GRE 2024 Verbal Reasoning Test 4 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

Step 1: Understand the passage.

The passage describes how AI has improved fields like healthcare by providing accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment. However, it also highlights concerns about AI’s ethical implications and the risk of it replacing human jobs.

Step 2: Identify the concern.

Among the listed concerns, the passage clearly mentions the worry that AI could replace human workers. This is a common ethical issue associated with automation and AI.

Step 3: Eliminate incorrect option.

(A) is incorrect — the passage does not mention anything about cost.
(B) is incorrect — it actually says AI provides more accurate diagnoses.
(D) is incorrect — it states AI can create personalized treatment plans.


Therefore, the correct answer is option (C). Quick Tip: When answering reading comprehension questions, always return to the text to verify that your answer is directly supported by the passage. Look out for specific phrases or keywords that point to the correct option.

Step 1: Understand the passage.

The passage discusses the global decline in bee populations and emphasizes their importance in pollinating crops. It specifically lists three major causes: pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change.

Step 2: Locate the correct detail.

Among the listed option, the passage directly mentions "pesticide use" as one of the factors responsible for the decline of bee populations.

Step 3: Eliminate incorrect option.

(A) Overfishing – Not mentioned in the passage and unrelated to bees.
(B) Air pollution – Not cited as a factor in the passage.
(D) Urbanization – While it might be related to habitat loss in general, it is not directly stated in the passage.


Therefore, the correct answer is option (C) Pesticide use. Quick Tip: When answering fact-based questions from reading passages, focus on identifying keywords that are explicitly mentioned. Avoid assuming or inferring beyond what the passage states.

Step 1: Analyze the passage.

The passage highlights multiple benefits of public transportation systems. These include reducing traffic congestion, minimizing environmental impact, and contributing to lower levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Step 2: Focus on the key detail.

The specific line, "Cities with extensive public transit networks often experience lower levels of air pollution," directly supports option (C) — Reduced air pollution.

Step 3: Evaluate other option.

(A) Increased traffic congestion — The passage states the opposite: public transport helps reduce congestion.
(B) Higher greenhouse gas emissions — Again, the passage says emissions are reduced.
(D) Decreased urban development — The passage suggests public transport promotes more sustainable urban development, not a decrease.


Therefore, the correct answer is option (C) Reduced air pollution. Quick Tip: Look for direct cause-and-effect statements in reading comprehension passages. Phrases like “lead to,” “result in,” or “contribute to” usually signal important details related to benefits or consequences.

Step 1: Understand the passage content.

The passage explains that social media platforms have both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, they enable instant connectivity and sharing of information. On the negative side, they have been criticized for spreading misinformation and causing mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

Step 2: Identify the criticism.

Among the criticisms mentioned, "spreading misinformation" is explicitly stated, which matches option (C).

Step 3: Evaluate other option.

(A) They improve mental health — The passage states the opposite by mentioning mental health issues.
(B) They reduce connectivity — The passage says they enable instant connectivity.
(D) They prevent information sharing — The passage states they enable information sharing.


Hence, the correct answer is option (C) They contribute to spreading misinformation. Quick Tip: When answering comprehension questions about criticisms or drawbacks, look for negative words like "criticized," "concerns," or "issues" in the passage.

Step 1: Understand the passage.

The passage highlights that electric vehicles are eco-friendly and produce zero emissions, which reduces air pollution. This shows the environmental benefits of EVs.

Step 2: Identify challenges mentioned.

The passage specifically mentions two challenges:

Limited charging infrastructure
High initial costs


Step 3: Analyze the option.

(A) High fuel consumption — Incorrect, EVs do not consume fuel like gasoline cars.
(B) Limited charging infrastructure — Correct, explicitly mentioned in the passage.
(C) Increased air pollution — Incorrect, EVs reduce air pollution.
(D) Excessive emissions — Incorrect, EVs produce zero emissions.


Hence, the correct answer is option (B) Limited charging infrastructure. Quick Tip: Focus on key phrases like "challenges such as" to identify problems or difficulties in a passage.

Step 1: Understand the passage.

The passage states that the Mediterranean diet is rich in healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. It lists several benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving brain health, and promoting longevity.

Step 2: Analyze the answer option.


(A) Increased risk of heart disease — Incorrect, the passage says it reduces risk.
(B) Reduced brain health — Incorrect, passage mentions it improves brain health.
(C) Reduced risk of heart disease — Correct, explicitly stated in the passage.
(D) Promoted consumption of processed foods — Incorrect, the passage emphasizes fresh, unprocessed foods.


Hence, the correct answer is option (C) Reduced risk of heart disease. Quick Tip: Look for positive and negative keywords (like "reduce" vs "increase") to help distinguish correct answers in comprehension questions.

Step 1: Understand the sentence context.

The sentence contrasts two reactions to the new policy: one from the board of directors and one from the employees.

Step 2: Analyze the option for the board of directors.

The sentence implies the board did not support the policy, so words like "rejected" (C) or "opposed" (E) fit. However, since the correct answer is given as (C) rejected, this is the best choice.

Step 3: Analyze the option for the employees.

Employees felt the policy would improve their environment, so positive words like "welcomed" (A), "endorsed" (D), or "celebrated" (F) fit. The provided correct answer is (F) celebrated, which means they strongly supported it.

Step 4: Fill in the blanks accordingly.

The new policy was rejected by the board of directors, but it was celebrated by the employees. Quick Tip: Look for contrasting conjunctions (like "but") to guide opposite or differing sentiments in text completion tasks.

Step 1: Analyze the sentence structure.

The sentence has two contrasting clauses, joined by the word “but”:

The first clause talks about an imaginative storyline — a positive trait.
The second clause refers to a lack of character development — a negative trait.


Step 2: Interpret the logic.

We are looking for:

A positive word for the first blank (praise for imagination).
A negative word for the second blank (criticism for poor character development).


Step 3: Evaluate the answer choices.

\begin{tabular{ll
(A) criticized & Negative – fits the second blank well.

(B) lauded & Positive – fits the first blank well.

(C) chastised & Strong negative – could fit second blank, but too harsh.

(D) admired & Positive – could work in first blank.

(E) condemned & Very negative – too extreme.

(F) praised & Positive – could work in first blank.
\end{tabular


Step 4: Match best-fitting pair.

Among the combinations:

(B) lauded for imaginative storyline fits well.
(A) criticized for lack of character development fits perfectly. Quick Tip: When you see contrast words like \textbf{“but”, \textbf{“however”}, or \textbf{“although”}, expect the tone of the second clause to differ from the first. Match answer choices to the sentiment of each part.

Step 1: Understand the sentence structure.
The sentence has two contrasting parts joined by the word “but”:

The first part talks about “tech enthusiasts” appreciating the update's innovative features – a positive opinion.
The second part mentions “numerous bugs”, which is a negative trait, causing some users to react negatively.


Step 2: Match tones with the correct words.

We need:

A positive word for the first blank (praise for innovation).
A negative word for the second blank (disapproval due to bugs).


Step 3: Analyze the choices:

\begin{tabular{ll
(A) appreciated & Positive – suitable for the first blank.

(B) welcomed & Positive – suitable for the first blank.

(C) detested & Strong negative – too extreme for second blank.

(D) celebrated & Positive – suitable for the first blank.

(E) criticized & Negative – fits the second blank well.

(F) praised & Positive – suitable for the first blank.
\end{tabular

Step 4: Find the best-fitting pair.

The phrase: \[ "The update was \hspace{1cm by tech enthusiasts..."} \]
suggests a moderate, professional approval – “welcomed” fits best among the option.

The phrase: \[ "...but some users found it \hspace{1cm due to bugs"} \]
indicates disapproval – “criticized” is a precise, appropriate term. Quick Tip: In contrast sentences, choose one word with a positive tone and another with a negative tone. Look for context clues like “innovative” (positive) or “bugs” (negative) to guide your selections.

Step 1: Understand the tone of the sentence.

The sentence says the manager’s demeanor made employees feel uneasy and unsure — this suggests the manager was emotionally distant, cold, or unconcerned.

So, we’re looking for words that imply:

Lack of concern
Emotional detachment
Absence of support or warmth


Step 2: Evaluate the meaning of each option:

\begin{tabular{ll
(A) apathetic & Lacking interest or concern — fits well.

(B) conciliatory & Trying to calm or pacify — opposite of uneasy.

(C) sanguine & Optimistic or cheerful — does not cause unease.

(D) indifferent & Uncaring or detached — fits perfectly.

(E) effusive & Overly expressive emotionally — not unsettling in this context.

(F) taciturn & Quiet or reserved — possibly relevant, but not clearly linked to “uneasy and unsure.”
\end{tabular


Step 3: Select the best-fit pair.

Both (A) apathetic and (D) indifferent describe someone who appears emotionally uninvolved, which can leave others feeling unsure or uncomfortable. These are strong synonyms and match the sentence context best. Quick Tip: Focus on the emotional tone conveyed by the sentence. If others feel “uneasy and unsure,” look for words that imply emotional distance or lack of engagement.

Step 1: Note the sentence structure and the key transition word: “Despite”.
This word sets up a contrast between:

The comedian’s attempts (likely positive in nature — effort was made),
And the final outcome, which was a “failure” — clearly negative.


So, the first blank likely describes a kind of effort (possibly strong or persistent), and the second blank must intensify the idea of failure.


Step 2: Analyze the option:

\begin{tabular{ll
(A) dismal & Very bad or gloomy — fits for a failure, not for effort.

(B) spirited & Full of energy or enthusiasm — could work for effort.

(C) futile & Pointless or ineffective — fits well as effort that led to failure.

(D) laudable & Praiseworthy — may describe effort, but not contrast failure strongly.

(E) energetic & High-energy — could describe the effort.

(F) abysmal & Extremely bad — perfect for describing a “failure.”
\end{tabular


Step 3: Choose the pair that best reflects both the contrast and outcome.

- (C) futile – the effort was made, but ineffective → aligns with “despite” and leads naturally into the failure.
- (F) abysmal – extremely bad failure → strongly reinforces the idea of a performance gone wrong. Quick Tip: Transition words like “despite” signal contrast. Look for a pairing where the first blank describes effort (possibly ineffective), and the second emphasizes a strong failure.

Step 1: Understand the tone and message of the sentence.
The sentence says the audience was left both:

Inspired to learn more, and
Another positive feeling (since “inspired” is positive and the word “both” is used)


This means the lecture must have been clear, informative, and engaging — not confusing or complex.


Step 2: Analyze the answer choices:

\begin{tabular{ll
(A) convoluted & Complex, hard to follow — negative.

(B) enlightening & Informative, revealing — positive. Fits perfectly.

(C) baffling & Confusing — negative. Doesn’t fit with “inspired.”

(D) compelling & Engaging or persuasive — positive, but doesn’t necessarily imply clarity or learning.

(E) inscrutable & Impossible to understand — negative.

(F) illuminating & Clarifying, informative — positive. Perfect fit.
\end{tabular


Step 3: Choose the most context-appropriate pair.

- (B) enlightening and (F) illuminating both suggest clarity, insight, and understanding — exactly the qualities that would leave an audience inspired and eager to learn more. Quick Tip: When the sentence includes positive outcomes like “inspired,” focus on answer choices that reflect clarity, insight, or motivation—not confusion or complexity.

Step 1: Identify the concern stated in the passage.
The final sentence of the passage states:
“there are concerns about the security implications of quantum computing, as it could potentially break current encryption methods.”

Step 2: Match with the answer choices.


(A) Quantum computers are too expensive — Not mentioned.
(B) Quantum computers lack technical challenges — Incorrect; the passage says there are technical challenges.
(C) Quantum computing could break current encryption methods — Correct, directly stated.
(D) Quantum computers solve problems slower than classical computers — Incorrect; the opposite is mentioned. Quick Tip: When answering reading comprehension questions, focus on what is explicitly stated in the passage. Avoid making assumptions or choosing answers not directly supported by the text.

Step 1: Identify threats mentioned in the passage.

The first sentence clearly states:
“Marine biodiversity is under threat due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change.”

Step 2: Match with the answer choices:


(A) Air pollution — Not mentioned.
(B) Habitat destruction — Correct, explicitly listed as a threat.
(C) Increased tourism — Not mentioned.
(D) Urbanization — Not mentioned. Quick Tip: Always refer directly to the passage when answering comprehension questions. Even if an option sounds plausible, it must be clearly stated or strongly implied in the text.

Step 1: Identify the ethical concerns mentioned in the passage.

The passage states:
“they also raise ethical concerns about the possibility of unintended consequences and the potential for misuse in creating 'designer babies'.”

Step 2: Evaluate the answer choices:


(A) Too costly — Not mentioned.
(B) Lacks precision — Incorrect; the passage says the technology is precise.
(C) Could lead to unintended consequences — Correct, directly mentioned.
(D) Cannot treat genetic disorders — Incorrect; the passage says it offers potential to treat genetic disorders. Quick Tip: When identifying concerns or opinions in a passage, pay close attention to the exact language used, especially words like “ethical concerns,” “possibility,” or “potential.”

Step 1: Identify the challenge stated in the passage.

The passage says:
“the intermittent nature of these energy sources presents a challenge for ensuring a stable energy supply.”

Step 2: Match this with the answer choices:


(A) Too expensive — Not mentioned.
(B) Increases reliance on fossil fuels — Incorrect; the passage says renewable energy reduces reliance.
(C) Are intermittent — Correct, directly stated.
(D) Cannot mitigate climate change — Incorrect; the passage states renewable energy helps mitigate climate change. Quick Tip: Focus on the specific difficulties described in the passage. Words like “challenge” or “limitation” often highlight the key point being tested.

Step 1: Identify concerns mentioned in the passage.

The passage states:
“there are concerns about the transparency and accountability of AI systems, as well as the potential for biased decision-making.”

Step 2: Evaluate answer choices:


(A) Lack data analysis capabilities — Incorrect, passage says AI can analyze vast amounts of data.
(B) Improves transparency and accountability — Incorrect, passage states concerns about these aspects.
(C) Can lead to biased decision-making — Correct, explicitly mentioned.
(D) Cannot predict market trends — Incorrect, passage says AI can predict market trends. Quick Tip: Focus on the concerns or issues raised in the passage. Be cautious about answer choices that contradict the text’s explicit statements.

Step 1: Identify the challenges discussed in the passage.

The passage states:
“there are significant challenges to widespread adoption, including technological limitations, regulatory hurdles, and public acceptance.”

Step 2: Analyze the answer choices:


(A) Increase traffic accidents — Incorrect, the passage says autonomous vehicles reduce accidents.
(B) Lack efficiency — Incorrect, passage mentions improving efficiency.
(C) Technological limitations and regulatory hurdles — Correct, directly mentioned.
(D) Widely accepted by the public — Incorrect, passage implies public acceptance is a challenge, not widespread. Quick Tip: Carefully identify challenges or obstacles mentioned in a passage; often multiple challenges are listed, so choose the answer that best captures the key points.

Step 1: Identify the threats to food security mentioned.

The passage says:
“Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, can devastate agricultural areas.”

Step 2: Compare with answer choices:


(A) Increased crop yields — Incorrect, the passage indicates crop yields are impacted negatively.
(B) Extreme weather events — Correct, explicitly stated as a threat.
(C) Sustainable farming practices — Incorrect, these are strategies to address challenges, not threats.
(D) Resilient crop varieties — Incorrect, also part of adaptation strategies, not a threat. Quick Tip: Distinguish between threats and solutions mentioned in a passage to accurately answer questions about challenges or concerns.

Step 1: Identify concerns mentioned about VR technology.

The passage states:
“the high cost of VR equipment and the potential for over-reliance on technology in the classroom are concerns that need to be addressed.”

Step 2: Analyze the answer choices:


(A) VR technology is inexpensive — Incorrect, the passage says the opposite.
(B) VR creates confusing learning experiences — Incorrect, passage says VR helps by simulating environments.
(C) High cost of VR equipment — Correct, directly mentioned.
(D) VR simplifies complex concepts — Incorrect, this is a benefit, not a concern. Quick Tip: Distinguish between benefits and concerns by focusing on keywords like “concerns” or “challenges” in the passage.

Step 1: Analyze the first blank in relation to the shareholders' reaction.

Since shareholders expect increased profits, their reaction is likely positive. The words "supported," "welcomed," and "praised" all suggest positive responses. Among these, "welcomed" fits well as it indicates acceptance and approval.

Step 2: Analyze the second blank in relation to industry analysts' reaction.

Industry analysts are concerned about risks, so their reaction is likely negative or cautious. The words "criticized," "opposed," and "questioned" imply negative or skeptical responses. "Opposed" clearly indicates disagreement or resistance, which fits well here. Quick Tip: Identify the sentiment associated with each group’s reaction — positive reactions fit with words like "welcomed" or "praised," while concerns or objections align with words like "opposed" or "criticized."

Step 1: Consider the first blank about the scientific community’s reaction.

Since the research is described as "groundbreaking" and "innovative," a positive reaction fits best. Words like "lauded," "celebrated," and "praised" show approval. Among the option, "lauded" is a strong positive term meaning praised highly.

Step 2: Consider the second blank regarding ethical concerns.

Ethical concerns suggest criticism or disapproval. Words like "condemned," "dismissed," "questioned," and "overlooked" are negative or skeptical reactions. "Condemned" is a strong word indicating formal disapproval, which fits well here. Quick Tip: Look for contrasting sentiments indicated by words like "yet" to guide choosing positive and negative responses.

Step 1: Analyze the parents' reaction.

Parents "saw potential benefits," indicating a positive attitude. Words like "endorsed," "accepted," and "praised" show approval. "Endorsed" is a strong formal approval, fitting well here.

Step 2: Analyze the teachers' reaction.

Teachers felt the reform was "too drastic and poorly planned," signaling a negative reaction. Words like "opposed," "rejected," and "criticized" suggest disagreement. "Opposed" clearly expresses resistance. Quick Tip: Look for contrasting opinions indicated by conjunctions like "but" to determine the appropriate positive and negative words.

Step 1: Analyze the board’s reaction.

The board appreciates the strategy for improving financial health, so their reaction is positive. Words like "applauded," "supported," and "lauded" express approval. "Applauded" conveys strong praise fitting here.

Step 2: Analyze the employees’ reaction.

Employees face layoffs and reduced benefits, so their reaction is negative. Words like "criticized," "denounced," and "opposed" show disapproval. "Denounced" is a strong negative term meaning publicly condemned. Quick Tip: Contrast the perspectives of different groups in a sentence to correctly fill in blanks with positive and negative expressions.

Step 1: Identify the first blank’s sentiment.

The phrase “innovative use of color” suggests positive feedback from critics. Words like “praised,” “lauded,” and “celebrated” express approval. Both “praised” and “lauded” fit well as positive expressions.

Step 2: Identify the second blank’s sentiment.

The phrase “lack of cohesive theme” indicates criticism. Words like “chastised,” “condemned,” and “criticized” imply negative feedback.

Step 3: Choose the correct pair.

Since the question asks for two answers and both answers given are positive words related to the first blank, it implies the question wants the two positive responses related to the innovative aspect. The negative feedback words are not selected. Quick Tip: Look for contrasting sentiments indicated by "but also" to match positive and negative reactions accordingly.

Step 1: Understand the tone of the sentence.

The approach is described as "visionary," which suggests positive, courageous qualities.

Step 2: Analyze the option for the first blank.

Words like "bold," "daring," and "innovative" imply courage and originality. "Conventional," "conservative," and "timid" imply caution or lack of innovation, which do not fit well.

Step 3: Analyze the second blank.

The sentence says "both \underline{\hspace{2cm and visionary," indicating the second blank should align with the first in positive, courageous connotations.

Step 4: Final choice.

"B) bold" and "D) daring" best fit the meaning of a visionary, courageous approach. Quick Tip: Look for adjectives that align with the key descriptor "visionary" to find the best fit for positive, courageous qualities.

Step 1: Analyze the director’s decision.

Casting an unknown actor is generally seen as a bold or uncertain move. Words like "risky," "audacious," and "unconventional" suggest this. "Prudent" implies caution, which does not fit.

Step 2: Analyze the actor’s performance.

Since the decision was viewed as "risky" or "audacious," the performance likely matched this boldness, implied here by "audacious" also fitting well to describe the decision itself.

Step 3: Choose the two best answers.

The best pair to fill the blanks to reflect a daring decision is "risky" and "audacious." Quick Tip: Look for words that capture boldness and uncertainty when describing unconventional decisions.