Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
— Test
Comprehensive Practice QuestionComprehensive
Set GRE
General Test Practice Examination: Verbal Reasoning,
Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment fo
Graduate School Admissions
Question Bank actual update
2025
/ 2026 graded A+
VERBAL REASONING — Reading Comprehension
1. The author's primary purpose in the passage is most likely to:
• (A) Criticize a prevailing scientific theory
• (B) Describe a phenomenon and evaluate competing explanations
• (C) Advocate for increased funding for a research area
• (D) Compare two historical periods in scientific development
• (E) Introduce a new methodology for data collection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose question tests the ability to identify the author's main intent.
Option B correctly captures the balanced presentation of a phenomenon with competing
explanations, which is the hallmark of objective scientific exposition. Options A, C, D, and E
represent narrower or misdirected purposes not supported by the passage structure.
,2. The passage suggests that the author would most likely agree with which of the following
statements?
• (A) The traditional interpretation remains entirely valid
• (B) The new evidence definitively disproves earlier conclusions
• (C) Further research is needed before drawing firm conclusions
• (D) The phenomenon is too complex for meaningful analysis
• (E) All competing theories are equally plausible
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Inference questions require reading between the lines. The passage's tentative
language and presentation of multiple viewpoints suggest the author favors continued
investigation. Option C reflects this scholarly caution. Options A and B represent extreme
positions; D is defeatist; E ignores the author's implicit preferences.
3. Which of the following best describes the function of the third paragraph in the passage?
• (A) It introduces a counterargument to the main thesis
• (B) It provides specific evidence supporting a general claim
• (C) It summarizes findings presented in earlier paragraphs
• (D) It poses a rhetorical question for the reader to consider
• (E) It transitions between two distinct subject areas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Function questions assess understanding of paragraph-level organization. The third
paragraph typically provides concrete examples or data that substantiate a broader assertion
made previously. Option B accurately describes this evidentiary function. Options A, C, D, and E
mischaracterize the paragraph's logical role.
4. The author's attitude toward the subject under discussion can best be described as:
• (A) Enthusiastic endorsement
• (B) Detached skepticism
, • (C) Objective scholarly inquiry
• (D) Dismissive contempt
• (E) Ambivalent uncertainty
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tone and attitude questions require sensitivity to word choice and rhetorical stance.
The author maintains neutral, academic language without emotional investment. Option C
captures this scholarly objectivity. Options A and D represent emotional extremes; B suggests
excessive doubt; E implies confusion not evidenced in the text.
5. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor contributing
to the observed trend?
• (A) Economic pressures
• (B) Technological innovation
• (C) Demographic shifts
• (D) Cultural attitudes
• (E) Political legislation
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Detail questions require careful reading to identify what is explicitly stated versus
what is absent. If the passage discusses economic, technological, demographic, and cultural
factors but makes no mention of political legislation, then E is correct. This tests attentive
reading and the ability to distinguish stated from unstated information.
6. The author's reference to "the prevailing orthodoxy" (line 24) serves primarily to:
• (A) Introduce a concept that will be challenged later
• (B) Establish the historical context of the debate
• (C) Dismiss alternative viewpoints without consideration
• (D) Provide a definition for a technical term
• (E) Contrast with a previously mentioned idea
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reference questions ask about the function of specific phrases. "Prevailing
orthodoxy" establishes the intellectual climate or historical context within which the discussion
occurs. Option B captures this contextual function. Option A misreads the rhetorical strategy; C
attributes dismissiveness not present; D confuses reference with definition; E misidentifies the
relationship to prior content.
7. It can be inferred from the passage that the author considers the traditional view to be:
• (A) Completely erroneous
• (B) Largely accurate but incomplete
• (C) Entirely unsupported by evidence
• (D) Irrelevant to contemporary understanding
• (E) Superior to all competing theories
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inference questions require logical deduction from textual evidence. The author
acknowledges the traditional view's contributions while noting its limitations, suggesting it is
"largely accurate but incomplete." Option B reflects this nuanced position. Options A and C
represent extreme dismissal; D suggests irrelevance; E claims superiority not supported.
8. The passage most strongly supports which of the following conclusions about the research
methodology described?
• (A) It represents a significant departure from previous approaches
• (B) It suffers from inherent limitations that undermine its validity
• (C) It has been widely adopted by other researchers in the field
• (D) It was developed specifically for the study under discussion
• (E) It combines qualitative and quantitative elements effectively
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Conclusion questions require synthesizing information across the passage. If the
methodology is presented as novel or innovative relative to prior approaches, Option A is
— Test
Comprehensive Practice QuestionComprehensive
Set GRE
General Test Practice Examination: Verbal Reasoning,
Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment fo
Graduate School Admissions
Question Bank actual update
2025
/ 2026 graded A+
VERBAL REASONING — Reading Comprehension
1. The author's primary purpose in the passage is most likely to:
• (A) Criticize a prevailing scientific theory
• (B) Describe a phenomenon and evaluate competing explanations
• (C) Advocate for increased funding for a research area
• (D) Compare two historical periods in scientific development
• (E) Introduce a new methodology for data collection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose question tests the ability to identify the author's main intent.
Option B correctly captures the balanced presentation of a phenomenon with competing
explanations, which is the hallmark of objective scientific exposition. Options A, C, D, and E
represent narrower or misdirected purposes not supported by the passage structure.
,2. The passage suggests that the author would most likely agree with which of the following
statements?
• (A) The traditional interpretation remains entirely valid
• (B) The new evidence definitively disproves earlier conclusions
• (C) Further research is needed before drawing firm conclusions
• (D) The phenomenon is too complex for meaningful analysis
• (E) All competing theories are equally plausible
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Inference questions require reading between the lines. The passage's tentative
language and presentation of multiple viewpoints suggest the author favors continued
investigation. Option C reflects this scholarly caution. Options A and B represent extreme
positions; D is defeatist; E ignores the author's implicit preferences.
3. Which of the following best describes the function of the third paragraph in the passage?
• (A) It introduces a counterargument to the main thesis
• (B) It provides specific evidence supporting a general claim
• (C) It summarizes findings presented in earlier paragraphs
• (D) It poses a rhetorical question for the reader to consider
• (E) It transitions between two distinct subject areas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Function questions assess understanding of paragraph-level organization. The third
paragraph typically provides concrete examples or data that substantiate a broader assertion
made previously. Option B accurately describes this evidentiary function. Options A, C, D, and E
mischaracterize the paragraph's logical role.
4. The author's attitude toward the subject under discussion can best be described as:
• (A) Enthusiastic endorsement
• (B) Detached skepticism
, • (C) Objective scholarly inquiry
• (D) Dismissive contempt
• (E) Ambivalent uncertainty
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tone and attitude questions require sensitivity to word choice and rhetorical stance.
The author maintains neutral, academic language without emotional investment. Option C
captures this scholarly objectivity. Options A and D represent emotional extremes; B suggests
excessive doubt; E implies confusion not evidenced in the text.
5. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor contributing
to the observed trend?
• (A) Economic pressures
• (B) Technological innovation
• (C) Demographic shifts
• (D) Cultural attitudes
• (E) Political legislation
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Detail questions require careful reading to identify what is explicitly stated versus
what is absent. If the passage discusses economic, technological, demographic, and cultural
factors but makes no mention of political legislation, then E is correct. This tests attentive
reading and the ability to distinguish stated from unstated information.
6. The author's reference to "the prevailing orthodoxy" (line 24) serves primarily to:
• (A) Introduce a concept that will be challenged later
• (B) Establish the historical context of the debate
• (C) Dismiss alternative viewpoints without consideration
• (D) Provide a definition for a technical term
• (E) Contrast with a previously mentioned idea
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reference questions ask about the function of specific phrases. "Prevailing
orthodoxy" establishes the intellectual climate or historical context within which the discussion
occurs. Option B captures this contextual function. Option A misreads the rhetorical strategy; C
attributes dismissiveness not present; D confuses reference with definition; E misidentifies the
relationship to prior content.
7. It can be inferred from the passage that the author considers the traditional view to be:
• (A) Completely erroneous
• (B) Largely accurate but incomplete
• (C) Entirely unsupported by evidence
• (D) Irrelevant to contemporary understanding
• (E) Superior to all competing theories
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inference questions require logical deduction from textual evidence. The author
acknowledges the traditional view's contributions while noting its limitations, suggesting it is
"largely accurate but incomplete." Option B reflects this nuanced position. Options A and C
represent extreme dismissal; D suggests irrelevance; E claims superiority not supported.
8. The passage most strongly supports which of the following conclusions about the research
methodology described?
• (A) It represents a significant departure from previous approaches
• (B) It suffers from inherent limitations that undermine its validity
• (C) It has been widely adopted by other researchers in the field
• (D) It was developed specifically for the study under discussion
• (E) It combines qualitative and quantitative elements effectively
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Conclusion questions require synthesizing information across the passage. If the
methodology is presented as novel or innovative relative to prior approaches, Option A is
