GRE Reading Comprehension Passages 2

Question 1

In GRE reading comprehension, what does it mean when a question asks for the 'primary purpose' of a passage?

Accepted Answer

The author's overall reason for writing the entire passage

Answer

The first sentence of the passage

Answer

A minor detail in one paragraph

Answer

The most difficult vocabulary word used

Question 2

A passage argues that a long-held theory is flawed, then proposes a revised model. The author's tone is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Critical yet constructive

Answer

Wholly dismissive and mocking

Answer

Indifferent and detached

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Nostalgic and sentimental

Question 3

If a GRE question asks which statement the author would 'most likely agree with,' you should:

Accepted Answer

Infer from the author's stated views and reasoning

Answer

Choose the answer with the strongest emotional language

Answer

Pick whichever option restates the topic sentence verbatim

Answer

Select the longest answer choice

Question 4

The word 'consequently' appearing between two sentences in a passage signals what relationship?

Accepted Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

Contrast

Answer

Simple chronological order with no link

Answer

Definition of a term

Question 5

In a 'select-in-passage' question type, you must:

Accepted Answer

Click the sentence that meets the described criteria

Answer

Type a summary of the passage

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Rearrange the paragraphs

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Choose three correct answer options

Question 6

A passage describes a phenomenon and then offers two competing explanations without endorsing either. The structure is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Presenting alternative hypotheses neutrally

Answer

Refuting a single claim point by point

Answer

Telling a personal narrative

Answer

Defining and illustrating one concept

Question 7

When a GRE multiple-answer reading question says 'select all that apply,' partial credit is:

Accepted Answer

Not given—all correct choices must be selected with none wrong

Answer

Given for each correct choice independently

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Given if at least one choice is correct

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Always awarded regardless of selection