalently: "The CEO's ______ management style alienated employees who valued collaboration."

lenient / permissive
transparent / open
flexible / adaptable
autocratic / dictatorial (Correct answer)

Correct answer: autocratic / dictatorial

"Autocratic" and "dictatorial" both describe controlling styles that alienate collaborators.

Question 42: The politician's __________ had grown over two decades: once a minor city councillor, he was now one of the most powerful figures in the nation. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) stature (B) obscurity (C) prominence (D) anonymity (E) modesty (F) reticence

obscurity
reticence
prominence
anonymity
modesty
stature (Correct answer)

Correct answer: stature

Stature (A) and prominence (C) both mean high standing or importance — rising from minor city councillor to one of the nation's most powerful figures is a growth in stature and prominence.

Question 43: While the initial data from the experiment seemed to the hypothesis, a more thorough analysis revealed a critical flaw in the methodology, ultimately the original conclusion.

undermine...confirming
ignore...clarifying
contradict...reinforcing
support...invalidating (Correct answer)

Correct answer: support...invalidating

The transition word 'While' establishes a contrast between the initial appearance and the final result. The initial data seemed to 'support' the idea, but the later, more thorough analysis did the opposite, 'invalidating' the conclusion. This pair of words captures the logical reversal in the sentence.

Question 44: I didn’t gain my degree with the deliberate of utilizing it to seek after a career; I did it for my own _____.

Doctrine
Elements
Resonance
Edification (Correct answer)
Ramification

Correct answer: Edification

The sentence states the degree was not for a career but for personal reasons. 'Edification' refers to the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually. This aligns perfectly with the idea of pursuing knowledge for personal growth and intellectual development, rather than for professional advancement.

Question 45: Which of the sentences within the entry is an case of circular reasoning? The following is a sample conclusion paragraph for an issue essay addressing this prompt:

3
4 (Correct answer)
1
2

Correct answer: 4

Circular reasoning means that an author uses a particular claim as evidence for that same claim. In this case, the author uses the argument that “it is not the corporations’ job to help the society” to defend a thesis that basically says the same thing.

Question 46: Two angles are supplementary and one is 65°. What is the other?

35°
295°
115° (Correct answer)
25°

Correct answer: 115°

Supplementary angles sum to 180°, so 180° − 65° = 115°.

Question 47: 'Her ______ for detail made her an exceptional editor, catching errors others missed.' Best fit?

fastidiousness (Correct answer)
negligence
antipathy
indifference

Correct answer: fastidiousness

'Fastidiousness' means meticulous attention to detail.

Question 48: A survey reports a mean income that is much higher than the median income. This most likely indicates the distribution is:

Right-skewed (Correct answer)
Symmetric
Uniform
Left-skewed

Correct answer: Right-skewed

When the mean exceeds the median, high-value outliers pull the mean up, indicating right (positive) skew.

Question 49: The critic's review was so ______ that even the film's director admitted some of the points were valid.

incoherent
fawning
incisive (Correct answer)
vapid

Correct answer: incisive

'Incisive' means sharply analytical, which fits a critique the director conceded had merit.

Question 50: "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

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

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.

Question 51: A graph shows that a city's carbon emissions (in million tons) follow the equation E = −0.4t + 12, where t = years after 2000. According to this model, in what year will emissions reach zero? (A) 2025 (B) 2028 (C) 2030 (D) 2032

2028
2032
2025
2030 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2030

Set E = 0: 0 = −0.4t + 12 → 0.4t = 12 → t = 30. Year 2000 + 30 = 2030.

Question 52: Text Completion: "Critics dismissed the film as ______, arguing that its sentimentality undermined any genuine emotional impact."

innovative
maudlin (Correct answer)
understated
austere

Correct answer: maudlin

"Maudlin" means excessively sentimental, matching the critics' complaint.

Question 53: The editorial praised the bill's __________ goals while lamenting its inadequate funding mechanisms — a classic political compromise. (A) laudable (B) pernicious (C) nebulous (D) ostensible

ostensible
nebulous
laudable (Correct answer)
pernicious

Correct answer: laudable

Laudable means deserving praise — praising the bill's goals while criticizing its funding means the goals are laudable (praiseworthy) even if the means are inadequate.

Question 54: A cumulative frequency graph shows 60 of 80 students scored below 75. What percent of students scored 75 or above?

75%
25% (Correct answer)
20%
60%

Correct answer: 25%

20 students (80 - 60) scored 75 or above, and 20/80 = 25%.

Question 55: Solve for x: x² = 49.

x = ±7 (Correct answer)
x = 7 only
x = ±24.5
x = ±49

Correct answer: x = ±7

Taking the square root of both sides gives x = 7 or x = -7.

Question 56: What characterizes the conclusion of a strong Issue essay?

Reinforcing the position and synthesizing the reasoning (Correct answer)
Listing every example again in detail
Apologizing for the essay
Introducing a brand-new argument

Correct answer: Reinforcing the position and synthesizing the reasoning

An effective conclusion ties together the reasoning and restates the position with closure.

Question 57: A bicycle wheel has a radius of 35 cm. How many complete revolutions does it make while traveling 1,100 meters? (Use π ≈ 22/7) (A) 400 (B) 500 (C) 550 (D) 600

400
500 (Correct answer)
600
550

Correct answer: 500

Circumference = 2π r = 2 × (22/7) × 35 = 220 cm = 2.2 m. Revolutions = 1100/2.2 = 500.

Question 58: If the integer k leaves remainder 3 when divided by 7, what is the remainder when 2k is divided by 7?

3
6 (Correct answer)
1
5

Correct answer: 6

If k ≡ 3 (mod 7), then 2k ≡ 6 (mod 7), giving remainder 6.

Question 59: A line has equation y = −2x + 7. What is its y-intercept?

7 (Correct answer)
2
−7
−2

Correct answer: 7

In y = mx + b, b = 7 is the y-intercept.

Question 60: What is the ratio of p/q if q is the smallest composite number bigger than 2 and p is the smallest prime number less than 10?

1
0.5 (Correct answer)
4
2

Correct answer: 0.5

First, identify p: The smallest prime number less than 10 is 2. Next, identify q: The smallest composite number bigger than 2 is 4 (since 3 is prime). Finally, calculate the ratio p/q, which is 2/4. This simplifies to 1/2 or 0.5.

Question 61: 'The dictator's ______ rule tolerated no dissent and crushed every opposition.' Best fit?

draconian (Correct answer)
lenient
permissive
benevolent

Correct answer: draconian

'Draconian' means excessively harsh and severe.

Question 62: The architect's design was __________ in its simplicity — a single massive wall of glass and steel that nonetheless managed to convey grandeur and dignity. (A) austere (B) florid (C) rococo (D) byzantine

florid
rococo
byzantine
austere (Correct answer)

Correct answer: austere

Austere means severe or strict in appearance; without ornamentation — 'simplicity' and a single massive wall without decoration is austere design.

Question 63: Select the word that best completes the sentence: "Although the critic was usually ______, her review of the new novel was surprisingly generous and warm."

acerbic (Correct answer)
diffident
magnanimous
loquacious

Correct answer: acerbic

"Acerbic" means sharp or harsh, contrasting with the surprisingly generous review.

Question 64: If a train travels at 90 km/h, how long does it take to travel 375 km? (A) 3.5 hours (B) 4.0 hours (C) 4.2 hours (D) 4.5 hours

4.0 hours
4.5 hours
3.5 hours
4.2 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4.2 hours

Time = distance/speed = 375/90 = 4.1̄ ≈ 4.2 hours.

Question 65: His arguments, though superficially persuasive, rested on ______ premises that crumbled under scrutiny. Which two words fit?

robust ... sturdy
novel ... original
explicit ... clear
specious ... fallacious (Correct answer)

Correct answer: specious ... fallacious

'Specious' and 'fallacious' both describe reasoning that seems sound but is flawed.

Question 66: What does taking a 'qualified' position mean in an Issue essay?

Agreeing fully with no nuance
Refusing to take any stance
Agreeing only under certain conditions and explaining them (Correct answer)
Copying the prompt

Correct answer: Agreeing only under certain conditions and explaining them

A qualified position agrees or disagrees within stated limits, showing nuanced reasoning.

Question 67: The sum of three consecutive integers is 45. What is the largest of the three?

15
17
14
16 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 16

The integers are 14, 15, 16, and the largest is 16.

Question 68: If a card is drawn from a standard 52-card deck, what is the probability it is a face card (J, Q, K)?

1/4
3/13 (Correct answer)
1/13
4/13

Correct answer: 3/13

There are 12 face cards out of 52, giving 12/52 = 3/13.

Question 69: When selecting evidence for an "Analyze an Issue" essay, which of the following is the most important characteristic of the examples chosen?

They are primarily hypothetical scenarios about what could happen in the future.
They are all from the same field, such as history or science, to show expertise.
They are directly relevant to the point being made and are explained thoroughly. (Correct answer)
They are obscure facts that the grader is unlikely to know.

Correct answer: They are directly relevant to the point being made and are explained thoroughly.

The strength of an example lies not in its source, but in its application. A well-chosen example from history, current events, literature, or even personal experience can be highly effective, but only if it is clearly and logically connected back to the essay's thesis and the specific point of the paragraph. Simply dropping in a fact or story without explaining its significance is a common mistake.

Question 70: What does the GRE word 'enervate' mean?

To confuse thoroughly
To strengthen gradually
To weaken or drain of vitality (Correct answer)
To energize and invigorate

Correct answer: To weaken or drain of vitality

Enervate means to weaken someone or something, draining their strength or vitality.

Question 71: Quantity A: the perimeter of a square with area 16. Quantity B: the perimeter of a rectangle 2 by 8. Which is correct?

The two quantities are equal
Quantity B is greater (Correct answer)
Quantity A is greater
The relationship cannot be determined

Correct answer: Quantity B is greater

The square has side 4 and perimeter 16, while the rectangle has perimeter 2(2+8)=20.

Question 72: In spite of the fact that Joe had been a committed representative for years when the company was bought out by a new owner, he was _____ to a lower-paying position.

Truncated
Decimated
Promoted
Relegated (Correct answer)
Enunciated

Correct answer: Relegated

The sentence presents a contrast: Joe was a 'committed representative' but was moved to a 'lower-paying position' after a company buyout. 'Relegated' means to consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position. This word accurately describes the demotion or reduction in status, despite his prior commitment, which is a common outcome in corporate restructuring.

Question 73: In a GRE Argument Analysis essay, what should each body paragraph primarily address?

A distinct logical flaw or unwarranted assumption in the argument (Correct answer)
Historical background on the subject
A dictionary definition of a key term
Your personal stance on the topic

Correct answer: A distinct logical flaw or unwarranted assumption in the argument

Each body paragraph should identify and explain a specific logical weakness, keeping the analysis focused and organized.

Question 74: Which GRE word means 'showing off knowledge in a pedantic or irritating way'?

Pedantic (Correct answer)
Pellucid
Perspicacious
Pragmatic

Correct answer: Pedantic

Pedantic describes someone excessively focused on minor details or who displays learning in an annoying, showy way.

Question 75: 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.

Question 76: The critic praised the novel's ______ structure, noting that its seemingly random episodes ultimately formed a deliberate pattern. Which pair fits?

intricate ... elaborate (Correct answer)
chaotic ... disordered
simple ... plain
rigid ... inflexible

Correct answer: intricate ... elaborate

'Intricate' and 'elaborate' both describe a complex yet purposeful design revealed at the end.

Question 77: Critics found the sequel ______, a pale imitation that added nothing to the original.

redundant (Correct answer)
essential
innovative
provocative

Correct answer: redundant

'Pale imitation that added nothing' matches 'redundant' (superfluous, repetitive).

Question 78: Reading Comprehension: A passage that uses the word "ostensibly" before a claim signals that the author:

considers the claim irrelevant
suggests the claim may differ from reality (Correct answer)
fully accepts the claim as true
is quoting an unimpeachable source

Correct answer: suggests the claim may differ from reality

"Ostensibly" implies something appears true on the surface but may not be.

Question 79: The audience grew ______ as the speaker droned on, glancing repeatedly at the clock. Which pair fits?

enthralled ... captivated
serene ... placid
grateful ... appreciative
restive ... fidgety (Correct answer)

Correct answer: restive ... fidgety

'Restive' and 'fidgety' both convey restless impatience, matching the clock-watching.

Question 80: Which of the following numbers is NOT a perfect square? (A) 144 (B) 196 (C) 225 (D) 250

250 (Correct answer)
144
225
196

Correct answer: 250

144 = 12², 196 = 14², 225 = 15². 250 is not a perfect square (15² = 225, 16² = 256).

GRE® General Test (Graduate Record Examinations)

The GRE® General Test is a standardized exam that assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills for admission to graduate and business schools worldwide.

Questions

225 min

Time Limit

50%

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