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**Question 1.** In the Analytical Writing “Analyze an Issue” task, which of the following is the
most important first step?
A) Drafting a conclusion
B) Stating a clear thesis
C) Listing personal anecdotes
D) Providing statistical evidence
Answer: B
Explanation: The issue essay requires a clear stance (thesis) before supporting it with reasons
and examples.
**Question 2.** Which of the following best describes a “qualified agreement” in an Issue
essay?
A) Full endorsement of the prompt
B) Complete rejection of the prompt
C) Agreeing with the prompt but noting important exceptions
D) Neutrality toward the prompt
Answer: C
Explanation: A qualified agreement accepts the prompt’s premise while acknowledging limits or
conditions.
**Question 3.** In a “Analyze an Argument” essay, the writer should most often focus on:
A) Agreeing with the argument’s conclusion
B) Disproving the author’s evidence and assumptions
C) Providing a personal opinion on the topic
D) Summarizing the argument’s main points
Answer: B
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Explanation: The task is to critique the reasoning, not to argue for or against the conclusion.
**Question 4.** Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for managing time
during the AWA section?
A) Spending 5 minutes planning the essay
B) Writing the essay in a single, uninterrupted block
C) Reserving the last 2–3 minutes for proofreading
D) Allocating roughly 30 minutes per essay
Answer: B
Explanation: It is better to write in stages (introduction, body, conclusion) rather than a single
block, to maintain structure.
**Question 5.** A GRE passage discusses “the decline of pollinator populations.” Which
question would most likely test **literal meaning**?
A) What does the author imply about future crop yields?
B) According to the passage, which factor has the greatest impact on bee mortality?
C) How does the author’s tone affect the argument?
D) Which of the following best summarizes the passage’s main point?
Answer: B
Explanation: Literal meaning asks for a fact directly stated in the text.
**Question 6.** When a passage uses the phrase “however,” the most likely relationship
between the two clauses is:
A) Cause and effect
B) Contrast or exception
C) Addition
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D) Sequence
Answer: B
Explanation: “However” signals a contrast or a counter‑point.
**Question 7.** In a reading‑comprehension question, the author’s “primary purpose” is best
identified by:
A) The first sentence of the passage
B) The title of the passage
C) The overall argument and supporting evidence
D) The concluding paragraph only
Answer: C
Explanation: The primary purpose is determined by the central claim and how the author
develops it throughout.
**Question 8.** Which of the following best characterizes a “strengthening” argument in a
paragraph‑evaluation question?
A) It introduces a new, unrelated claim.
B) It provides evidence that directly supports a premise.
C) It attacks the opposing viewpoint.
D) It restates the conclusion in different words.
Answer: B
Explanation: Strengthening adds support that makes the original argument more persuasive.
**Question 9.** In a “weakening” question, which type of statement most effectively
undermines the argument?
A) A statement that confirms the data used.
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B
**Question 9.** In a “weakening” question, which type of statement most effectively
undermines the argument?
A) A statement that confirms the data used.
B) A statement that introduces an alternative explanation for the data.
C) A statement that repeats the author’s conclusion.
D) A statement that adds another example supporting the premise.
Answer: B
Explanation: Offering an alternative explanation challenges the original inference.
**Question 10.** A sentence‑completion item has two blanks. The first blank requires a word
meaning “excessively strict,” and the second requires a word meaning “lenient.” Which pair fits?
A) austere – permissive
B) lax – rigorous
C) severe – moderate
D) stringent – tolerant
Answer: A
Explanation: “Austere” = excessively strict; “permissive” = lenient.
**Question 11.** In a text‑completion with three blanks, the clue “although … nonetheless”
most likely indicates that the middle blank will contain a word that is:
A) Contrasting with the first blank
B) Reinforcing the first blank
C) Unrelated to the first blank
D) Synonymous with the first blank
Certification Exam Preparation
**Question 1.** In the Analytical Writing “Analyze an Issue” task, which of the following is the
most important first step?
A) Drafting a conclusion
B) Stating a clear thesis
C) Listing personal anecdotes
D) Providing statistical evidence
Answer: B
Explanation: The issue essay requires a clear stance (thesis) before supporting it with reasons
and examples.
**Question 2.** Which of the following best describes a “qualified agreement” in an Issue
essay?
A) Full endorsement of the prompt
B) Complete rejection of the prompt
C) Agreeing with the prompt but noting important exceptions
D) Neutrality toward the prompt
Answer: C
Explanation: A qualified agreement accepts the prompt’s premise while acknowledging limits or
conditions.
**Question 3.** In a “Analyze an Argument” essay, the writer should most often focus on:
A) Agreeing with the argument’s conclusion
B) Disproving the author’s evidence and assumptions
C) Providing a personal opinion on the topic
D) Summarizing the argument’s main points
Answer: B
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Certification Exam Preparation
Explanation: The task is to critique the reasoning, not to argue for or against the conclusion.
**Question 4.** Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for managing time
during the AWA section?
A) Spending 5 minutes planning the essay
B) Writing the essay in a single, uninterrupted block
C) Reserving the last 2–3 minutes for proofreading
D) Allocating roughly 30 minutes per essay
Answer: B
Explanation: It is better to write in stages (introduction, body, conclusion) rather than a single
block, to maintain structure.
**Question 5.** A GRE passage discusses “the decline of pollinator populations.” Which
question would most likely test **literal meaning**?
A) What does the author imply about future crop yields?
B) According to the passage, which factor has the greatest impact on bee mortality?
C) How does the author’s tone affect the argument?
D) Which of the following best summarizes the passage’s main point?
Answer: B
Explanation: Literal meaning asks for a fact directly stated in the text.
**Question 6.** When a passage uses the phrase “however,” the most likely relationship
between the two clauses is:
A) Cause and effect
B) Contrast or exception
C) Addition
, [GRE] GRE Graduate Recordination
Certification Exam Preparation
D) Sequence
Answer: B
Explanation: “However” signals a contrast or a counter‑point.
**Question 7.** In a reading‑comprehension question, the author’s “primary purpose” is best
identified by:
A) The first sentence of the passage
B) The title of the passage
C) The overall argument and supporting evidence
D) The concluding paragraph only
Answer: C
Explanation: The primary purpose is determined by the central claim and how the author
develops it throughout.
**Question 8.** Which of the following best characterizes a “strengthening” argument in a
paragraph‑evaluation question?
A) It introduces a new, unrelated claim.
B) It provides evidence that directly supports a premise.
C) It attacks the opposing viewpoint.
D) It restates the conclusion in different words.
Answer: B
Explanation: Strengthening adds support that makes the original argument more persuasive.
**Question 9.** In a “weakening” question, which type of statement most effectively
undermines the argument?
A) A statement that confirms the data used.
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B
**Question 9.** In a “weakening” question, which type of statement most effectively
undermines the argument?
A) A statement that confirms the data used.
B) A statement that introduces an alternative explanation for the data.
C) A statement that repeats the author’s conclusion.
D) A statement that adds another example supporting the premise.
Answer: B
Explanation: Offering an alternative explanation challenges the original inference.
**Question 10.** A sentence‑completion item has two blanks. The first blank requires a word
meaning “excessively strict,” and the second requires a word meaning “lenient.” Which pair fits?
A) austere – permissive
B) lax – rigorous
C) severe – moderate
D) stringent – tolerant
Answer: A
Explanation: “Austere” = excessively strict; “permissive” = lenient.
**Question 11.** In a text‑completion with three blanks, the clue “although … nonetheless”
most likely indicates that the middle blank will contain a word that is:
A) Contrasting with the first blank
B) Reinforcing the first blank
C) Unrelated to the first blank
D) Synonymous with the first blank
