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GRE GENERAL TEST PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS & COMPLETE RATIONALES
## SECTION 1: ANALYTICAL WRITING
### Analyze an Argument
**Directions:** The following appeared in a memorandum from
the owner of a small, local coffee shop:
> "We must reduce overhead here at the café. Instead of
opening at 6 a.m. weekdays, we will now open at 8 a.m. On
weekends, we will only be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The
decrease in hours of operations will help save money because
we won't be paying for utilities, employee wages, or other
operating costs during the hours we are closed. This is the best
strategy for us to save money and remain in business without
having to eliminate jobs."
**Write a response in which you discuss what questions would
need to be answered in order to assess the reasonableness of
both the prediction and the argument upon which it is based.
Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would
help to evaluate the prediction.**
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### Sample Essay Response — Score 5
The argument that reducing operating hours will save money
and keep the café in business without eliminating jobs depends
on several unstated assumptions that require further
examination.
First, the argument assumes that the current early morning and
late evening hours are unprofitable. However, the café may
serve a significant number of customers during these hours—
commuters seeking coffee before work or students studying
late. If the café loses these customers entirely, the lost revenue
could exceed the savings from reduced operating hours. The
owner should provide sales data broken down by hour to
determine whether these periods actually lose money.
Second, the argument assumes that employees' wages can be
reduced proportionally without eliminating jobs. But if the café's
staffing needs cannot be met with fewer hours, the owner may
be forced to cut positions. The claim about preserving jobs
requires clarification: will current employees receive fewer
hours (reducing their income) or will positions be eliminated?
Either outcome has consequences for employee morale and
retention.
Third, the argument does not consider whether customers will
simply shift their patronage to competitors during the closed
hours. If a nearby café opens earlier, those customers may
GRE GENERAL TEST PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS & COMPLETE RATIONALES
## SECTION 1: ANALYTICAL WRITING
### Analyze an Argument
**Directions:** The following appeared in a memorandum from
the owner of a small, local coffee shop:
> "We must reduce overhead here at the café. Instead of
opening at 6 a.m. weekdays, we will now open at 8 a.m. On
weekends, we will only be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The
decrease in hours of operations will help save money because
we won't be paying for utilities, employee wages, or other
operating costs during the hours we are closed. This is the best
strategy for us to save money and remain in business without
having to eliminate jobs."
**Write a response in which you discuss what questions would
need to be answered in order to assess the reasonableness of
both the prediction and the argument upon which it is based.
Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would
help to evaluate the prediction.**
, 2 | Page
### Sample Essay Response — Score 5
The argument that reducing operating hours will save money
and keep the café in business without eliminating jobs depends
on several unstated assumptions that require further
examination.
First, the argument assumes that the current early morning and
late evening hours are unprofitable. However, the café may
serve a significant number of customers during these hours—
commuters seeking coffee before work or students studying
late. If the café loses these customers entirely, the lost revenue
could exceed the savings from reduced operating hours. The
owner should provide sales data broken down by hour to
determine whether these periods actually lose money.
Second, the argument assumes that employees' wages can be
reduced proportionally without eliminating jobs. But if the café's
staffing needs cannot be met with fewer hours, the owner may
be forced to cut positions. The claim about preserving jobs
requires clarification: will current employees receive fewer
hours (reducing their income) or will positions be eliminated?
Either outcome has consequences for employee morale and
retention.
Third, the argument does not consider whether customers will
simply shift their patronage to competitors during the closed
hours. If a nearby café opens earlier, those customers may
