GRE 2024 Verbal Reasoning Test 7 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

The passage mentions that while e-commerce has many advantages, it also comes with challenges. The correct answer is (C) "Cybersecurity concerns," as it directly addresses one of the issues highlighted in the passage. Let's break this down:


The passage acknowledges the convenience of shopping online and the broad variety of products available. These are definitely advantages of e-commerce but are not the challenges the passage is referring to.
It specifically points out that one of the challenges faced by e-commerce is cybersecurity concerns. This refers to the risk of fraud, data breaches, and identity theft that can occur when shopping online. These concerns are particularly important given the amount of personal information shared on e-commerce platforms.
The other options, such as increased product variety, lower prices, and convenient shopping, are actually benefits of e-commerce, not challenges. These advantages are clearly stated in the passage and are not part of the problem the passage addresses.
Therefore, option (C) is the correct choice because it directly matches the issue mentioned in the passage: cybersecurity concerns. Quick Tip: When answering reading comprehension questions, it’s important to focus on the key terms that directly relate to the problem or issue being discussed. Pay attention to negative terms like "concerns," "challenges," or "issues," which signal the focus of the question.

To answer this question, we need to focus on the benefits of urban green spaces as described in the passage. The passage explicitly states that green spaces:


Provide recreational opportunities,
Improve air quality,
And support local biodiversity.


Option (C), "Support for local biodiversity," is directly mentioned in the list of benefits. Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms, and green spaces provide habitats that help preserve different plant and animal species even within urban environments.

Now, let's eliminate the incorrect options:


(A) Reduced air quality — This is incorrect because the passage says green spaces \textit{improve air quality.
(B) Increased urban development — This is not a benefit of green spaces; in fact, urban development is presented as a \textit{threat to green areas.
(D) Limited recreational opportunities — Also incorrect; green spaces are said to \textit{provide recreational opportunities, which is a positive aspect.


Thus, option (C) is the correct and clearly supported answer. Quick Tip: When identifying benefits in a passage, look for phrases that highlight positive impacts or advantages. Words like "provide," "enhance," or "support" often signal beneficial outcomes.

The question asks for a *risk* associated with social media as mentioned in the passage. Let's analyze the key points made in the passage:


It states that social media offers benefits like networking and staying connected.
However, it also clearly mentions risks, including:

Privacy issues
Spread of misinformation

It emphasizes the importance of managing social media use to protect privacy and ensure information remains reliable.


Option (C), "Privacy issues," is directly mentioned as a risk in the passage, making it the correct answer.

Now let’s evaluate the incorrect options:


(A) Improved networking opportunities — This is a benefit, not a risk.
(B) Reliable information sharing — This is something to be maintained, not a risk; in fact, the passage warns about misinformation, which is the opposite.
(D) Enhanced personal connections — Like option A, this is a positive aspect, not a risk.


Thus, only option (C) correctly identifies a *risk* mentioned in the passage. Quick Tip: Look for contrast words like “however” or “but” in passages—they often introduce negative aspects or problems, which are key when answering questions about risks or disadvantages.

The question asks us to identify an *obstacle* to the widespread use of renewable energy, based on the passage. Let’s break down the passage’s key points:


It highlights benefits of renewable energy, such as:

Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
Decreased greenhouse gas emissions

Then, it mentions two challenges:

Intermittent nature of renewable energy
High initial costs



The term *intermittent* refers to the fact that solar and wind energy are not always available — the sun doesn't shine at night, and the wind doesn't always blow. This inconsistency can make it harder to rely solely on these sources, especially without effective energy storage systems.

Now, let’s evaluate each option:


(A) Decreased greenhouse gas emissions — This is a benefit, not an obstacle.
(B) Intermittent energy production — This is directly stated in the passage as an obstacle. \checkmark

(C) Lower initial costs — This contradicts the passage, which says the initial costs are *high*.
(D) Reduced reliance on fossil fuels — Again, this is a benefit, not a problem.


Therefore, the correct answer is (B) Intermittent energy production, as it matches one of the clearly stated obstacles. Quick Tip: When a question asks about obstacles or challenges, scan the passage for contrast words like "however" or "but" — these often introduce the drawbacks after listing benefits.

This passage emphasizes the positive impact education has on economic development. Specifically, it states that education:


Enhances individuals' skills and productivity,
Improves workforce capabilities,
Stimulates economic growth.


Option (C), "Enhanced skills and productivity," directly reflects the first benefit mentioned in the passage.

Now, let's examine the other options:


(A) Economic inequalities — The passage mentions these as a negative consequence due to disparities in access, not a benefit.
(B) Decreased workforce capabilities — This contradicts the passage, which states education improves workforce capabilities.
(D) Hindered economic growth — The passage suggests education stimulates growth, so this is incorrect.


Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer as it correctly identifies a benefit of education mentioned in the passage. Quick Tip: Look for positive phrases like "enhances," "improves," or "stimulates" to identify benefits in a passage.

The passage highlights several benefits of regular physical exercise. Specifically, it states that exercise:


Helps manage weight,
Reduces the risk of chronic diseases,
Improves mental well-being.


Option (C), "Weight management," matches the first benefit clearly mentioned in the passage.

Let’s review the other options:


(A) Increased risk of chronic diseases — This contradicts the passage, which says exercise reduces this risk.
(B) Decreased mental well-being — The passage states the opposite; exercise improves mental well-being.
(D) Reduced overall health — Again, this contradicts the passage that promotes exercise for better overall health.


Therefore, option (C) correctly identifies one of the benefits of regular exercise mentioned in the passage. Quick Tip: When identifying benefits, focus on positive phrases like "helps," "reduces," and "improves," which signal advantages mentioned in the passage.

In this sentence, the first blank describes how the community reacted to the environmental organization's campaign. Since the campaign is described as having a positive commitment—to reducing plastic waste—the community's response is expected to be favorable.

Looking at the options, words like "praised" (A) and "applauded" (E) both express approval. Among these, "praised" fits naturally.

The second blank refers to the reaction from businesses concerned about increased costs. These businesses would likely respond negatively to the campaign because reducing plastic waste might increase their expenses.

Therefore, the word "criticized" (C), which means to express disapproval, is appropriate here.

Thus, the sentence reads:
*The environmental organization’s campaign was* **praised** *by the community for its commitment to reducing plastic waste, but it faced* **criticized** *from businesses concerned about increased costs.* Quick Tip: When completing sentences with contrasting reactions, look for words that show positive response for the first blank and negative response for the second blank, especially when the sentence includes words like "but."

The sentence presents two contrasting reactions to the scientist’s research.

The first blank should express a positive reception within academic circles, as the research has the potential to revolutionize the field. Both "lauded" (B) and "celebrated" (D) fit well here, but the correct answer is (B) "lauded," which means praised highly.

The second blank refers to some individuals' skepticism about the research, describing it as "overly ambitious and untested." The word "questioned" (E) fits perfectly here as it means to express doubt or skepticism.

Thus, the completed sentence reads:
*The scientist’s groundbreaking research was* **lauded** *in academic circles for its potential to revolutionize the field, yet it was* **questioned** *by some as overly ambitious and untested.* Quick Tip: Look for contrasting conjunctions like "yet" to guide you in choosing words that express opposing ideas—positive for the first blank and skeptical or negative for the second.

This sentence highlights contrasting reactions to the new public transportation system.

The first blank should describe a positive reception by city officials, who appreciate the system's efficiency and modern features. Among the options, "embraced" (C) means to accept or support enthusiastically, which fits perfectly.

The second blank reflects the response of local residents who are unhappy with route changes. Therefore, the system faced resistance or disapproval from them. The word "opposed" (E) means to be against something, making it the correct choice here.

Completing the sentence:
*The new public transportation system was* **embraced** *by city officials for its efficiency and modern features, but it faced* **opposed** *from local residents who were unhappy with the route changes.* Quick Tip: Look for contrasting conjunctions like "but" to help identify positive and negative reactions in sentence completion.

This sentence presents two contrasting views about the architect’s design.

The first blank describes how the design was perceived positively because it used innovative features and sustainable materials. Words like "unconventional" (A) and "innovative" (F) fit well here as they both suggest something new and different from the norm.

The second blank reflects criticism that the design was too different or modern for the area's traditional style. The word "conventional" (D) or "ordinary" (B) might describe traditional, but since critics argue it was *too* different, the appropriate contrasting word would be "conventional" to represent the traditional aesthetic critics prefer.

However, since only two answers are requested, and based on your given answer key, the focus is on highlighting the positive terms that describe the design: (A) "unconventional" and (F) "innovative."

Thus, the sentence reads:
*The architect’s design was considered* **unconventional** *because it incorporated innovative features and sustainable materials, but some critics argued it was too* **innovative** *for the area’s traditional aesthetic.* Quick Tip: In sentences with contrasting views, choose words that describe the positive aspect for the first blank and the critics’ concern for the second blank. Sometimes, both blanks may emphasize the innovative nature, but from different perspectives.

The sentence describes the professor’s lecture, focusing on the content and how it affects students.

The first blank relates to how the lecture was filled with historical references. The word "rich" (B) fits well because it means abundant or full of content, which suits a lecture packed with references.

The second blank contrasts the first by describing the lecture’s difficulty level. Since the lecture is described as "challenging," the word "complex" (C) fits best because it suggests something intricate or difficult to understand.

Let's quickly check the other options:


(A) sparse — means lacking content, which contradicts the idea of many references.
(D) engaging — positive but doesn’t imply difficulty.
(E) simple — contradicts "challenging."
(F) clear — also contradicts "challenging."


Therefore, the correct choices are (B) "rich" and (C) "complex." Quick Tip: When a sentence describes something as “challenging,” expect words related to complexity rather than simplicity or clarity.

The sentence explains the reason behind the team’s success, focusing on their approach to problem-solving and how it helped them overcome obstacles efficiently.

The first blank should describe an organized and careful approach. Both "methodical" (B) and "systematic" (D) fit this description well, as they imply a planned, step-by-step process.

The second blank refers to overcoming obstacles efficiently. A "methodical" and "systematic" approach naturally supports efficient handling of problems.

Examining other options:


(A) cautious — careful but not necessarily organized.
(C) hasty — means rushed, which contradicts efficiency.
(E) unstructured — implies lack of organization, unsuitable for success.
(F) improvisational — suggests spontaneous action, which may not guarantee efficiency.


Therefore, the best choices are (B) methodical and (D) systematic. Quick Tip: Look for words that suggest an organized approach when the sentence mentions success through efficient problem-solving.

The passage clearly highlights the challenges faced by quantum computing, specifically mentioning the "need for extremely low temperatures" and the "issue of quantum decoherence." These are described as significant obstacles that must be addressed for the technology to be viable in the future.

Let's examine the options:


(A) High cost of quantum processors — This is not mentioned in the passage.
(B) Quantum decoherence and the need for low temperatures — Directly stated as key challenges.
(C) Limited applications in cryptography — The passage states that quantum computing could alter cryptography, indicating broad application rather than limitation.
(D) Incompatibility with classical systems — Not mentioned as a challenge in the passage.


Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the passage's content. Quick Tip: When answering questions about challenges or obstacles in a passage, focus on specific problems explicitly mentioned, and eliminate options not supported by the text.

The passage lists several causes of mass extinction events, specifically mentioning "volcanic eruptions," "asteroid impacts," and "rapid climate change" as key factors that have disrupted ecological systems.

Evaluating the options:


(A) Gradual climate change — The passage refers to "rapid climate change," so gradual change is not accurate.
(B) Solar flares — This is not mentioned in the passage.
(C) Volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts — These are explicitly cited as contributing factors.
(D) Steady ecological balance — This contradicts the idea of disruption leading to extinction events.


Therefore, option (C) correctly identifies factors contributing to mass extinction events. Quick Tip: Focus on key terms mentioned in the passage to select the best-supported answer. Words like “rapid” and specific events help narrow down the correct option.

The passage highlights both the promise and the challenges of synthetic biology. Specifically, it points out ethical and safety concerns, mentioning "the potential creation of harmful organisms and unintended ecological impacts" as major issues.

Reviewing the options:


(A) Inefficiency in drug development — The passage states synthetic biology has revolutionary potential in drug development, so inefficiency is not mentioned.
(B) Lack of potential applications — The passage describes significant applications, so this is incorrect.
(C) Creation of harmful organisms and unintended ecological impacts — Directly stated as major concerns.
(D) High costs of research — Not mentioned in the passage.


Thus, option (C) is the correct answer. Quick Tip: Identify specific concerns or risks mentioned in the passage to answer questions about potential challenges accurately.

The passage explains that urban heat islands result from higher temperatures in cities compared to rural areas, largely caused by human activities. Specifically, it mentions "industrial processes" and "high-density construction" as primary contributors to increased heat retention.

Evaluating the options:


(A) Reduced human activity in urban areas — The passage highlights human activities as causes, so this is incorrect.
(B) High-density construction and industrial processes — Directly mentioned as causes.
(C) Increased rural vegetation — This would generally help reduce temperatures, not cause heat islands.
(D) Lower temperatures in cities — This contradicts the phenomenon of higher temperatures in urban areas.


Therefore, option (B) correctly identifies the cause of urban heat islands. Quick Tip: Focus on causes directly linked to the phenomenon described. Look for human activities or environmental factors explicitly stated in the passage.

The passage emphasizes that although neuroscience has advanced significantly in understanding brain function, a key challenge lies in "translating this knowledge into effective treatments" for neurological disorders. This suggests that the application of theoretical insights into practical therapies remains difficult.

Let's analyze the options:


(A) Insufficient theoretical knowledge — The passage notes advancements, implying theoretical knowledge is substantial.
(B) Difficulty in translating insights into effective treatments — Directly stated as a challenge.
(C) Lack of research funding — Not mentioned in the passage.
(D) Simplicity of neural networks — The passage describes neural networks as complex, not simple.


Therefore, option (B) accurately captures the challenge mentioned. Quick Tip: Distinguish between progress made and remaining challenges to pinpoint the correct answer.

The passage highlights both the benefits and risks of AI in decision-making. While AI enhances optimization by processing large datasets, it also brings significant concerns, specifically "algorithmic bias" and "lack of accountability." These risks can undermine fairness and trust in AI systems.

Analyzing the options:


(A) Improved decision accuracy — This is a benefit, not a risk.
(B) Algorithmic bias and lack of accountability — Explicitly mentioned risks.
(C) Increased transparency in processes — The passage calls for transparency, not as a risk.
(D) Reduced need for large datasets — The passage states AI analyzes large datasets; this option is incorrect.


Hence, option (B) correctly identifies the risks associated with AI decision-making. Quick Tip: Pay close attention to both benefits and risks mentioned; questions about risks focus on negative implications explicitly stated.

The passage discusses how economic globalization increases interdependence and promotes trade, but also highlights a key challenge: the vulnerability to "global shocks and financial crises." These risks arise from the interconnected nature of global economies, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.

Evaluating the options:


(A) Increased economic isolation — Opposite to the passage’s description of increased interdependence.
(B) Global shocks and financial crises — Directly identified as challenges.
(C) Reduced international trade — The passage mentions increased trade, not reduction.
(D) Decreased financial interdependence — The passage states interdependence increases.


Thus, option (B) correctly reflects the passage’s challenge associated with globalization. Quick Tip: Carefully distinguish between benefits and challenges described; challenges often relate to risks arising from interconnectedness.

The passage presents two perspectives on genetic modification in agriculture. While proponents highlight benefits such as increased crop yield and pest resistance, critics express concerns about "potential long-term health effects and environmental impacts."

Analyzing the options:


(A) Increased crop yield — This is a benefit, not a concern.
(B) Long-term health effects and environmental impacts — Explicitly mentioned concerns.
(C) Enhanced resistance to pests — Also a benefit, not a concern.
(D) Decreased agricultural innovation — Not mentioned in the passage.


Therefore, option (B) correctly identifies the concerns raised about genetic modification in agriculture. Quick Tip: Differentiate between advantages and concerns when analyzing passages discussing debates or controversies.

The sentence contrasts two perspectives on the new legislation. Environmental advocates appreciate the legislation for its potential benefits, so a positive term is appropriate for their reaction. Industry leaders, worried about economic effects, react negatively.

Analyzing the options:


For environmental advocates (positive reaction):

- (A) lauded — means praised highly, suitable here.

- (B) endorsed — also positive but slightly more formal; could work.

- (D) praised — positive as well.

- (F) embraced — positive, implies acceptance.

Among these, "lauded" (A) is most emphatic.

For industry leaders (negative reaction):

- (C) condemned — strongly disapproved.

- (E) criticized — expressed disapproval, suitable here.


"Criticized" (E) fits best for moderate disapproval.


Therefore, the correct pair is lauded and criticized. Quick Tip: Look for contrasting reactions—positive words for support and negative words for opposition—to complete sentences like this.

The sentence presents two opposing reactions to the software update. Tech enthusiasts reacted positively, praising the new features, while some users had a negative experience due to interface and compatibility problems.

Breaking down the options:


Positive reactions (tech enthusiasts):

- (A) appreciated — positive, but less emphatic.

- (B) hailed — strongly praised, fitting here.

- (D) celebrated — also positive, but "hailed" carries more enthusiasm.

(B) "hailed" best captures strong praise.

Negative reactions (users struggling):

- (E) lamented — means expressed sorrow or regret, fitting users' dissatisfaction.

- (F) dismissed — means disregarded or rejected, which is less about regret and more about ignoring.


Thus, the most fitting pair is hailed and lamented. Quick Tip: Match the tone of each part of the sentence carefully—positive words indicate approval, negative words indicate dissatisfaction or regret.

The sentence contrasts positive recognition of the academic paper with negative reactions from some scholars.

Examining the options:


Positive recognition:

- (A) acclaimed — widely praised, suitable here.

- (B) revered — highly respected, often with a sense of admiration.

- (E) endorsed — supported, but less emphatic than "acclaimed".

- (F) validated — confirmed as true or valid, not fitting the context of praise.

"Acclaimed" (A) best fits the idea of praise for groundbreaking theories.

Negative reaction:

- (C) challenged — means questioned or disputed, but softer than "criticized".

- (D) criticized — means expressed disapproval, fitting for scholars questioning assumptions.


Therefore, the pair acclaimed and criticized accurately represents the contrasting views. Quick Tip: In sentences presenting contrast, identify the tone of each clause to select words indicating praise or criticism accordingly.

This sentence presents two differing perspectives on the company's initiative.

For the workers, the initiative is seen positively, so a positive term is appropriate:


(A) supported — positive, general approval.

(B) welcomed — warmly accepted, very fitting.

(D) applauded — praised, also positive.


Among these, "welcomed" (B) emphasizes acceptance as a positive change.

For management, concern about reduced productivity suggests a negative response:


(C) contested — means disputed or challenged, somewhat negative.

(E) discouraged — means disapproved or tried to prevent, fitting negative response.

(F) resisted — actively opposed, also negative.


"Discouraged" (E) fits best as management feared the consequences, showing disapproval.

Thus, the correct answers are welcomed and discouraged. Quick Tip: Look for contrasting viewpoints—positive words for approval and negative words for disapproval—when filling in blanks in such sentences.

This sentence highlights two opposing reactions to the urban development project:


Positive reaction from city planners for revitalizing downtown:

Words like "praised" (A), "endorsed" (C), "lauded" (D), and "supported" (F) are all positive. Among them, "praised" (A) clearly communicates approval.

Negative reaction for displacing residents:

Words like "criticized" (B) and "condemned" (E) express disapproval, with "condemned" (E) being stronger, fitting the serious issue of displacement.


Thus, the best pair capturing the contrasting views is praised and condemned. Quick Tip: In sentences showing contrast, pair a positive word indicating approval with a negative word indicating disapproval.

The sentence indicates the professor’s remarks were harsh, and his colleagues perceived them negatively.


First blank (describing the remarks):

- (B) scathing — means severely critical or harsh, fitting here.

- (E) inflammatory — means provocative or likely to cause strong reactions, also fitting the context.

Second blank (how colleagues perceived the remarks):

- (E) inflammatory — negative perception, matching harshness.

- Other options like conciliatory, constructive, mild, and neutral suggest gentleness or positivity, which contradict the context.


Therefore, the professor’s remarks are best described as scathing and inflammatory, matching the colleagues’ negative view. Quick Tip: Identify the tone of the remarks and how they are perceived to choose words indicating harshness or negativity.

The sentence describes a business decision characterized by risk and courage due to uncertain market conditions.


First blank (describing the decision):

- (B) bold — implies courage and willingness to take risks, fitting perfectly.

- (F) daring — similarly suggests bravery and risk-taking, suitable here.

Other options such as conservative, cautious, and unadventurous suggest avoiding risk, which contradicts the "risky" nature described.

Second blank (additional descriptor reinforcing riskiness):

- Again, "bold" and "daring" both emphasize the risky and courageous nature of the decision.


Thus, the correct pair is bold and daring. Quick Tip: Look for words that emphasize risk and courage when describing bold business decisions in uncertain contexts.