GRE 2024 Verbal Reasoning Test 1 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

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Updated on, Oct 6, 2025

byShivam Yadav Educational Content Expert

GRE 2024 Verbal Reasoning Test 1 Question Paper with Solutions PDF is available for download. The overall test time is about 1 hour and 58 minutes. GRE has total 5 sections:

  • Analytical Writing  (One "Analyze an Issue" task, Alloted time 30 minutes)
  • Verbal Reasoning  (Two Sections, with 12 questions and 15 questions respectively)
  • Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections, with 12 questions and 15 questions respectively)

GRE 2024 Verbal Reasoning Practice Test 1 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

GRE 2024 Verbal Reasoning Question Paper with Solutions PDF download iconDownload Check Solutions

Question 1:

Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

Caught completely unaware by his professor's question, Alfred timidly ventured a

guess, which much to his relief, his professor---.

  • (a) \( Gainsaid \)
  • (b) \( Denigrated \)
  • (c) \( Ignored \)
  • (d) \( Corroborated \)
  • (e) \( Derided \)
Correct Answer: (d) \( \text{Corroborated} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Alfred’s relief suggests the professor’s reaction was positive.

Step 2: Options: Gainsaid (denied), Denigrated (criticized), Ignored (overlooked),

Corroborated (confirmed), Derided (mocked).

Step 3: Corroborated fits as it means the professor confirmed Alfred’s guess.

Step 4: Others imply negative or neutral reactions, clashing with relief. Quick Tip: Match word to positive outcome.


Question 2:

Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

Sam has memorized the most ------ details about dinosaurs and seems to have an

inexhaustible knowledge about the most arcane details concerning these

prehistoric animals.

  • (a) \( Quizzical \)
  • (b) \( Astute \)
  • (c) \( Tedious \)
  • (d) \( Recondite \)
  • (e) \( Mystical \)
Correct Answer: (d) \( \text{Recondite} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Sam’s extensive knowledge includes arcane (obscure) details.

Step 2: Options: Quizzical (puzzling), Astute (shrewd), Tedious (boring), Recondite

(obscure), Mystical (mysterious).

Step 3: Recondite fits as it means obscure, matching arcane details.

Step 4: Others don’t align with arcane context. Quick Tip: Match word to obscure details.


Question 3:

Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

Despite their reputation for being harsh, the ancient rulers were known to give

------ to the condemned quite frequently.

  • (a) \( Clemency \)
  • (b) \( Adulation \)
  • (c) \( Ephemera \)
  • (d) \( Philanthropy \)
  • (e) \( Nostalgia \)
Correct Answer: (a) \( \text{Clemency} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Harsh rulers giving something frequently to the condemned.

Step 2: Options: Clemency (mercy), Adulation (praise), Ephemera (short-lived things),

Philanthropy (charity), Nostalgia (sentimentality).

Step 3: Clemency fits as mercy to the condemned contrasts their harshness.

Step 4: Others don’t apply to condemned context. Quick Tip: Match word to mercy for condemned.


Question 4:

4. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

He hated unnecessary aesthetic details, so his furniture was strictly ------ .

  • (a) \( Lavish \)
  • (b) \( Malicious \)
  • (c) \( Utilitarian \)
  • (d) \( Ominous \)
  • (e) \( Benign \)
Correct Answer: (c) \( \text{Utilitarian} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Hating unnecessary aesthetic details implies functional focus.

Step 2: Options: Lavish (luxurious), Malicious (spiteful), Utilitarian (practical),

Ominous (threatening), Benign (harmless).

Step 3: Utilitarian fits as it means designed for utility, not aesthetics.

Step 4: Others don’t match functional intent. Quick Tip: Match word to functional design.


Question 5:

5. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

From the time of her birth, the girl had been ------, always disobeying the ------- of

her elders.

  • (a) \( Wilful…insights \)
  • (b) \( Refractory…injunctions \)
  • (c) \( Childish…recommendations \)
  • (d) \( Vexing…tedium \)
  • (e) \( Unflinching…sagacity \)
Correct Answer: (b) \( \text{Refractory…injunctions} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Girl disobeys elders from birth, implying stubborn behavior.

Step 2: Options: Wilful (stubborn), Refractory (unmanageable), Childish (immature),

Vexing (annoying), Unflinching (resolute); Insights (understanding), Injunctions (orders),

Recommendations (suggestions), Tedium (boredom), Sagacity (wisdom).

Step 3: Refractory (hard to control) and Injunctions (commands) fit disobedience.

Step 4: Others mismatch behavior or elder’s role. Quick Tip: Match stubbornness and authoritative orders.


Question 6:

6. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

Paschal was not known to ----- when discussing difficult topics; he did not fear

----- his friends by directly addressing difficult issues.

  • (a) \( Circumlocute…disconcerting \)
  • (b) \( Defer…vexing \)
  • (c) \( Lie…boring \)
  • (d) \( Dissimulate…emending \)
  • (e) \( Dramatize…angering \)
Correct Answer: (a) \( \text{Circumlocute…disconcerting} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Paschal addresses difficult topics directly, unafraid of upsetting friends.

Step 2: Options: Circumlocute (talk indirectly), Defer (postpone), Lie (falsify),

Dissimulate (conceal), Dramatize (exaggerate); Disconcerting (unsettling), Vexing (annoying),

Boring (dull), Emending (correcting), Angering (enraging).

Step 3: Circumlocute (avoiding directness) and Disconcerting (causing unease) fit.

Step 4: Others don’t match directness or unsettling effect. Quick Tip: Match directness with unsettling impact.


Question 7:

7. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

Suzanne never doubted the words of even the most ----liar. Her----personality

led her to fall into the plotting hands of even the most well-known scoundrels.

  • (a) \( Mendacious…ingenuous \)
  • (b) \( Fulminating…placid \)
  • (c) \( Loquacious…rapt \)
  • (d) \( Notable…forgiving \)
  • (e) \( Repentant…charitable \)
Correct Answer: (a) \( \text{Mendacious…ingenuous} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Suzanne trusts liars and falls for scoundrels, implying naivety.

Step 2: Options: Mendacious (dishonest), Fulminating (explosive), Loquacious (talkative),

Notable (famous), Repentant (regretful); Ingenuous (naive), Placid (calm), Rapt (absorbed),

Forgiving (lenient), Charitable (generous).

Step 3: Mendacious (lying) and Ingenuous (trusting) fit her vulnerability.

Step 4: Others mismatch liar trait or personality. Quick Tip: Match liar trait with naive personality.


Question 8:

8. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

He was --- and never wasted words, but his sister was ---and loved to ---

cheerfully to anyone about even the most inconsequential topics.

  • (a) \( Terse…verbose…harangue \)
  • (b) \( Enigmatic…ponderous…chatter \)
  • (c) \( Lithe…boorish…lampoon \)
  • (d) \( Laconic…loquacious…prattle \)
  • (e) \( Hedonistic…ascetic…abstain \)
Correct Answer: (d) \( \text{Laconic…loquacious…prattle} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: He uses few words, sister uses many cheerfully on trivial topics.

Step 2: Options: Terse (concise), Laconic (brief), Lithe (flexible), Enigmatic (mysterious),

Hedonistic (pleasure-seeking); Verbose (wordy), Loquacious (talkative), Boorish (rude),

Ponderous (heavy), Ascetic (self-denying); Harangue (rant), Prattle (chat idly), Lampoon

(satire), Chatter (talk), Abstain (refrain).

Step 3: Laconic (using few words), Loquacious (talkative), Prattle (idle chatter) fit.

Step 4: Others mismatch brevity, talkativeness, or cheerful tone. Quick Tip: Match brevity with talkative idle chat.


Question 9:

9. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

Everyone was surprised when the corporal, normally a --- woman, not only spoke

up in the meeting, but had the --- to tell the five-star general to his face that his

last order had been ---, issued in the heat of the moment without first considering

later repercussions.

  • (a) \( garrulous . . . sagacity . . . meticulous \)
  • (b) \( taciturn . . . audacity . . . impetuous \)
  • (c) \( laconic . . . presumption . . . pragmatic \)
  • (d) \( obsequious . . . volatility . . . banal \)
  • (e) \( reticent . . . dogmatism . . . sanctioned \)
Correct Answer: (b) \( \text{taciturn . . . audacity . . . impetuous} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Corporal’s surprise action contrasts normal behavior, criticizing a hasty order.

Step 2: Options: Garrulous (talkative), Taciturn (quiet), Laconic (brief), Obsequious

(servile), Reticent (reserved); Sagacity (wisdom), Audacity (boldness), Presumption

(arrogance), Volatility (unpredictability), Dogmatism (assertiveness); Meticulous

(careful), Impetuous (rash), Pragmatic (practical), Banal (trite), Sanctioned (approved).

Step 3: Taciturn (quiet) fits her norm, Audacity (boldness) her action, Impetuous

(rash) the order’s haste.

Step 4: Others mismatch traits or order description. Quick Tip: Match quiet norm, bold action, and rash order.


Question 10:

10. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence, best completes the sentence.

The scientist's theories initially seemed --- at best, as there existed little evidence

to support them; however, later advances in her field --- her claims and she

received many --- for her work.

  • (a) \( tenuous…corroborated…accolades \)
  • (b) \( empirical…bolstered…panegyrics \)
  • (c) \( spurious…enervated…encomiums \)
  • (d) \( esoteric…disparaged…harangues \) \
  • (e) \( ambiguous…vindicated…elegy \)
Correct Answer: (a) \( \text{tenuous…corroborated…accolades} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Theories lacked evidence initially, later supported, leading to recognition.

Step 2: Options: Tenuous (weak), Empirical (evidence-based), Spurious (false), Esoteric

(obscure), Ambiguous (unclear); Corroborated (confirmed), Bolstered (supported),

Enervated (weakened), Disparaged (criticized), Vindicated (justified); Accolades (praise),

Panegyrics (eulogies), Encomiums (tributes), Harangues (tirades), Elegy (lament).

Step 3: Tenuous (weak due to lack of evidence), Corroborated (later confirmed),

Accolades (awards) fit the progression.

Step 4: Others mismatch initial weakness, support, or recognition. Quick Tip: Match weak start, confirmation, and praise.


Question 11:

11. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

Although saving only a small amount of money each month can seem like a

pointless endeavor, the --- of funds over years of time can be remarkable.

  • (a) \( Abscission \)
  • (b) \( Liquidity \)
  • (c) \( Accretion \)
  • (d) \( Tenacity \)
  • (e) \( Dearth \)
Correct Answer: (c) \( \text{Accretion} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Small savings grow remarkably over time.

Step 2: Options: Abscission (cutting off), Liquidity (availability of cash), Accretion

(gradual accumulation), Tenacity (persistence), Dearth (scarcity).

Step 3: Accretion fits as it means the gradual buildup of funds.

Step 4: Others don’t imply growth or accumulation. Quick Tip: Match word to gradual growth.


Question 12:

12. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

My dog's fear of water made the task of bathing him rather ---.

  • (a) \( Rudimentary \)
  • (b) \( Simple \)
  • (c) \( Straightforward \)
  • (d) \( Negligible \)
  • (e) \( Onerous \)
Correct Answer: (e) \( \text{Onerous} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Dog’s fear of water complicates bathing.

Step 2: Options: Rudimentary (basic), Simple (easy), Straightforward (clear),

Negligible (minor), Onerous (burdensome).

Step 3: Onerous fits as it means difficult or burdensome due to the fear.

Step 4: Others suggest ease, clashing with the complication. Quick Tip: Match word to difficulty caused by fear.


Question 13:

13. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

The physics professor's new theorem was so --- that no one in the undergraduate

class could understand even its most basic principles.

  • (a) \( loquacious \)
  • (b) \( erudite \)
  • (c) \( ambiguous \)
  • (d) \( lucid \)
  • (e) \( esoteric \)
Correct Answer: (e) \( \text{esoteric} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Theorem’s complexity prevents undergraduate understanding.

Step 2: Options: Loquacious (talkative), Erudite (scholarly), Ambiguous (unclear),

Lucid (clear), Esoteric (obscure).

Step 3: Esoteric fits as it means understood by few, explaining the difficulty.

Step 4: Others don’t imply inaccessibility to beginners. Quick Tip: Match word to obscure complexity.


Question 14:

14. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

Dave took everything that was said to him seriously, even --- comments, which

often forced his friends to digress from the topic of conversation to explain jokes

which were normally left ---.

  • (a) \( viscous…querulous \)
  • (b) \( pusillanimous…pithy \)
  • (c) \( facetious…tacit \)
  • (d) \( filial…luminous \)
  • (e) \( sportive…austere \)
Correct Answer: (c) \( \text{facetious…tacit} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Dave’s seriousness leads to explaining jokes, normally unspoken.

Step 2: Options: Viscous (thick), Pusillanimous (timid), Facetious (joking), Filial (familial),

Sportive (playful); Querulous (complaining), Pithy (concise), Tacit (unspoken), Luminous

(bright), Austere (severe).

Step 3: Facetious (humorous) comments and Tacit (implied) jokes fit his reaction.

Step 4: Others don’t match joke context or unspoken nature. Quick Tip: Match joking comments with unspoken jokes.


Question 15:

15. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

Suzy thought Kevin would prove to be ---, but she discovered instead that his

behavior was such a model of --- that he could never be considered a spendthrift.

  • (a) \( salubrious…prudence \)
  • (b) \( perfidious…reticence \)
  • (c) \( profligate…piety \)
  • (d) \( abstemious…dissipation \)
  • (e) \( prodigal…frugality \)
Correct Answer: (e) \( \text{prodigal…frugality} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Suzy expected wasteful behavior, but Kevin was not a spendthrift.

Step 2: Options: Salubrious (healthy), Perfidious (treacherous), Profligate (wasteful),

Abstemious (moderate), Prodigal (extravagant); Prudence (caution), Reticence (silence),

Piety (devotion), Dissipation (waste), Frugality (thrift).

Step 3: Prodigal (wasteful) fits her expectation, Frugality (thrift) contrasts spendthrift.

Step 4: Others mismatch expectation or thrift. Quick Tip: Match expected waste with actual thrift.


Question 16:

16. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

The young are often naïve and ---, aiming at ---schemes that in reality cannot

be accomplished.

  • (a) \( foolish…incredible \)
  • (b) \( idiotic…impossible \)
  • (c) \( energetic…humanitarian \)
  • (d) \( quixotic…grandeur \)
  • (e) \( bright-eyed…optimistic \)
Correct Answer: (d) \( \text{quixotic…grandeur} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Young and naïve pursue unachievable schemes.

Step 2: Options: Foolish (lacking judgment), Idiotic (stupid), Energetic (active),

Quixotic (unrealistically optimistic), Bright-eyed (eager); Incredible (unbelievable),

Impossible (unfeasible), Humanitarian (compassionate), Grandeur (magnificence),

Optimistic (hopeful).

Step 3: Quixotic (impractically idealistic) and Grandeur (grand plans) fit naivety.

Step 4: Others don’t capture idealistic unachievability. Quick Tip: Match naïve idealism with grand but unfeasible plans.


Question 17:

17. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

The butler completed his tasks in a --- manner, barely paying attention to his

work as he overheard the household's --- scandal in its earliest stages of hushed

conversations and snide comments.

  • (a) \( hackneyed…implacable \)
  • (b) \( perfunctory…nascent \)
  • (c) \( desultory…resolute \)
  • (d) \( pervasive…aggrandized \)
  • (e) \( sordid…boisterous \)
Correct Answer: (b) \( \text{perfunctory…nascent} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Butler’s distracted work due to overhearing an early scandal.

Step 2: Options: Hackneyed (overused), Perfunctory (cursory), Desultory (random),

Pervasive (widespread), Sordid (dirty); Implacable (unrelenting), Nascent (emerging),

Resolute (determined), Aggrandized (exaggerated), Boisterous (noisy).

Step 3: Perfunctory (done with little care) and Nascent (just beginning) fit distraction.

Step 4: Others mismatch task focus or scandal stage. Quick Tip: Match distracted work with early scandal.


Question 18:

17. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

The butler completed his tasks in a --- manner, barely paying attention to his

work as he overheard the household's --- scandal in its earliest stages of hushed

conversations and snide comments.

  • (a) \( hackneyed…implacable \)
  • (b) \( perfunctory…nascent \)
  • (c) \( desultory…resolute \)
  • (d) \( pervasive…aggrandized \)
  • (e) \( sordid…boisterous \)
Correct Answer: (b) \( \text{perfunctory…nascent} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Butler’s distracted work due to overhearing an early scandal.

Step 2: Options: Hackneyed (overused), Perfunctory (cursory), Desultory (random),

Pervasive (widespread), Sordid (dirty); Implacable (unrelenting), Nascent (emerging),

Resolute (determined), Aggrandized (exaggerated), Boisterous (noisy).

Step 3: Perfunctory (done with little care) and Nascent (just beginning) fit distraction.

Step 4: Others mismatch task focus or scandal stage. Quick Tip: Match distracted work with early scandal.


Question 19:

18. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

The editor reduced the introduction from ten --- pages to two ---paragraphs

by --- all of the unnecessary verbal flourishes that riddled its sentences.

  • (a) \( officious…sedulous…bolstering \)
  • (b) \( tortuous…succinct…excising \)
  • (c) \( immutable…intransigent…inhibiting \)
  • (d) \( turgid…concise…qualifying \)
  • (e) \( florid…trenchant…expiating \)
Correct Answer: (b) \( \text{tortuous…succinct…excising} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Editor shortens verbose introduction by removing excess.

Step 2: Options: Officious (meddlesome), Tortuous (twisted/complex), Immutable

(unchanging), Turgid (swollen/verbose), Florid (ornate); Sedulous (diligent), Succinct

(concise), Intransigent (unyielding), Concise (brief), Trenchant (sharp); Bolstering

(supporting), Excising (cutting out), Inhibiting (restraining), Qualifying (modifying),

Expiating (atoning).

Step 3: Tortuous (complex) pages to Succinct (brief) paragraphs by Excising (removing) fits.

Step 4: Others mismatch length or action. Quick Tip: Match complex to concise with cutting action.


Question 20:

19. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

The --- cat refused to walk around tamely on a leash, but the --- dog not only

heeled, but obeyed each of its master's commands obediently and never needed to

be --- for not listening.

  • (a) \( credulous…insipid…aggrandized \)
  • (b) \( obstreperous…dogmatic…countenanced \)
  • (c) \( truculent…complaisant…impeded \)
  • (d) \( recalcitrant…tractable…admonished \)
  • (e) \( pernicious…prodigal…flouted \)
Correct Answer: (d) \( \text{recalcitrant…tractable…admonished} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Cat resists leash, dog obeys without correction.

Step 2: Options: Credulous (gullible), Obstreperous (noisy), Truculent (aggressive),

Recalcitrant (stubborn), Pernicious (harmful); Insipid (dull), Dogmatic (assertive),

Complaisant (agreeable), Tractable (manageable), Prodigal (wasteful); Aggrandized

(exalted), Countenanced (tolerated), Impeded (hindered), Admonished (reprimanded),

Flouted (disregarded).

Step 3: Recalcitrant (resistant) cat, Tractable (obedient) dog, Admonished (scolded) fits.

Step 4: Others mismatch behavior or correction. Quick Tip: Match resistant cat, obedient dog, and no scolding.


Question 21:

20. Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best

completes the sentence.

The fashion show featured pieces inspired by --- styles, and the models were

--- in pieces that --- to Greek togas, knightly armor, and trailing dresses with

underskirts and bustles.

  • (a) \( antiquated…arrayed…abated \)
  • (b) \( banal…placated…appropriated \)
  • (c) \( ancient…feigned…castigated \)
  • (d) \( archaic…garbed…alluded \)
  • (e) \( apocryphal…eulogized…impugned \)
Correct Answer: (d) \( \text{archaic…garbed…alluded} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Fashion show with historical styles, models in related outfits.

Step 2: Options: Antiquated (outdated), Banal (common), Ancient (very old), Archaic

(old-fashioned), Apocryphal (doubtful); Arrayed (arranged), Placated (soothed), Feigned

(pretended), Garbed (clothed), Eulogized (praised); Abated (reduced), Appropriated

(took), Castigated (scolded), Alluded (referred), Impugned (challenged).

Step 3: Archaic (old-style) styles, Garbed (dressed) in outfits Alluded (hinted) to historical items.

Step 4: Others mismatch style, dressing, or reference. Quick Tip: Match old styles, dressing, and historical hints.


Question 22:

21. The main idea of the passage is ---.

  • (a) \( that popular assumptions about ancient Greeks are largely true \)
  • (b) \( the Greeks' ideal in art was plain white marble \)
  • (c) \( the Greeks had no knowledge of how to sculpt marble \)
  • (d) \( Greek art was uninspiring to most people in history \)
  • (e) \( that contrary to popular belief, Greek art was brightly painted \)
Correct Answer: (e) \( \text{that contrary to popular belief, Greek art was brightly painted} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Passage corrects the misconception of plain white Greek art.

Step 2: It traces this error to weathered ruins, scholarly resistance, and later proof of colors.

Step 3: (e) captures the central theme of debunking the white marble myth.

Step 4: Others (a-d) misrepresent or contradict the passage’s focus. Quick Tip: Identify the core correction of a misconception.


Question 23:

22. The author’s argument is best summarized as ----.

  • (a) \( the Greeks were poor artists who have been overrated in history \)
  • (b) \( twenty-first-century scientific tests will solve all disputes about the ancient world \)
  • (c) \( plain white marble is the ideal color for sculptures \)
  • (d) \( a true understanding of Greek art acknowledges their use of color \)
  • (e) \( Enlightenment-era classicists knew nothing about art \)
Correct Answer: (d) \( \text{a true understanding of Greek art acknowledges their use of color} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Passage argues against the white marble misconception, tracing it to historical errors and supporting color use with evidence.

Step 2: Focus is on correcting perception with scientific proof.

Step 3: (d) summarizes the argument’s core: recognizing Greek art’s colorful nature.

Step 4: Others (a, b, c, e) misstate or overgeneralize the argument. Quick Tip: Identify the corrected perception as the argument’s focus.


Question 24:

23. The word "countenance" in the passage means ---.

  • (a) \( to refute and rebut \)
  • (b) \( to understand and acknowledge \)
  • (c) \( to dispute and disdain \)
  • (d) \( to celebrate and worship \)
  • (e) \( to mystify and confuse \)
Correct Answer: (b) \( \text{to understand and acknowledge} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: "Eminent scholars... refused to countenance that pure white marble was not antiquity’s aesthetic paradigm."

Step 2: "Refused to countenance" implies rejection of accepting the color evidence.

Step 3: (b) "to understand and acknowledge" fits, as countenance means to accept or tolerate.

Step 4: Others (a, c, d, e) suggest opposing or unrelated meanings. Quick Tip: Match refusal with acceptance meaning.


Question 25:

24. The author references "Enlightenment-era classicists" in order to ---.

  • (a) \( ridicule Enlightenment thought \)
  • (b) \( celebrate Enlightenment thought \)
  • (c) \( show how the misconceptions about Greek art developed \)
  • (d) \( show the value of scientific tests \)
  • (e) \( address the aesthetic paradigms of antiquity \)
Correct Answer: (c) \( \text{show how the misconceptions about Greek art developed} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Passage blames Enlightenment-era classicists for seeing weathered ruins, leading to the white marble misconception.

Step 2: Their role is to explain the origin of the error.

Step 3: (c) fits as it highlights their contribution to the misunderstanding.

Step 4: Others (a, b, d, e) misalign with the author’s intent. Quick Tip: Identify the source of the misconception.


Question 26:

25. The word "paradigm" in the passage means ---.

  • (a) \( model or archetype \)
  • (b) \( adoration or worship \)
  • (c) \( aesthetic or style \)
  • (d) \( function or vitality \)
  • (e) \( understanding or belief \)
Correct Answer: (a) \( \text{model or archetype} \) \textbf{Solution:} \textbf{Step 1:} Context: "Refused to countenance that pure white marble was not antiquity’s aesthetic paradigm." \textbf{Step 2:} "Paradigm" follows "aesthetic," suggesting a standard or model. \textbf{Step 3:} (a) "model or archetype" fits, as paradigm means a typical example or pattern. \textbf{Step 4:} Others (b, c, d, e) don’t align with the intended meaning.
View Solution

Step 1: Context: "Refused to countenance that pure white marble was not antiquity’s aesthetic paradigm."

Step 2: "Paradigm" follows "aesthetic," suggesting a standard or model.

Step 3: (a) "model or archetype" fits, as paradigm means a typical example or pattern.

Step 4: Others (b, c, d, e) don’t align with the intended meaning. Quick Tip: Match standard or model to context.


Question 27:

26. It can be inferred from the passage that ---.

  • (a) \( all ancient cultures painted their statues bright colors \)
  • (b) \( all subsequent cultures rejected Greek styles \)
  • (c) \( no cultures appreciated polychrome paint \)
  • (d) \( only ancient Greeks built marble statues \)
  • (e) \( the ancient Greeks have influenced many subsequent cultures with their art \)
Correct Answer: (e) \(\text{the ancient Greeks have influenced many subsequent cultures with their art}\)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Passage notes Enlightenment-era classicists’ influence and scholars’ resistance to color evidence, implying Greek art’s historical impact.

Step 2: Focus on classicists’ role suggests Greek art shaped later perceptions.

Step 3: (e) infers influence from their prominence in art history debates.

Step 4: Others (a-d) lack evidence or contradict the text. Quick Tip: Infer influence from historical engagement.


Question 28:

27. The author views modern scientific tests as ---.

  • (a) \( unable to say anything about ancient Greek art \)
  • (b) \( valuable tools to attain new knowledge \)
  • (c) \( useful only in regards to modern issues \)
  • (d) \( impediments to developing artistic standards \)
  • (e) \( no better than those available to the ancient Greeks \)
Correct Answer: (b) \( \text{valuable tools to attain new knowledge} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Passage credits late 20th-21st century scientific tests with proving Greek art’s polychrome nature, shifting understanding.

Step 2: Tests are key to overcoming past misconceptions.

Step 3: (b) reflects the author’s positive view of tests as a means to new insights.

Step 4: Others (a, c, d, e) contradict or overstate the text’s stance. Quick Tip: Identify the role of tests in new insights.


Question 29:

28. The author would not agree with the statement that ---.

  • (a) \(the ancient Greeks made use of a variety of artistic media\)
  • (b) \( ancient Greek art was unimpressive compared to later developments \)
  • (c) \( Enlightenment-era classicists greatly appreciated the ancient Greeks \)
  • (d) \( polychrome painting was a key element of ancient Greek art \)
  • (e) \( most ancient Greek art was first seen as plain white stone by most modern people \)
Correct Answer: (b) \( \text{ancient Greek art was unimpressive compared to later developments} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Passage highlights Greek art’s colorful vibrancy, challenging the plain white misconception, and its historical significance.

Step 2: Author emphasizes art’s quality through color use and cultural impact.

Step 3: (b) contradicts this, as the author implies Greek art’s impressiveness via its original form.

Step 4: Others (a, c, d, e) align with or are supported by the passage. Quick Tip: Identify the statement opposing the author’s view.


Question 30:

29. It can be inferred from the passage that Enlightenment-era classicists ---.

  • (a) \( were jealous of the ancient Greeks' artistic abilities \)
  • (b) \( ignored the value of the ancient Greeks and their art \)
  • (c) \( knew nothing of any art styles \)
  • (d) \( provided no value to the understanding of Greek art \)
  • (e) \( held a great deal of affection for ancient Greek art \)
Correct Answer: (e) \( \text{held a great deal of affection for ancient Greek art} \)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Passage states Enlightenment-era classicists were "the ancient Greeks’ biggest proponents," visiting ruins eagerly.

Step 2: Their actions suggest admiration, though misinterpreting colors.

Step 3: (e) infers affection from their promotion and interest.

Step 4: Others (a-d) lack evidence or contradict their role. Quick Tip: Infer admiration from their proactive interest.


Question 31:

30. The main argument of the passage is ---.

  • (a) \( a painter can never do better than images in nature \)
  • (b) \( a painter must always draw the imperfections of nature \)
  • (c) \( a painter is born with a natural ability to draw images in nature \)
  • (d) \( a painter can learn nothing through study \)
  • (e) \( a painter can perfect the blemishes of nature in his own work through careful study \)
Correct Answer: (e)\(\text{a painter can perfect the blemishes of nature in his own work through careful study}\)
View Solution

Step 1: Context: Implied passage likely discusses a painter’s ability to improve nature via study.

Step 2: Options suggest a debate on natural talent versus learned skill.

Step 3: (e) aligns with an argument that study enables enhancement of nature’s flaws.

Step 4: Others (a-d) contradict or oppose this improvement-through-study theme. Quick Tip: Identify the emphasis on study improving nature.

GRE Questions

  • 1.
    The best way to solve environmental problems caused by consumer-generated waste is for towns and cities to impose strict limits on the amount of trash they will accept from each household.
    Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.


      • 2.
        Should we really care for the greatest actors of the past could we have them before us? Should we find them too different from our accent of thought, of feeling, of speech, in a thousand minute particulars which are of the essence of all three? Dr. Doran's long and interesting records of the triumphs of Garrick, and other less familiar, but in their day hardly less astonishing, players, do not relieve one of the doubt. Garrick himself, as sometimes happens with people who have been the subject of much anecdote and other conversation, here as elsewhere, bears no very distinct figure. One hardly sees the wood for the trees. On the other hand, the account of Betterton, "perhaps the greatest of English actors," is delightfully fresh. That intimate friend of Dryden, Tillatson, Pope, who executed a copy of the actor's portrait by Kneller which is still extant, was worthy of their friendship; his career brings out the best elements in stage life. The stage in these volumes presents itself indeed not merely as a mirror of life, but as an illustration of the utmost intensity of life, in the fortunes and characters of the players. Ups and downs, generosity, dark fates, the most delicate goodness, have nowhere been more prominent than in the private existence of those devoted to the public mimicry of men and women. Contact with the stage, almost throughout its history, presents itself as a kind of touchstone, to bring out the bizarrerie, the theatrical tricks and contrasts, of the actual world.


          • 3.
            It has been suggested that long-term prisoners, on release from jail, be given a reasonable state pension to reduce the likelihood of their resorting to crime. Most people instinctively reject the suggestion as they feel it would be like rewarding criminal activity. The supporters of the prisoners' pension scheme have criticized those who reject this possibility, by claiming that for the critics...
            Which of the following is the most logical completion of the sentence above?

              • emotion is more important than justice
              • punishment for criminals is more important than crime prevention
              • crime prevention is not an important issue
              • money has too high a value
              • the law should not be concerned with what happens after jail

            • 4.
              Claim: Though often considered an objective pursuit, learning about the historical past requires creativity.
              Reason: Because we can never know the past directly, we must reconstruct it by imaginatively interpreting historical accounts, documents, and artifacts.
              Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the reason on which the claim is based.


                • 5.
                  The following appeared in a memorandum from the manager of WWAC radio station.
                  “To reverse a decline in listener numbers, our owners have decided that WWAC must change from its current rock-music format. The decline has occurred despite population growth in our listening area, but that growth has resulted mainly from people moving here after their retirement. We must make listeners of these new residents. We could try playing music tailored to their tastes, but a continuing decline in local sales of recorded music suggests limited interest in music. Instead, we should change to a news and talk format, a form of radio that is increasingly popular in our area.”
                  Write a response in which you discuss one or more alternative explanations that could rival the proposed explanation and explain how your explanation(s) can plausibly account for the facts presented in the argument.


                    • 6.
                      Called by some the “island that time forgot,” Madagascar is home to a vast array of unique, exotic creatures. One such animal is the aye-aye. First described by western science in 1782, it was initially categorized as a member of the order Rodentia. Further research then revealed that it was more closely related to the lemur, a member of the primate order. Since the aye-aye is so different from its fellow primates, however, it was given its own family: Daubentoniidae. The aye-aye has been listed as an endangered species and, as a result, the government of Madagascar has designated an island off the northeastern coast of Madagascar as a protected reserve for aye-ayes and other wildlife.
                      Long before Western science became enthralled with this nocturnal denizen of Madagascar’s jungles, the aye-aye had its own reputation with the local people. The aye aye is perhaps best known for its large, round eyes and long, extremely thin middle finger. These adaptations are quite sensible, allowing the aye-aye to see well at night and retrieve grubs, which are one of its primary food sources, from deep within hollow branches. However, the aye-aye’s striking appearance may end up causing its extinction. The people of Madagascar believe that the aye-aye is a type of spirit animal, and that its appearance is an omen of death. Whenever one is sighted, it is immediately killed. When combined with the loss of large swaths of jungle habitat, this practice may result in the loss of a superb .

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