GRE 2024 Verbal Reasoning Test 5 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

The passage clearly outlines both the benefits and challenges of renewable energy sources. On the positive side, it notes that solar and wind power are gaining popularity because they are environmentally friendly and produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions — which helps in the fight against climate change.

However, the passage then introduces two key challenges:
1. The high initial cost of installing renewable energy systems.
2. The need for efficient energy storage Solutions — because sources like solar and wind are intermittent (i.e., they don't produce energy all the time), storing energy for use during off-peak times is critical.

Option C directly reflects this second challenge and is, therefore, the correct answer.

Let’s evaluate the incorrect Option:
- Option A says renewables “produce a lot of greenhouse gases,” which contradicts the passage, as it explicitly says they produce *little to none*.
- Option B is wrong because the passage says renewables are becoming “increasingly popular,” not the opposite.
- Option D is also incorrect because the passage lists high installation cost as a challenge — meaning they are *not* cheap to install. Quick Tip: When answering reading comprehension questions, pay close attention to both the positives and negatives mentioned in the passage. Identify keywords like “however” or “but” that signal a shift in focus or tone.

The passage discusses both the benefits and challenges of the growth of e-commerce. On the positive side, it highlights that:
- E-commerce has transformed retail by providing greater convenience, and
- It offers a wider selection of products that customers can browse and buy from home.

Then, the passage shifts focus using the word "However" to signal concerns. It mentions:
1. A decline in traditional brick-and-mortar stores, and
2. Concerns about data security.

So, the passage makes it clear that one negative consequence of e-commerce is that it has hurt physical store businesses — which is exactly what Option C says.

Let’s break down the incorrect choices:
- Option A ("limited product selection") is the opposite of what the passage says — e-commerce offers a *wider* selection, not a limited one.
- Option B incorrectly claims that e-commerce has *improved* data security, while the passage clearly states that data security is a concern, not a benefit.
- Option D says customers must visit physical stores, which is clearly false — a major advantage of e-commerce is that customers can shop without leaving home. Quick Tip: Pay attention to transition words like “however,” which signal a shift from positives to negatives. These often point to challenges or concerns directly relevant to comprehension questions.

The passage focuses on how climate change is negatively affecting marine ecosystems. Specifically, it highlights two key effects:
- Rising sea temperatures, and
- Ocean acidification.

It then states that these conditions are threatening coral reefs and the biodiversity that depends on them. This means the coral reefs are being damaged or put at risk, which directly matches Option C.

Let’s carefully evaluate the other Option:
- Option A ("Reduced ocean acidification") is incorrect. The passage actually says ocean acidification is increasing due to climate change and is part of the threat.
- Option B ("Stable sea temperatures") is also incorrect because the passage explicitly states that sea temperatures are rising, which contributes to the damage.
- Option D ("Decreased marine biodiversity") is a tempting choice because it's a logical consequence. However, the passage does not directly state this — it only mentions that coral reefs support biodiversity and that coral reefs are being threatened. Therefore, while biodiversity might be at risk, the directly stated impact in the passage is the threat to coral reefs.

Thus, Option C is the best and most clearly supported answer. Quick Tip: When answering reading comprehension questions, always choose the option that is explicitly stated in the passage rather than one that is only implied.

The passage presents both the positive and negative effects of smartphones. On the positive side, it mentions:
- Smartphones have revolutionized communication,
- They offer instant connectivity, and
- Provide access to many apps for various uses, improving access to information.

The passage then transitions to the negative effects using the word “however,” stating that smartphones are associated with:
- Decreased attention spans, and
- Increased screen time, which may negatively affect mental health.

Therefore, Option C is correct because the passage directly identifies increased screen time as a negative effect of smartphone usage.

Let’s rule out the other choices:
- Option A is incorrect because the passage clearly says smartphones decrease attention spans — the opposite of what’s stated.
- Option B is wrong; smartphones actually increase access to information, not limit it.
- Option D is also incorrect, as smartphones enhance connectivity, not reduce it — this is described as a benefit in the passage. Quick Tip: Look for contrast words like “however” to identify where the author shifts from benefits to drawbacks — this is often where the correct answer is found.

The passage explains that telecommuting — also known as working from home — has become more common, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It first lists the advantages of this shift:
- Reduced commuting time, and
- Increased flexibility for workers.

The passage then uses the word “however” to introduce the challenges that come with telecommuting. It specifically names two:
1. The need for effective time management, and
2. The potential for social isolation.

So, the correct answer is Option C, which directly refers to the need for effective time management, one of the challenges explicitly mentioned.

Let’s go through the incorrect Option:
- Option A is the opposite of what the passage says. It states that telecommuting reduces commuting time, not increases it.
- Option B is also incorrect; flexibility is listed as a benefit, not a drawback.
- Option D ("reduced work hours") is not mentioned at all in the passage and cannot be inferred as a challenge. Quick Tip: When a passage discusses both benefits and challenges, identify the shift in tone (often introduced by words like "however") to locate the part that answers questions about drawbacks or difficulties.

This passage outlines both the benefits and challenges of recent advances in medical technology.

Benefits mentioned:
- Improved patient outcomes, and
- More efficient healthcare delivery.

It then lists examples of new technologies — such as telemedicine and robotic surgery — that are revolutionizing the medical field.

Challenges mentioned:
- The high cost of these advanced technologies, and
- The need for specialized training to use them effectively.

Therefore, the correct answer is clearly Option C, as the high cost is directly identified in the passage as a major challenge.

Let’s evaluate the other Option:
- Option A refers to a benefit, not a challenge.
- Option B also highlights a benefit.
- Option D speaks about the widespread use of telemedicine, which the passage treats as an innovation, not a challenge.

So, only Option C correctly identifies a challenge mentioned in the text. Quick Tip: Watch for contrast words like “however” — they often signal the shift from advantages to problems. This is key when the question asks about challenges or drawbacks.

This sentence presents a contrast between two groups reacting to the CEO’s cost-cutting decision:

- Investors are described as viewing the move positively because they see it as a necessary step for profitability. So, a positive word like “supported” (Option A) fits this context.

- Employees, on the other hand, are described as fearing for their job security — a clear negative reaction. The most appropriate verb to reflect this opposition is "opposed" (Option D).

Let’s evaluate the other Option:
- Option B (condemned) and Option C (praised) are strong, but don’t form the best contrast pair here. "Praised" could work for investors, but "opposed" aligns better with the structure of the sentence.
- Option E (welcomed) is also positive, but “supported” fits more neutrally and logically with investor behavior.
- Option F (ignored) doesn't reflect any emotional or logical response to the decision, making it incorrect.

Thus, the correct pair is:
- A) supported — by investors, and
- D) opposed — by employees. Quick Tip: Pay attention to contrasting reactions in the sentence structure. When a sentence uses "but" to show contrast, one blank typically takes a positive word and the other a negative one.

The sentence presents both praise and criticism for the city’s new public transportation system:

- The first clause praises the system for its efficiency and reduction in pollution. This calls for a positive verb like “lauded” (Option A), which means praised or highly approved.

- The second clause introduces contrast using “but”, highlighting a negative aspect: increased fares burdening low-income residents. This clearly requires a critical verb, and “criticized” (Option B) fits best.

Let’s evaluate other Option:
- Option C (implemented) is not about praise or criticism; it simply refers to putting something into action.
- Option D (celebrated) and Option F (praised) are synonyms of “lauded,” but only one of these should be selected — and “lauded” (A) is the better formal fit.
- Option E (challenged) doesn’t clearly capture criticism; it suggests opposition but is less direct and not as appropriate in this context.

Correct Pair:
- A) lauded — praised for efficiency and environmental benefits
- B) criticized — for fare increases impacting low-income groups Quick Tip: When a sentence contains a "but" contrast structure, expect one blank to be positive and the other negative. Choose words that clearly reflect opposing reactions to different aspects.

This sentence clearly presents two contrasting reactions to the artist’s latest exhibition, which is signaled by the word “yet.” The word “yet” functions as a conjunction indicating contrast or opposition between two ideas. Thus, the two blanks should be filled with words that express opposing opinions about the exhibition.


First blank (Positive Reaction):

The exhibition is described as having a bold use of color and form, which generally implies something innovative, creative, and worthy of admiration. This positive description guides us to select words that show praise or admiration.

- “Celebrated” (B) means widely praised or honored, which fits well with recognizing the artist’s bold creativity.
- Other positive Option include “acclaimed” (E) and “appreciated” (A), both of which convey approval, but “celebrated” often carries a stronger sense of public or critical recognition and fits better in this context.


Second blank (Negative Reaction):

Following the word “yet,” the sentence points out a flaw: lack of thematic coherence. This invites a contrasting negative reaction, meaning the exhibition was criticized or not well-received by some.

- “Derided” (C) means mocked or ridiculed, indicating strong criticism, which is appropriate here.
- “Condemned” (D) is also negative but is generally stronger and implies moral or ethical disapproval, which may be too severe for a critique of artistic coherence.
- “Dismissed” (F) means rejected or ignored but doesn’t convey as strong or harsh a criticism as “derided.”


Why other Option are less suitable:

- “Appreciated” (A) is somewhat mild and lacks the strong positive connotation that “celebrated” carries.
- “Acclaimed” (E) is close in meaning to “celebrated” but “celebrated” better highlights the widespread recognition.
- “Condemned” (D) is too harsh and usually relates to moral judgment, not fitting for the critique mentioned.
- “Dismissed” (F) suggests ignoring rather than actively criticizing.


Summary:

- The first blank requires a positive, approving word describing praise for bold artistic choices.
- The second blank requires a negative word describing criticism for a lack of thematic unity.

The best contrasting pair is therefore:

B) celebrated — expressing praise for boldness, creativity, and innovation.
C) derided — expressing sharp criticism for thematic incoherence.


This pairing perfectly captures the mixed critical reception described in the sentence. Quick Tip: Pay close attention to conjunctions like “yet,” “but,” or “however,” as they often indicate the need for opposite or contrasting words to complete a sentence logically.

[6pt]
This sentence describes the politician’s response to a crisis and the public’s reaction. The key phrase is ``led to widespread criticism and \underline{\hspace{2cm among the public.'' This indicates that both the politician’s response and the public’s reaction were negative or unfavorable.
[12pt]

First blank (Politician’s response):
[6pt]
The politician’s response caused widespread criticism, which suggests it was dismissive or uncaring rather than supportive or effective. Therefore, the word should imply neglect or disregard.
[6pt]

``Dismissive'' (B) means showing disregard or lack of concern, which fits perfectly with a response that would provoke criticism.
Other options like ``reassuring'' (A), ``empathetic'' (D), or ``proactive'' (F) imply positive or helpful responses and are thus inappropriate here.
``Apathetic'' (C) is negative but more related to emotion than action, so ``dismissive'' is a better fit for an official response.


Second blank (Public’s reaction):
[6pt]
The blank describes the public’s reaction alongside criticism, which should also be negative or lack of engagement, indicating dissatisfaction or disengagement.
[6pt]

``Indifferent'' (E) means showing no interest or concern, which fits well with the public being unimpressed or unconcerned, possibly due to the politician’s dismissive attitude.
``Apathetic'' (C) could fit here too, but it is not one of the answer choices provided for this blank (assuming only two total answers).
Other options such as ``empathetic'' (D) or ``reassuring'' (A) are positive and do not match the context.


Why other options don’t fit:
[6pt]

``Reassuring'' (A) and ``empathetic'' (D) are positive responses that would not lead to widespread criticism.
``Proactive'' (F) suggests taking initiative and is positive, so it does not fit the negative context.
``Apathetic'' (C) could describe the public or politician’s emotional state but is less precise than ``dismissive'' and ``indifferent'' in this context.


Summary:
[6pt]

The politician’s response was dismissive, implying neglect or disregard for the crisis, which justifies the criticism.
The public’s reaction was indifferent, showing lack of concern or engagement, reflecting dissatisfaction or disillusionment.


Thus, the best pair that logically completes the sentence is:

B) dismissive
E) indifferent

This pairing conveys a consistent, negative scenario matching the sentence’s meaning.

Quick Tip: Look for clues in the sentence about the tone of both the subject’s action and the resulting reaction. Words like “criticism” help signal negative attitudes or responses.

This sentence presents two contrasting perspectives on the new technology:


First blank (Positive reaction):

The technology is praised for its innovation, so the word must express approval or admiration. Suitable words include:

- “Celebrated” (A) — means widely praised or honored, emphasizing recognition for innovation.
- “Lauded” (B), “commended” (D), and “endorsed” (F) also express positive approval, but “celebrated” is particularly strong and fits well with public or expert acclaim.


Second blank (Negative reaction):

The technology is also criticized for drawbacks like high cost and limited accessibility. The word must indicate disapproval or criticism.

- “Criticized” (C) means expressed disapproval or found fault with, which perfectly fits the context of concerns.
- “Derided” (E) means mocked or ridiculed, which is stronger and more negative than “criticized” and might be too harsh here.


Why other Option don’t fit:

- Using two positive words (e.g., “celebrated” and “lauded”) would contradict the phrase “but it was also...,” which signals contrast.
- “Derided” is excessively harsh and unlikely for criticism focused on cost and accessibility.
- “Endorsed” is positive and does not fit the negative context.


Summary:

- The technology was celebrated for its innovative aspects, reflecting admiration and approval.
- It was simultaneously criticized for practical drawbacks, showing that despite the praise, there are valid concerns.

This balanced pairing clearly communicates the mixed reactions to the technology. Quick Tip: Look for contrast words like “but” or “however” to help select one positive and one negative word that best complete the sentence.

This sentence describes the author’s writing style and its effect on readers’ engagement, suggesting a negative impact.


First blank (describing writing style):

- The word should indicate a style that is difficult to follow or complicated, since the result is that readers struggle to engage fully.
- “Convoluted” (A) means complex and difficult to understand, fitting perfectly here.
- “Verbose” (C) could also mean wordy, but it doesn’t necessarily imply difficulty in understanding as strongly as “convoluted.”
- Positive words like “eloquent” (B) would contradict the difficulty suggested in the second blank.


Second blank (describing effect on readers):

- The phrase “making it \underline{\hspace{3cm for readers” suggests the word should indicate something that hinders engagement or makes it harder.
- “Cumbersome” (E) means awkward or difficult to handle, which fits the idea that readers find it hard to engage.
- “Captivating” (D) or “engaging” (F) are positive and contradict the difficulty implied.


Why other Option don’t fit:

- “Eloquent” and “engaging” are positive, inconsistent with the negative consequence in the sentence.
- “Verbose” implies wordiness but doesn’t fully capture the difficulty or complexity implied by “convoluted.”
- “Captivating” is a positive effect, opposite to what the sentence implies.


Summary:

- The author’s style is convoluted, meaning it is complex and difficult to follow.
- This results in the novel being cumbersome for readers, making it challenging to fully engage with the story.

Together, these words explain the struggle readers might face due to the writing style. Quick Tip: When the sentence shows a cause and effect, match the tone of the first blank to the consequence in the second blank.

The passage discusses the progress made in AI for natural language processing, highlighting improvements in the machines' ability to understand and generate human language accurately. However, it also raises concerns related to the ethical aspects of AI use in this field. Specifically, the passage points out two key issues:

1. Privacy concerns — There is worry about how AI might handle or expose sensitive information while processing language data.
2. Potential misuse of language generation technologies — AI could be exploited to create misleading or harmful content.

These points collectively represent ethical challenges that are actively debated in the AI community.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

- A) is incorrect because the passage states that AI has improved in understanding human language, so it is not "unable" to do so.
- B) is incorrect since the passage claims AI is increasingly accurate in language generation, not lacking accuracy.
- C) is the correct choice because it directly mentions the privacy and misuse concerns described in the passage.
- D) is not mentioned as a concern in the passage; cost is not discussed.

Therefore, option C best captures the ethical concerns highlighted in the passage. Quick Tip: Focus on key phrases in the passage that describe concerns or challenges to identify the correct answer, especially when ethical or societal issues are mentioned.

The passage highlights the promising advances brought by biotechnology in the form of personalized medicine, which tailors treatments to individuals based on their genetic profiles. This personalization is expected to improve the effectiveness and precision of therapies.

However, the passage also emphasizes concerns that come with these advances:

1. Accessibility: There is uncertainty about whether all patients will have equal access to these personalized treatments, which are often expensive or require advanced healthcare infrastructure.
2. Health Inequalities: The potential for these treatments to widen existing disparities in healthcare access is a key ethical and social issue. People from disadvantaged backgrounds may not benefit equally, potentially exacerbating inequality.
3. Additionally, the passage mentions worries about the long-term implications of genetic modifications, though this is a secondary concern here.

Analyzing the answer choices:

- A) is incorrect because the passage states personalized medicine *holds promise* for effective targeted therapies, not that it is ineffective.
- B) correctly captures the concern about accessibility and the risk of increasing health inequalities mentioned explicitly in the passage.
- C) is incorrect since personalized medicine does involve genetic profiling and potentially genetic modifications.
- D) contradicts the passage, which explicitly mentions concerns about long-term implications of genetic modifications.

Thus, option B most accurately reflects a major concern expressed in the passage regarding personalized medicine. Quick Tip: Identify both the positive aspects and the concerns discussed in a passage to choose the answer that highlights the issue or challenge described.

The passage outlines notable progress in space exploration, highlighting innovations such as reusable rockets and the rise of private companies entering the space industry. These advances represent significant technological growth and a shift from exclusively government-led efforts.

However, the passage clearly points out challenges accompanying this progress:

1. Space debris: The increasing amount of debris in Earth's orbit poses safety risks for current and future missions. Managing and mitigating this debris is essential to prevent accidents and damage to spacecraft.
2. Sustainability of long-term missions: Prolonged space exploration requires careful planning to ensure missions are viable over extended periods, considering resources, technology, and environmental impacts.

The passage also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and regulation to effectively govern these issues, particularly as private companies increase their activity in space.

Evaluating the Option:

- A) is incorrect because the passage clearly states there have been significant technological advancements, such as reusable rockets.
- B) accurately reflects the challenges discussed, focusing on space debris and the sustainability of missions.
- C) is incorrect since the passage explicitly states international collaboration is necessary.
- D) is also incorrect as private companies are now involved, meaning space exploration is no longer limited to government agencies.

Therefore, option B best represents a major challenge related to space exploration as mentioned in the passage. Quick Tip: Focus on identifying the challenges or problems highlighted in a passage, especially those directly linked to progress or new developments.

The passage discusses the promising advances in quantum communication, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve the security of data transmission through quantum encryption.

However, it highlights several technical challenges that must be addressed before these benefits can be fully realized. One major hurdle is maintaining quantum coherence over long distances, which is critical because quantum states are fragile and can easily be disrupted, compromising secure communication.

Another challenge mentioned is the development of scalable quantum networks — networks that can expand and function effectively at large scales. Additionally, integrating quantum communication technology with the existing infrastructure presents further difficulties.

Analyzing the answer choices:

- A) is incorrect because the passage clearly states that quantum communication has potential benefits.
- B) accurately identifies one of the key technical hurdles mentioned: maintaining quantum coherence over long distances.
- C) is incorrect since the passage describes integration as an additional challenge, implying it is not easy.
- D) partially captures another challenge but states "absence," which is misleading; the passage says developing scalable networks is a challenge, not that they do not exist at all.

Therefore, the best answer that directly reflects a technical hurdle described in the passage is option B. Quick Tip: Look for phrases that describe difficulties or obstacles when asked about challenges or technical hurdles in a passage.

The passage highlights that blockchain technology can greatly improve transparency and traceability in supply chain management, which are positive attributes.

However, it also clearly identifies several challenges that must be addressed for successful integration:


Scalability issues: This means the blockchain system may struggle to efficiently handle a large number of transactions or grow with the expanding supply chain.
High energy consumption: Blockchain systems, especially those using proof-of-work protocols, can consume significant amounts of energy, raising sustainability concerns.


Additionally, the passage notes the need for significant changes in supply chain processes and coordination among stakeholders to effectively adopt blockchain technology.

Analyzing the answer choices:


A) is incorrect because transparency and traceability are presented as benefits, not problems.
B) is incorrect because the passage says significant changes \emph{are required, not a lack of them.
C) correctly identifies the challenges explicitly mentioned: scalability and energy consumption.
D) is incorrect because coordination among stakeholders \emph{is required for adoption.


Therefore, the best answer that directly matches the challenges mentioned in the passage is option C. Quick Tip: Focus on keywords like ``challenges'' and ``remain'' to pinpoint difficulties discussed in the passage.

The passage describes synthetic biology as a promising field that enables microorganisms to produce valuable chemicals, which could transform industries. However, it emphasizes several ethical concerns associated with this technology:


Potential environmental impact: The release of engineered organisms into natural ecosystems may disrupt existing balances or cause harm.
Biosecurity concerns: There is worry about the misuse or unintended spread of engineered organisms, which could pose risks to safety.
Debate on biodiversity: Long-term effects on biodiversity and the risk of unintended consequences are also mentioned as ethical considerations.


Reviewing the answer choices:


A) is incorrect because the passage does not mention the cost of research as a concern.
B) is correct as it directly captures the environmental and biosecurity concerns discussed.
C) is incorrect since the passage states engineered microorganisms \emph{can produce valuable chemicals.
D) is incorrect because the passage explicitly mentions ongoing debate about biodiversity effects.


Therefore, the best choice that reflects the passage’s ethical concerns is option B. Quick Tip: Focus on the specific ethical issues the passage highlights to identify the correct answer.

The passage highlights how neurotechnology, particularly brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), offers promising new ways to treat neurological disorders and enhance cognitive abilities. However, it also points out key challenges:


Security of neural data: Because BCIs deal with sensitive brain data, protecting this information from breaches or misuse is critical.
Privacy and autonomy concerns: The passage notes worries about how neural data might be used and how technology could impact personal autonomy.
Ethical considerations: The potential for cognitive enhancement raises questions about fairness, consent, and societal impact.


Analyzing the answer choices:


A) is correct because it directly addresses the challenges related to neural data security and privacy concerns mentioned in the passage.
B) is incorrect; the passage states BCIs open new treatment avenues, so a lack of Option is not a challenge.
C) is incorrect because the passage indicates cognitive enhancement potential exists, not low potential.
D) is incorrect as the passage clearly mentions ethical considerations.


Thus, option A best reflects one of the key challenges discussed. Quick Tip: Focus on specific challenges or concerns mentioned in the passage to select the correct answer.

The passage explains that geoengineering refers to large-scale efforts aimed at altering Earth's climate systems to combat climate change, highlighting approaches such as solar radiation management and carbon capture. While these methods hold promise to reduce global warming, the passage emphasizes several concerns:


Unforeseen ecological impacts: Intervening in natural systems at a large scale could cause unexpected harm to ecosystems.
Ethical implications: Manipulating natural processes raises moral questions about human intervention in the environment.
Governance and coordination: The passage notes ongoing debates over how such interventions should be regulated and coordinated globally.


Reviewing the answer choices:


A) is incorrect because the passage acknowledges geoengineering’s potential to mitigate global warming, not a lack of it.
B) is correct as it directly reflects the concerns highlighted regarding ecological impacts and ethics.
C) is incorrect because the passage states there is debate about governance, not an absence of it.
D) is incorrect since the passage describes multiple interventions, not limited ones.


Therefore, option B best matches the concern described in the passage. Quick Tip: Focus on the concerns or risks described in the passage to identify the correct answer.

This sentence shows two contrasting perspectives about the merger:

- The first blank calls for a positive reaction from industry leaders who view the merger as beneficial for reshaping the market. Suitable words include “applauded” (B), “celebrated” (A), “lauded” (F), or “endorsed” (E). Among these, “applauded” fits well as a formal expression of praise.

- The second blank, introduced by “but”, indicates a contrasting negative viewpoint from regulators worried about anti-competitive effects. Words such as “criticized” (D) or “scrutinized” (C) fit here. However, “criticized” directly conveys disapproval, making it the stronger choice.

Analyzing the answer choices:

- B) applauded — positive approval from industry leaders.
- D) criticized — negative judgment from regulators.

Other Option:

- “Scrutinized” means closely examined but doesn't necessarily imply disapproval, so it’s less precise here.

- “Celebrated” and “lauded” could also fit for positive, but “applauded” pairs naturally with “criticized.”

Correct Pair:
- B) applauded (positive)
- D) criticized (negative) Quick Tip: Look for contrast words like “but” to choose one positive and one negative reaction that reflect different viewpoints.

This sentence presents two contrasting reactions to different aspects of the novel:

- The first blank requires a positive term to describe the critics’ favorable view of the novel’s plot and characters. Suitable words include “lauded” (E), “appreciated” (A), “admired” (C), or “endorsed” (B). Among these, “lauded” conveys strong praise and fits the context of critics hailing the work as a masterpiece.

- The second blank follows “while”, indicating a contrasting negative reaction from some readers toward the novel’s unconventional narrative. Appropriate words are “misunderstood” (D) and “dismissed” (F). “Misunderstood” is the best fit as it suggests confusion or failure to grasp the narrative, aligning with readers finding it confusing.

Analyzing the Option:

- E) lauded — means highly praised, perfect for critics' acclaim.

- D) misunderstood — suggests the narrative was not grasped properly by some readers, indicating confusion rather than outright rejection.

Other choices:

- “Dismissed” implies rejection or ignoring, which is stronger than simply not understanding.

- “Admired” and “appreciated” are positive but less emphatic than “lauded.”

Correct Pair:
- E) lauded (positive)
- D) misunderstood (negative/contrasting) Quick Tip: Identify the contrasting conjunction (here “while”) to select one word showing praise and another showing criticism or confusion.

This sentence highlights two contrasting reactions to the government’s proposal for more public transportation funding:

- The first blank calls for a positive response from urban planners who view the proposal favorably as a move towards sustainable development. Suitable positive terms here include “endorsed” (A), “supported” (C), and “welcomed” (E). Among these, “endorsed” is the strongest and most formal term, indicating official or authoritative approval.

- The second blank requires a negative or opposing reaction from fiscal conservatives concerned about budget impacts. Appropriate negative terms are “rejected” (B), “opposed” (D), and “challenged” (F). “Opposed” is the most straightforward and commonly used term to describe resistance or disagreement.

Analyzing the Option:

- A) endorsed — means publicly approved or supported, fitting the planners’ positive view.

- D) opposed — clearly indicates resistance or objection, fitting conservatives’ worries.

Other Option:

- “Supported” and “welcomed” also fit the positive context but are slightly less formal than “endorsed.”

- “Rejected” is a stronger refusal than “opposed,” which suggests disagreement but not necessarily outright refusal.

- “Challenged” implies questioning or disputing, but “opposed” is more direct.

Correct Pair:
- A) endorsed (positive)
- D) opposed (negative) Quick Tip: Look for contrasting conjunctions like “but” to identify one positive and one negative reaction.

This sentence describes two contrasting responses to an innovative policy:

- The first blank needs a positive reaction from the media, who view the policy favorably for its "forward-thinking approach." Words that express approval or admiration include “praised” (A), “celebrated” (C), and “commended” (E). Among these, “praised” is a clear and commonly used term indicating approval and recognition.

- The second blank, introduced by “yet,” indicates a negative or skeptical response from advocacy groups who believe the policy fails to tackle fundamental issues. Suitable words here include “criticized” (B), “questioned” (F), and “overlooked” (D). However, “questioned” fits best as it implies that the groups are raising doubts or concerns without outright condemning the policy.

Detailed reasoning:

- A) praised — conveys positive recognition and approval, perfectly matching the media’s supportive view.

- F) questioned — suggests that advocacy groups expressed doubts or concerns, aligning with their perception that the policy overlooks root causes rather than outright rejecting it.

Other Option:

- “Celebrated” and “commended” are also positive but can imply more enthusiastic or formal approval than “praised.”

- “Criticized” is a stronger negative word meaning direct disapproval or fault-finding; “questioned” suggests a softer form of skepticism.

- “Overlooked” is usually not used as a verb to describe a reaction but rather means something was missed.

Correct Pair:
- A) praised (positive)
- F) questioned (negative/critical) Quick Tip: Look for clues like “yet” that signal contrast, guiding you to select one positive and one more cautious or negative term.

This sentence describes two contrasting reactions to the new environmental policy:

- The first blank requires a positive response from environmentalists who appreciate the policy’s ambitious goals and potential benefits. Words such as “commended” (A), “praised” (B), “lauded” (D), and “supported” (E) all convey approval. Among these, “commended” fits well as a formal recognition of the policy's merit.

- The second blank introduces a negative reaction from some businesses worried about economic consequences. Appropriate words include “criticized” (C) and “challenged” (F). “Criticized” clearly conveys disapproval or objection, which is suitable here.

Detailed reasoning:

- A) commended — implies formal praise and approval, suitable for environmentalists who support the policy.

- C) criticized — implies objections or negative feedback, fitting the perspective of concerned businesses.

Other Option:

- “Praised” and “lauded” are also positive but might be considered a bit more enthusiastic or celebratory than “commended.”

- “Supported” is positive but less formal than “commended” and may be less precise in this context.

- “Challenged” implies contesting or questioning the policy’s validity or implementation, which is also reasonable but “criticized” is a more direct expression of concern.

Correct Pair:
- A) commended (positive)
- C) criticized (negative) Quick Tip: Pay attention to the contrasting conjunction “but” to select one positive and one negative reaction that reflect different stakeholder views.

This sentence shows two contrasting opinions about the architect's design:

- The first blank calls for a positive descriptor from critics praising the design’s bold integration of modern elements. Words like “innovative” (A), “daring” (C), and “admired” (F) all suggest approval and recognition of creativity. Among these, “innovative” best captures the idea of originality and forward-thinking design.

- The second blank, introduced by “but,” indicates a negative or challenging viewpoint from traditionalists favoring classic styles. Words like “controversial” (B), “unconventional” (E), and “traditional” (D) represent this contrast. Since the traditionalists prefer classic design, the modern style is seen as “unconventional”, which means deviating from traditional norms and can carry a mildly negative connotation in this context.

Detailed analysis:

- A) innovative — reflects creativity and positive reception by critics praising the design's boldness.

- E) unconventional — suggests the design breaks from tradition, which traditionalists may view critically.

Other Option:

- “Controversial” (B) implies debate but might be stronger than necessary for this context.

- “Daring” (C) is positive but less formal than “innovative.”

- “Traditional” (D) is not suitable for the second blank since it describes the preferred style of traditionalists, not their view of the design.

- “Admired” (F) fits positive feedback but is less precise than “innovative.”

Correct Pair:
- A) innovative (positive)
- E) unconventional (negative/critical) Quick Tip: Look for contrast clues like “but” to pick one word showing approval and one expressing criticism or divergence in opinion.

This sentence presents two contrasting viewpoints about the research paper:

- The first blank requires a positive term that reflects approval of the paper’s strengths, specifically its thorough analysis and well-supported conclusions. Words such as “praised” (A), “lauded” (B), and “celebrated” (E) indicate commendation. Among these, “praised” (A) is the most straightforward and commonly used in academic contexts.

- The second blank, introduced by “but,” signals a negative reaction due to the paper’s oversight of recent developments. Suitable words include “criticized” (C), “overlooked” (D), and “noted” (F). Here, “criticized” (C) fits best because it clearly shows disapproval, while “overlooked” (D) is less appropriate since it is usually used as a verb meaning to miss something, not as a reaction word, and “noted” (F) is neutral and does not express criticism.

Analysis of other Option:

- “Lauded” (B) and “celebrated” (E) are positive but slightly more formal or grandiose than “praised.”

- “Overlooked” (D) is incorrect as it refers to the action of missing something, not a critique.

- “Noted” (F) simply means acknowledged and lacks negative connotation.

Correct Pair:
- A) praised (positive)
- C) criticized (negative) Quick Tip: Look for contrasting conjunctions like “but” to identify one positive and one critical response. Also, ensure the words fit grammatically as reactions, not actions.

This sentence presents two contrasting reactions to the startup's rapid expansion:

- The first blank requires a positive response from investors who view the expansion as a sign of strong market potential. Words such as “welcomed” (A), “applauded” (B), “endorsed” (D), and “lauded” (E) all convey approval. Among these, “applauded” (B) strongly emphasizes enthusiastic approval and fits well in formal contexts, making it an excellent choice.

- The second blank, introduced by “but,” indicates a negative or cautious reaction from analysts concerned about sustainability. Suitable words include “scrutinized” (C) and “questioned” (F). “Questioned” (F) implies doubt or concern, which is a direct contrast to the positive reaction, making it the most fitting here. “Scrutinized” (C) means careful examination and could fit but lacks the clear negative connotation of concern implied by “questioned.”

Analysis of other Option:

- “Welcomed” (A) and “lauded” (E) are positive but “applauded” gives a stronger sense of enthusiastic approval.

- “Endorsed” (D) is also positive but more formal and less emotional than “applauded.”

- “Scrutinized” (C) is more neutral and implies analysis rather than explicit doubt.

Correct Pair:
- B) applauded (positive)
- F) questioned (negative/cautious) Quick Tip: Pay attention to contrasting conjunctions like “but” to find one positive and one cautious or negative word that reflect differing viewpoints.