Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Questions and Answers
Verbal Reasoning
Question 1 (Text Completion): Although the scientist’s theory was initially dismissed as
(i)_____, subsequent experiments provided (ii)_____ evidence that it was correct.
Options: (i) A. groundbreaking B. implausible C. redundant (ii) D. negligible E. compelling
F. inconclusive
Answer: (i) B. implausible (ii) E. compelling
Rationale: The contrast signals that the theory was first rejected as unlikely but later supported
by strong evidence.
Question 2 (Reading Comprehension): Passage excerpt: “While social media has
democratized information sharing, it has also amplified misinformation, creating challenges for
public trust in science.”
Which statement best captures the author’s view? A. social media has only negative effects. B.
social media empowers information sharing but also spreads misinformation. C. Public trust in
science has increased due to social media. D. Misinformation is less problematic than restricted
access to information.
Answer: B. social media empowers information sharing but also spreads misinformation.
Rationale: The passage presents a balanced view — both democratization and amplification of
misinformation.
Quantitative Reasoning
Question 3 (Problem Solving): If 𝑥is an integer such that 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 = 0, what is the value of
𝑥?
Options: A. 2 B. 3 C. 6 D. 5
Answer: A. 2 and B. 3
Rationale: Factorization: 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3). Solutions are 𝑥 = 2or 𝑥 = 3.
Question 4 (Data Interpretation): A survey shows 40% of students prefer online classes, 35%
prefer in-person, and the rest have no preference. If 200 students were surveyed, how many had
no preference?
Options: A. 30 B. 50 C. 60 D. 70
,Answer: C. 60
Rationale: 40% + 35% = 75%. Remaining = 25%. 25% × 200 = 50. Correction: Actually 200
× 0.25 = 50. Correct Answer: B. 50
Rationale (fixed): 25% of 200 = 50.
Verbal Reasoning
Question 5 (Sentence Equivalence): The professor’s lecture was so (i)_____ that even the most
attentive students struggled to remain engaged; many found the material unnecessarily (ii)_____.
Options: (i) A. tedious B. riveting C. monotonous (ii) D. complex E. dull F. fascinating
Answer: (i) A. tedious and C. monotonous (ii) E. dull
Rationale: Sentence equivalence requires two synonyms. “Tedious” and “monotonous” both fit
the idea of a boring lecture, and “dull” reinforces the negative tone.
Question 6 (Critical Reasoning): Argument: “Because students who study late at night often
perform poorly on exams, universities should ban late-night study sessions in libraries.”
Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument? A. Many students study late at
night because they have jobs during the day. B. Students who study late at night perform poorly
due to lack of sleep, not the study time itself. C. Universities that ban late-night study sessions
see improved exam scores. D. Students who study in groups perform better than those who study
alone.
Answer: B. Students who study late at night perform poorly due to lack of sleep, not the study
time itself.
Rationale: This shows the cause is sleep deprivation, not the timing of study, undermining the
argument’s conclusion.
Quantitative Reasoning
3
Question 7 (Quantitative Comparison): Quantity A: 4of 200 Quantity B: 150
Options: A. Quantity A is greater B. Quantity B is greater C. The two quantities are equal D. The
relationship cannot be determined
Answer: C. The two quantities are equal
3
Rationale: 4 × 200 = 150. Both are equal.
, Question 8 (Geometry): A circle has a radius of 7. What is the area of the circle?
Options: A. 49π B. 14π C. 7π D. 21π
Answer: A. 49π
Rationale: Area of a circle = 𝜋𝑟 2 . With 𝑟 = 7, area = 𝜋 × 72 = 49𝜋.
Verbal Reasoning
Question 9 (Text Completion): The committee’s decision was criticized as (i)_____, since it
seemed to favor personal connections over merit, thereby undermining the principle of (ii)_____.
Options: (i) A. impartial B. nepotistic C. judicious (ii) D. fairness E. favoritism F.
corruption
Answer: (i) B. nepotistic (ii) D. fairness
Rationale: Nepotism undermines fairness, making this the best fit.
Question 10 (Sentence Equivalence): The new policy was intended to be (i)_____, but in
practice it proved (ii)_____, leaving many employees confused.
Options: (i) A. straightforward B. transparent C. convoluted (ii) D. opaque E. confusing
F. clear
Answer: (i) A. straightforward and B. transparent (ii) D. opaque and E. confusing
Rationale: The contrast shows intended clarity but actual confusion.
Question 11 (Reading Comprehension): Passage: “Economic growth often comes at the
expense of environmental sustainability, but innovative technologies may help reconcile the
two.”
Which best summarizes the author’s stance? A. Growth and sustainability are incompatible. B.
Technology offers potential to balance growth and sustainability. C. Environmental sustainability
is more important than growth. D. Economic growth should be prioritized.
Answer: B. Technology offers potential to balance growth and sustainability.
Rationale: The passage highlights innovation as a bridge between the two.
Question 12 (Critical Reasoning): Claim: “Installing solar panels in schools will reduce
electricity costs significantly.”
Verbal Reasoning
Question 1 (Text Completion): Although the scientist’s theory was initially dismissed as
(i)_____, subsequent experiments provided (ii)_____ evidence that it was correct.
Options: (i) A. groundbreaking B. implausible C. redundant (ii) D. negligible E. compelling
F. inconclusive
Answer: (i) B. implausible (ii) E. compelling
Rationale: The contrast signals that the theory was first rejected as unlikely but later supported
by strong evidence.
Question 2 (Reading Comprehension): Passage excerpt: “While social media has
democratized information sharing, it has also amplified misinformation, creating challenges for
public trust in science.”
Which statement best captures the author’s view? A. social media has only negative effects. B.
social media empowers information sharing but also spreads misinformation. C. Public trust in
science has increased due to social media. D. Misinformation is less problematic than restricted
access to information.
Answer: B. social media empowers information sharing but also spreads misinformation.
Rationale: The passage presents a balanced view — both democratization and amplification of
misinformation.
Quantitative Reasoning
Question 3 (Problem Solving): If 𝑥is an integer such that 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 = 0, what is the value of
𝑥?
Options: A. 2 B. 3 C. 6 D. 5
Answer: A. 2 and B. 3
Rationale: Factorization: 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3). Solutions are 𝑥 = 2or 𝑥 = 3.
Question 4 (Data Interpretation): A survey shows 40% of students prefer online classes, 35%
prefer in-person, and the rest have no preference. If 200 students were surveyed, how many had
no preference?
Options: A. 30 B. 50 C. 60 D. 70
,Answer: C. 60
Rationale: 40% + 35% = 75%. Remaining = 25%. 25% × 200 = 50. Correction: Actually 200
× 0.25 = 50. Correct Answer: B. 50
Rationale (fixed): 25% of 200 = 50.
Verbal Reasoning
Question 5 (Sentence Equivalence): The professor’s lecture was so (i)_____ that even the most
attentive students struggled to remain engaged; many found the material unnecessarily (ii)_____.
Options: (i) A. tedious B. riveting C. monotonous (ii) D. complex E. dull F. fascinating
Answer: (i) A. tedious and C. monotonous (ii) E. dull
Rationale: Sentence equivalence requires two synonyms. “Tedious” and “monotonous” both fit
the idea of a boring lecture, and “dull” reinforces the negative tone.
Question 6 (Critical Reasoning): Argument: “Because students who study late at night often
perform poorly on exams, universities should ban late-night study sessions in libraries.”
Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument? A. Many students study late at
night because they have jobs during the day. B. Students who study late at night perform poorly
due to lack of sleep, not the study time itself. C. Universities that ban late-night study sessions
see improved exam scores. D. Students who study in groups perform better than those who study
alone.
Answer: B. Students who study late at night perform poorly due to lack of sleep, not the study
time itself.
Rationale: This shows the cause is sleep deprivation, not the timing of study, undermining the
argument’s conclusion.
Quantitative Reasoning
3
Question 7 (Quantitative Comparison): Quantity A: 4of 200 Quantity B: 150
Options: A. Quantity A is greater B. Quantity B is greater C. The two quantities are equal D. The
relationship cannot be determined
Answer: C. The two quantities are equal
3
Rationale: 4 × 200 = 150. Both are equal.
, Question 8 (Geometry): A circle has a radius of 7. What is the area of the circle?
Options: A. 49π B. 14π C. 7π D. 21π
Answer: A. 49π
Rationale: Area of a circle = 𝜋𝑟 2 . With 𝑟 = 7, area = 𝜋 × 72 = 49𝜋.
Verbal Reasoning
Question 9 (Text Completion): The committee’s decision was criticized as (i)_____, since it
seemed to favor personal connections over merit, thereby undermining the principle of (ii)_____.
Options: (i) A. impartial B. nepotistic C. judicious (ii) D. fairness E. favoritism F.
corruption
Answer: (i) B. nepotistic (ii) D. fairness
Rationale: Nepotism undermines fairness, making this the best fit.
Question 10 (Sentence Equivalence): The new policy was intended to be (i)_____, but in
practice it proved (ii)_____, leaving many employees confused.
Options: (i) A. straightforward B. transparent C. convoluted (ii) D. opaque E. confusing
F. clear
Answer: (i) A. straightforward and B. transparent (ii) D. opaque and E. confusing
Rationale: The contrast shows intended clarity but actual confusion.
Question 11 (Reading Comprehension): Passage: “Economic growth often comes at the
expense of environmental sustainability, but innovative technologies may help reconcile the
two.”
Which best summarizes the author’s stance? A. Growth and sustainability are incompatible. B.
Technology offers potential to balance growth and sustainability. C. Environmental sustainability
is more important than growth. D. Economic growth should be prioritized.
Answer: B. Technology offers potential to balance growth and sustainability.
Rationale: The passage highlights innovation as a bridge between the two.
Question 12 (Critical Reasoning): Claim: “Installing solar panels in schools will reduce
electricity costs significantly.”
