GRE 2026 Practice Questions and Answers with Detailed
Explanations – Graduate Record Examination Prep
Verbal Reasoning
1. Text Completion
Although the scientist’s findings initially appeared ______, subsequent experiments
provided substantial evidence that they were accurate.
A. dubious
B. conclusive
C. conventional
D. predictable
Answer: A. Dubious
Explanation: “Initially appeared” suggests that the findings were first viewed negatively,
but later experiments supported them. Dubious means doubtful or questionable, which
fits the contrast.
2. Text Completion
The professor’s lecture was anything but ______; rather, it presented several competing
interpretations of the historical event.
,A. controversial
B. one-sided
C. exhaustive
D. innovative
Answer: B. One-sided
Explanation: The phrase “rather” introduces a contrast. Since the lecture presented
several competing interpretations, it was not one-sided.
3. Sentence Equivalence
The manager’s response to the criticism was surprisingly ______; instead of becoming
defensive, she carefully considered the objections.
Choose TWO answers.
A. receptive
B. hostile
C. dismissive
D. amenable
E. antagonistic
F. evasive
Answers: A. Receptive and D. Amenable
,Explanation: Both receptive and amenable indicate willingness to consider or accept
suggestions. The other choices imply resistance, hostility, or avoidance.
4. Sentence Equivalence
The author’s argument is ______ because it relies heavily on evidence that cannot be
independently verified.
Choose TWO answers.
A. questionable
B. dubious
C. incontrovertible
D. definitive
E. indisputable
F. conclusive
Answers: A. Questionable and B. Dubious
Explanation: Evidence that cannot be independently verified makes an argument
questionable or dubious. The other choices indicate certainty.
5. Reading Comprehension
, Researchers once assumed that urban parks primarily benefited cities by providing
recreational spaces. More recent studies, however, emphasize their environmental
functions, including reducing heat and improving air quality.
Which statement is best supported by the passage?
A. Urban parks no longer serve recreational purposes.
B. Researchers have expanded their understanding of the benefits of urban parks.
C. Environmental benefits are the only important function of urban parks.
D. Earlier researchers ignored all environmental effects of cities.
Answer: B. Researchers have expanded their understanding of the benefits of urban
parks.
Explanation: The passage contrasts an earlier emphasis on recreation with newer
research emphasizing environmental functions. It does not say recreation is no longer
important.
6. Vocabulary in Context
The historian’s account was circumspect, avoiding strong claims where the available
evidence was incomplete.
“Circumspect” most nearly means:
A. cautious
B. enthusiastic
Explanations – Graduate Record Examination Prep
Verbal Reasoning
1. Text Completion
Although the scientist’s findings initially appeared ______, subsequent experiments
provided substantial evidence that they were accurate.
A. dubious
B. conclusive
C. conventional
D. predictable
Answer: A. Dubious
Explanation: “Initially appeared” suggests that the findings were first viewed negatively,
but later experiments supported them. Dubious means doubtful or questionable, which
fits the contrast.
2. Text Completion
The professor’s lecture was anything but ______; rather, it presented several competing
interpretations of the historical event.
,A. controversial
B. one-sided
C. exhaustive
D. innovative
Answer: B. One-sided
Explanation: The phrase “rather” introduces a contrast. Since the lecture presented
several competing interpretations, it was not one-sided.
3. Sentence Equivalence
The manager’s response to the criticism was surprisingly ______; instead of becoming
defensive, she carefully considered the objections.
Choose TWO answers.
A. receptive
B. hostile
C. dismissive
D. amenable
E. antagonistic
F. evasive
Answers: A. Receptive and D. Amenable
,Explanation: Both receptive and amenable indicate willingness to consider or accept
suggestions. The other choices imply resistance, hostility, or avoidance.
4. Sentence Equivalence
The author’s argument is ______ because it relies heavily on evidence that cannot be
independently verified.
Choose TWO answers.
A. questionable
B. dubious
C. incontrovertible
D. definitive
E. indisputable
F. conclusive
Answers: A. Questionable and B. Dubious
Explanation: Evidence that cannot be independently verified makes an argument
questionable or dubious. The other choices indicate certainty.
5. Reading Comprehension
, Researchers once assumed that urban parks primarily benefited cities by providing
recreational spaces. More recent studies, however, emphasize their environmental
functions, including reducing heat and improving air quality.
Which statement is best supported by the passage?
A. Urban parks no longer serve recreational purposes.
B. Researchers have expanded their understanding of the benefits of urban parks.
C. Environmental benefits are the only important function of urban parks.
D. Earlier researchers ignored all environmental effects of cities.
Answer: B. Researchers have expanded their understanding of the benefits of urban
parks.
Explanation: The passage contrasts an earlier emphasis on recreation with newer
research emphasizing environmental functions. It does not say recreation is no longer
important.
6. Vocabulary in Context
The historian’s account was circumspect, avoiding strong claims where the available
evidence was incomplete.
“Circumspect” most nearly means:
A. cautious
B. enthusiastic
