Practice Test 4 Verbal - Educational Testing Service€¦ · Web viewTitle: Practice Test 4 Verbal Author: ETS Last modified by: Kristy Callaghan Created Date: 1/14/2013 7:02:00

GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATIONS®

Practice General Test #4

Section 3—Verbal ReasoningSection 4—Verbal Reasoning

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Instructions for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning SectionsNote: These instructions are the same for both the Verbal Reasoning (sections 3 and 4) and Quantitative Reasoning (sections 5 and 6) portions of this practice test. They are provided in both documents for your convenience.

Information for screen reader users:This document has been created to be accessible to individuals who use screen readers. You may wish to consult the manual or help system for your screen reader to learn how best to take advantage of the features implemented in this document. Please consult the separate document, "GRE Screen Reader Instructions.doc", for important details.

This practice test includes content that some users may wish to skip. For example, some questions require you to complete sentences or longer texts from among several choices. For those questions where it might be helpful to hear the available choices in context, text of the choices in context is included. However, some users may wish to skip this material. Similarly, some questions include detailed figure descriptions that some users may wish to skip because they can get the required information from the accompanying tactile or large print figures. In each case, material that may be skipped is delineated by statements like “Begin skippable content” and “End skippable content” each in the Heading 6 style.

As a reminder, standard timing for each section of the test is provided in the table below:


Section Order Section Name Standard Time

1 Analytical Writing: Analyze an Issue

30 minutes

2 Analytical Writing: Analyze an Argument

30 minutes

3 Verbal Reasoning 35 minutes4 Verbal Reasoning 35 minutes5 Quantitative Reasoning 40 minutes6 Quantitative Reasoning 40 minutes

The Quantitative sections include figures and their descriptions. In addition, separate figure supplements, in large print (18 points) and raised-line formats, are available. The large print figure supplement may be downloaded from www.gre.org. To obtain the raised-line figure supplement or if you have difficulty locating the large print figure supplement on the G R E® web site, contact E T S Disability Services Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New York time, 1-609-771-7780, 1-866-387-8602 (toll free for test takers in the United States, U.S. Territories, and Canada). E-mail: [email protected].

Important NotesIn the actual test, your scores for the multiple-choice sections will be determined by the number of questions you answer correctly. Nothing is subtracted from a score if you answer a question incorrectly. Therefore, to maximize your scores it is better for you to guess at an answer than not to respond at all. Work as rapidly as you can without losing accuracy. Do not spend too much time on questions that are too difficult for you. Go on to the other questions and come back to the difficult ones later.


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Some or all of the passages in this test have been adapted from published material to provide the examinee with significant problems for analysis and evaluation. To make the passages suitable for testing purposes, the style, content, or point of view of the original may have been altered. The ideas contained in the passages do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Graduate Record Examinations Board or Educational Testing Service.

You may use a calculator in the Quantitative Reasoning sections only. You will be provided with a basic calculator and cannot use any other calculator, except as an approved accommodation.

Marking Your AnswersIn the actual test, all answers must be entered in the test book (or in the supervisor’s copy of the test book if you are not using a print format test). If answers are being recorded in a large print test book, the directions for marking answers are slightly different because answers entered in large print test books are not machine-scored.

If your answers are being entered in a large print test book, make sure your marks are clear and unambiguous. Additional instructions for marking answers in large print test books are provided with the large print practice tests.

The following instructions describe how answers must be filled in if using a regular print test book, whether you are entering your own answers or a scribe is entering them at your direction.

Be sure that each mark is dark and completely fills the circle.

Any stray marks that lie in or near a circle must be erased carefully. If you change an answer, be sure that all previous marks are erased completely. Stray marks and incomplete erasures may be read as intended answers. You may work out your answers in the blank areas


of the test book, but do not work out answers near the circles. Scratch paper will not be provided, except as an approved accommodation.

Question FormatsThis practice test may include questions that would not be used in an actual test administered in an alternate format because they have been determined to be less suitable for presentation in such formats.

The questions in these sections have several different formats. A brief description of these formats and instructions for entering your answer choices are given below.

Multiple-Choice Questions—Select One Answer ChoiceThese standard multiple-choice questions require you to select just one answer choice from a list of options. You will receive credit only if you mark the single correct answer choice and no other.

Example:What city is the capital of France?A. RomeB. ParisC. LondonD. Cairo

In this example, B, Paris, should be marked.

Multiple-Choice Questions—Select One or More Answer ChoicesSome of these questions specify how many answer choices you must select; others require you to select all that apply. In either case, to receive credit all of the correct answer choices must be marked. In printed versions of the test, these questions are distinguished by the use of a square box to select an answer choice.


Example:Select all that apply.

Which of the following countries are in Africa?A. ChinaB. CongoC. FranceD. Kenya

In this example, B and D (Congo and Kenya) should be marked.

Column Format QuestionsThis question type presents the answer choices in groups (presented as columns in the printed version of the test). You must pick one answer choice from each group. You will receive credit only if you mark the correct answer choice in each group. In the following example, there is a sentence with two blanks, each indicating that something has been omitted. For each question of this type, first you will hear the text with the word “BLANK” in place of the omitted material. Next, you will hear the text again, but in place of each blank, you will hear three lettered options for filling that blank. The set of lettered options is formatted as bold and enclosed in parentheses. Each option consists of a word or phrase.

For questions containing one or two blanks, following the list of answer choices are up to nine readings of the text, one for each answer choice combination. The group of readings begins with a “Begin Skippable Content” level-6 heading and ends with an “End Skippable Content” level-6 heading. Each reading consists of the option letter or letters, the words or phrases being combined, and the text with the combination of the words or phrases inserted into the blanks.


For questions containing three blanks, the choices will not be read in context because it has been determined that replaying the question for all possible combinations of answer choices is not a useful way to present these questions.

Example:This question has two blanks.

Complete the following sentence.BLANK is the capital of BLANK.

Now listen to the text with the three options inserted in place of each blank.(A. Paris, B. Rome, C. Cairo) is the capital of (D. Canada, E. France, F. China).

Indicate your two answer choices and skip hearing the Answer Choices in Context or go on to hear them in context before indicating your answer choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

Begin skippable content.

Answer Choices in Context:A, D. Paris, Canada. Paris is the capital of Canada.A, E. Paris, France. Paris is the capital of France.A, F. Paris, China. Paris is the capital of China.B, D. Rome, Canada. Rome is the capital of Canada.B, E. Rome, France. Rome is the capital of France.B, F. Rome, China. Rome is the capital of China.C, D. Cairo, Canada. Cairo is the capital of Canada.C, E. Cairo, France. Cairo is the capital of France.C, F. Cairo, China. Cairo is the capital of China.

End skippable content.


Indicate your two answer choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

In this example, choice A, Paris (from the group A, B, C), and E, France (from the group D, E, F), should be indicated as the answer.

Numeric Entry QuestionsThese questions require a number to be entered by marking entries in a grid according to the following instructions.

1. Your answer may be an integer, a decimal, or a fraction, and it may be negative.

2. Equivalent forms of the correct answer, such as 2.5 and 2.50, are all correct. Although fractions do not need to be reduced to lowest terms, they may need to be reduced to fit in the grid.

3. Enter the exact answer unless the question asks you to round your answer.

4. If a question asks for a fraction, the grid will have a built-in division slash. Otherwise, the grid will have a decimal point.

The instructions for marking the entries will depend on whether a regular print or a large print test is being used to record your answers. If your answers are being entered into a regular print edition of the test, the following instructions apply:

5. Start your answer in any column, space permitting. Fill in no more than one entry in any column of the grid. Columns not needed should be left blank.

6. Write your answer in the boxes at the top of the grid and fill in the corresponding circles. You will receive credit only if your grid entries are clearly marked, regardless of the number written in the boxes at the top.


If your answers are being entered into a large print edition of the test, instead of filling in circles on the grid in steps 5 and 6, you will be asked to circle those entries.

The first multiple-choice section follows. In an actual test, testing time will resume when you begin the first multiple-choice section.


The Graduate Record Examinations® Practice General Test #4.

Section 3 - Verbal Reasoning

25 questionsDirections for questions 1 and 2:

Each of the following questions includes a short text with a blank, indicating that something has been omitted. Select the entry that best completes the text.

For each question, first you will hear the text with the word “BLANK” indicating that a word or phrase is omitted. There are five answer choices, each consisting of a word or phrase, for filling in the blank. Next, you will hear the five lettered options for filling in the blank. You may then indicate your answer, or go on to listen to the Answer Choices in Context.

Following the list of answer choices are five lettered readings of the text, one for each answer choice. The group of readings is separated from the main text using the “Begin skippable content” and “End skippable content” level-6 headings.


Question 1.

Although plant and animal species that become established in ecosystems where they did not originate are sometimes referred to by the alarming term “invasive species,” many such species are BLANK in their new environments.

A. innocuousB. conspicuousC. robustD. menacingE. distinctive

Indicate one answer choice or go on to hear the choices in context.


Answer Choices in Context:

A. innocuous. Although plant and animal species that become established in ecosystems where they did not originate are sometimes referred to by the alarming term “invasive species,” many such species are innocuous in their new environments.

B. conspicuous. Although plant and animal species that become established in ecosystems where they did not originate are sometimes referred to by the alarming term “invasive species,” many such species are conspicuous in their new environments.

C. robust. Although plant and animal species that become established in ecosystems where they did not originate are sometimes


referred to by the alarming term “invasive species,” many such species are robust in their new environments.

D. menacing. Although plant and animal species that become established in ecosystems where they did not originate are sometimes referred to by the alarming term “invasive species,” many such species are menacing in their new environments.

E. distinctive. Although plant and animal species that become established in ecosystems where they did not originate are sometimes referred to by the alarming term “invasive species,” many such species are distinctive in their new environments.

Indicate one answer choice.


Question 2.

Far from being BLANK the corporate world because of cutbacks, serious researchers are playing a growing role in innovation at many firms.

A. lured toB. enchanted withC. banished fromD. protected byE. immured in





A. lured to. Far from being lured to the corporate world because of cutbacks, serious researchers are playing a growing role in innovation at many firms.

B. enchanted with. Far from being enchanted with the corporate world because of cutbacks, serious researchers are playing a growing role in innovation at many firms.

C. banished from. Far from being banished from the corporate world because of cutbacks, serious researchers are playing a growing role in innovation at many firms.

D. protected by. Far from being protected by the corporate world because of cutbacks, serious researchers are playing a growing role in innovation at many firms.

E. immured in. Far from being immured in the corporate world because of cutbacks, serious researchers are playing a growing role in innovation at many firms.



Directions for questions 3 through 8:

Each of the following questions includes a short text with two or three blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. You will be asked to select one entry for each blank from the corresponding choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.


For each question, first you will hear the text with the word “BLANK” in place of the omitted material. Next, you will hear the text again, but in place of each blank, you will hear three lettered options for completing that blank. The set of lettered options is formatted as bold and enclosed by parentheses. Each option consists of a word or phrase.

For questions containing two blanks, following the list of answer choices are nine readings of the text, one for each answer choice combination. The group of readings begins with a “Begin Skippable Content” level-6 heading and ends with an “End Skippable Content” level-6 heading. Each reading consists of two option letters, the two words or phrases being combined, and the text with the combination of the words or phrases inserted into the blanks.


Question 3.

This question has two blanks.

The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly BLANK. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem BLANK.

Now listen to the text with the three options inserted in place of each blank.


The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly (A. distorted, B. objective, C. comprehensive). Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem (D. redundant, E. pithy, F. premature).

Indicate your two answer choices or go on to hear them in context. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.



A, D. distorted, redundant. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly distorted. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem redundant.

A, E. distorted, pithy. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly distorted. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem pithy.

A, F. distorted, premature. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly distorted. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem premature.

B, D. objective, redundant. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly objective. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem redundant.


B, E. objective, pithy. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly objective. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem pithy.

B, F. objective, premature. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly objective. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem premature.

C, D. comprehensive, redundant. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly comprehensive. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem redundant.

C, E. comprehensive, pithy. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly comprehensive. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem pithy.

C, F. comprehensive, premature. The brief survey, published under the title The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us, is surprisingly comprehensive. Indeed it makes several longer treatments of the effects of lost biodiversity seem premature.



Question 4.



The government has no choice but to BLANK the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would BLANK the overall goal of economic modernization.


The government has no choice but to (A. anticipate, B. heed, C. silence) the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would (D. delineate, E. condone, F. compromise) the overall goal of economic modernization.




A, D. anticipate, delineate. The government has no choice but to anticipate the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would delineate the overall goal of economic modernization.

A, E. anticipate, condone. The government has no choice but to anticipate the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would condone the overall goal of economic modernization.


A, F. anticipate, compromise. The government has no choice but to anticipate the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would compromise the overall goal of economic modernization.

B, D. heed, delineate. The government has no choice but to heed the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would delineate the overall goal of economic modernization.

B, E. heed, condone. The government has no choice but to heed the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would condone the overall goal of economic modernization.

B, F. heed, compromise. The government has no choice but to heed the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would compromise the overall goal of economic modernization.

C, D. silence, delineate. The government has no choice but to silence the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would delineate the overall goal of economic modernization.

C, E. silence, condone. The government has no choice but to silence the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would condone the overall goal of economic modernization.


C, F. silence, compromise. The government has no choice but to silence the incessant demands for land reform, and yet any governmental action that initiated land reform without requisite attention to agrarian reform would compromise the overall goal of economic modernization.



Question 5.


Certain music lovers yearn for BLANK, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is BLANK.


Certain music lovers yearn for (A. novelty, B. beauty, C. flawlessness), but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is (D. wrong, E. visionary, F. changed).

Indicate your two answer choices or go on to hear them in context.Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.




A, D. novelty, wrong. Certain music lovers yearn for novelty, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is wrong.

A, E. novelty, visionary. Certain music lovers yearn for novelty, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is visionary.

A, F. novelty, changed. Certain music lovers yearn for novelty, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is changed.

B, D. beauty, wrong. Certain music lovers yearn for beauty, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is wrong.

B, E. beauty, visionary. Certain music lovers yearn for beauty, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is visionary.

B, F. beauty, changed. Certain music lovers yearn for beauty, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is changed.

C, D. flawlessness, wrong. Certain music lovers yearn for flawlessness, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is wrong.

C, E. flawlessness, visionary. Certain music lovers yearn for flawlessness, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is visionary.


C, F. flawlessness, changed. Certain music lovers yearn for flawlessness, but when it is achieved, there is something missing; perhaps they feel uncomfortable in a world where nothing discernible is changed.



Question 6.

This question has three blanks.

Putting a cash value on the ecological services provided by nature—such as the water filtration “service” provided by a forested watershed—has, historically, been a BLANK process. Early attempts at such valuation resulted in impressive but BLANK figures that were seized on by environmental advocates and then, when these figures were later BLANK, they were used by opponents to tar the whole idea.


Putting a cash value on the ecological services provided by nature—such as the water filtration “service” provided by a forested watershed—has, historically, been a (A. dispassionate, B. problematic, C. straightforward) process. Early attempts at such valuation resulted in impressive but (D. redundant, E. unsound, F. understated) figures that were seized on by environmental advocates and then, when these figures were later (G. ignored, H. discredited, I. confirmed), they were used by opponents to tar the whole idea.


Indicate your three answer choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

Question 7.


Only with the discovery of an ozone hole over Antarctica in 1985 did chemical companies finally relinquish their opposition to a ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which destroy ozone. The discovery suggested that strong political action to halt production of CFCs might be BLANK, and fortunately, the chemical industry no longer felt compelled to oppose such action: although companies had recently BLANK their research into CFC substitutes, studies they had initiated years earlier had produced BLANK results.


Only with the discovery of an ozone hole over Antarctica in 1985 did chemical companies finally relinquish their opposition to a ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which destroy ozone. The discovery suggested that strong political action to halt production of CFCs might be (A. imminent, B. imprudent, C. premature), and fortunately, the chemical industry no longer felt compelled to oppose such action: although companies had recently (D. corroborated, E. publicized, F. curtailed) their research into CFC substitutes, studies they had initiated years earlier had produced (G. encouraging, H. inconclusive, I. unsurprising) results.



Question 8.


[Note: The word row (spelled R O W appears in the following question. In this instance, the word should rhyme with “cow.” Your screen reader may pronounce it differently. ]

The incipient BLANK regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the BLANK banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.


The incipient (A. row, B. accord, C. investigation) regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the (D. profitable dealing in, E. predicament regarding, F. festering dispute over) banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.




A, D. row, profitable dealing in. The incipient row regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the


profitable dealing in banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.

A, E. row, predicament regarding. The incipient row regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the predicament regarding banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.

A, F. row, festering dispute over. The incipient row regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the festering dispute over banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.

B, D. accord, profitable dealing in. The incipient accord regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the profitable dealing in banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.

B, E. accord, predicament regarding. The incipient accord regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the predicament regarding banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.

B, F. accord, festering dispute over. The incipient accord regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the festering dispute over banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.


C, D. investigation, profitable dealing in. The incipient investigation regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the profitable dealing in banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.

C, E. investigation, predicament regarding. The incipient investigation regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the predicament regarding banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.

C, F. investigation, festering dispute over. The incipient investigation regarding taxes could affect trade between the two countries much more than the festering dispute over banana imports, which has been going on for years. Unfortunately, the trade regulators seem to be ignoring both disagreements.



Questions 9 and 10 are based on the following passage.

Fossil bones of the huge herbivorous dinosaurs known as sauropods were first discovered and studied between 1840 and 1880, providing evidence for the gargantuan dimensions of the adults. The shape of sauropod teeth suggested what they ate. But aside from trackways, or series of fossilized footprints—which established that sauropods at least occasionally lived in herds—fossils incorporating direct evidence of other behavior, such as reproductive behavior, have been almost


nonexistent. Because no modern land animals even approach sauropod size, scientists have also lacked a living analogue to use as a guide to possible sauropod behavior. Until the recent discovery of fossilized sauropod nesting grounds, scientists were thus uncertain whether sauropods laid eggs or gave birth to live young.

Question 9.

This question has three answer choices, labeled A through C. Consider each of the three choices separately and select all that apply. The credited response may be one, two, or all three of the choices.

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage regarding the evidence provided by sauropod teeth?

A. The teeth allow inferences to be made about sauropod social behavior.B. The shape of the teeth indicates that sauropods were herbivorous.C. The teeth have no resemblance to those of any modern land animal.

Indicate your answer choice or choices.

Question 10.


Which of the following can be inferred from the passage regarding the recently discovered fossilized sauropod nesting grounds?


A. They are among the few fossils incorporating direct evidence of sauropod behavior.B. They confirm the evidence provided by trackways about sauropod behavior.C. They have forced a reevaluation of theories regarding the nature of sauropod herd behavior.


Directions for Questions 11 through 14.

Questions 11 through 14 are based on the following passage, which consists of two paragraphs. One or more questions based on this passage will ask you to characterize the function played by an indicated portion of the passage. The indicated portion will be identified by enclosing it in braces, and by formatting it in boldface and underlined. For example, in this sentence the phrase {indicated portion} is formatted as just described.

Passage for Questions 11 through 14.

Some researchers contend that sleep plays no role in the consolidation of declarative memory (i.e., memory involving factual information). These researchers note that people with impairments in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep continue to lead normal lives, and they argue that if sleep were crucial for memory, then these individuals would have apparent memory deficits. Yet the same researchers acknowledge that the cognitive capacities of these individuals have never been systematically examined, nor have they been the subject of studies of tasks on which performance reportedly depends on sleep. Even if such studies were done, they could only clarify our understanding of the role of REM sleep, not sleep in general.


These researchers also claim that improvements of memory overnight can be explained by the mere passage of time, rather than attributed to sleep. But recent studies of memory performance after sleep—including one demonstrating that sleep stabilizes declarative memories from future interference caused by mental activity during wakefulness—make this claim unsustainable. {Certainly there are memory-consolidation processes that occur across periods of wakefulness, some of which neither depend on nor are enhanced by sleep.} But when sleep is compared with wakefulness, and performance is better after sleep, then some benefit of sleep for memory must be acknowledged.

Question 11.

This question has five answer choices, labeled A through E. Select and indicate the best answer from among these choices.

The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. present the evidence that supports a particular claim regarding REM sleep and memoryB. describe how various factors contribute to the effect of sleep on memoryC. argue against a particular position regarding sleep’s role in memoryD. summarize the most prevalent theory regarding sleep and memoryE. defend the importance of the consolidation of declarative memory

Select and indicate one answer choice from among the choices provided.


Question 12.


According to the author of the passage, which of the following generalizations about memory and sleep is true?

A. There are some memory-consolidation processes that have nothing to do with sleep.B. Sleep is more important to the consolidation of declarative memory than to the consolidation of other types of memory.C. REM sleep is more important to memory consolidation than is non-REM sleep.D. There are significant variations in the amount of sleep that people require for the successful consolidation of memory.E. It is likely that memory is more thoroughly consolidated during wakefulness than during sleep.


Question 13.


Which of the following best describes the function of the indicated sentence in the context of the passage as a whole? The indicated portion is: Certainly there are memory-consolidation processes that occur across periods of wakefulness, some of which neither depend on nor are enhanced by sleep.


A. It provides the reasoning behind a claim about the role of sleep in memory consolidation.B. It explains why a previous claim about sleep and memory is unsustainable.C. It demonstrates why wakefulness is central to the process of declarative memory consolidation.D. It emphasizes the limited role sleep plays in the process of declarative memory consolidation.E. It concedes that the consolidation of declarative memory does not depend entirely on one factor.


Question 14.


The second sentence of the second paragraph refers to a study “demonstrating that sleep stabilizes declarative memories from future interference caused by mental activity during wakefulness.” The importance of the study is that it

A. reveals the mechanism by which declarative memory is stabilized during sleepB. identifies a specific function that sleep plays in the memory-consolidation processC. demonstrates that some kinds of mental activity can interfere with memory consolidationD. suggests that sleep and wakefulness are both important to memory consolidation


E. explains how the passage of time contributes to memory consolidation



Each of the following questions includes a sentence with a blank indicating that something has been omitted. Following the sentence you will hear a list of six words or phrases, each of which could be used to complete the sentence. Select the two answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.

Following the list of answer choices are six readings of the sentence, one for each answer choice. The group of readings is surrounded by “Begin skippable content” and “End skippable content” labels formatted as level-6 headings. Each reading will begin with the word or phrase that can be inserted into the blank, followed by a reading of the sentence with the word or phrase inserted into the blank.

Question 15.

In American Indian art, the supposed distinction between modern and traditional was fabricated by critics, and when artists have control over interpretation of their own work, the distinction appears, happily, to have been BLANK.

Now listen to the six answer choices, labeled A through F.


A. eliminatedB. reinforcedC. put to restD. intensifiedE. recognizedF. established

Indicate your two answer choices or go on to hear them in context.



A. eliminated. In American Indian art, the supposed distinction between modern and traditional was fabricated by critics, and when artists have control over interpretation of their own work, the distinction appears, happily, to have been eliminated.

B. reinforced. In American Indian art, the supposed distinction between modern and traditional was fabricated by critics, and when artists have control over interpretation of their own work, the distinction appears, happily, to have been reinforced.

C. put to rest. In American Indian art, the supposed distinction between modern and traditional was fabricated by critics, and when artists have control over interpretation of their own work, the distinction appears, happily, to have been put to rest.

D. intensified. In American Indian art, the supposed distinction between modern and traditional was fabricated by critics, and when artists have control over interpretation of their own work, the distinction appears, happily, to have been intensified.


E. recognized. In American Indian art, the supposed distinction between modern and traditional was fabricated by critics, and when artists have control over interpretation of their own work, the distinction appears, happily, to have been recognized.

F. established. In American Indian art, the supposed distinction between modern and traditional was fabricated by critics, and when artists have control over interpretation of their own work, the distinction appears, happily, to have been established.

Indicate your two answer choices.


Question 16.

Notwithstanding their BLANK regarding other issues, township residents have consistently passed the board of education’s annual budget.


A. accordB. indecisionC. consensusD. disagreementE. divergenceF. enthusiasm





A. accord. Notwithstanding their accord regarding other issues, township residents have consistently passed the board of education’s annual budget.

B. indecision. Notwithstanding their indecision regarding other issues, township residents have consistently passed the board of education’s annual budget.

C. consensus. Notwithstanding their consensus regarding other issues, township residents have consistently passed the board of education’s annual budget.

D. disagreement. Notwithstanding their disagreement regarding other issues, township residents have consistently passed the board of education’s annual budget.

E. divergence. Notwithstanding their divergence regarding other issues, township residents have consistently passed the board of education’s annual budget.

F. enthusiasm. Notwithstanding their enthusiasm regarding other issues, township residents have consistently passed the board of education’s annual budget.



Question 17.

Some of the company’s supporters charged that the negative report had been motivated by a broader political assault on the company that


was designed to help market rivals who would like to see the company BLANK.


A. reined in (Spelled: R E I N E D in)B. bolsteredC. indemnifiedD. propped upE. manacledF. lionized




A. reined in. Some of the company’s supporters charged that the negative report had been motivated by a broader political assault on the company that was designed to help market rivals who would like to see the company reined in.

B. bolstered. Some of the company’s supporters charged that the negative report had been motivated by a broader political assault on the company that was designed to help market rivals who would like to see the company bolstered.

C. indemnified. Some of the company’s supporters charged that the negative report had been motivated by a broader political assault on the company that was designed to help market rivals who would like to see the company indemnified.


D. propped up. Some of the company’s supporters charged that the negative report had been motivated by a broader political assault on the company that was designed to help market rivals who would like to see the company propped up.

E. manacled. Some of the company’s supporters charged that the negative report had been motivated by a broader political assault on the company that was designed to help market rivals who would like to see the company manacled.

F. lionized. Some of the company’s supporters charged that the negative report had been motivated by a broader political assault on the company that was designed to help market rivals who would like to see the company lionized.



Question 18.

Skeptics contend that any scheme for charging visitors to Web sites that rewards the vendor adequately would require steep prices, BLANK the kind of frequent, casual use of Web sites that surfers now take for granted.

Now listen to the six answer choices, labeled A through F.A. bridlingB. excitingC. forbiddingD. inhibitingE. provokingF. reversing





A. bridling. Skeptics contend that any scheme for charging visitors to Web sites that rewards the vendor adequately would require steep prices, bridling the kind of frequent, casual use of Web sites that surfers now take for granted.

B. exciting. Skeptics contend that any scheme for charging visitors to Web sites that rewards the vendor adequately would require steep prices, exciting the kind of frequent, casual use of Web sites that surfers now take for granted.

C. forbidding. Skeptics contend that any scheme for charging visitors to Web sites that rewards the vendor adequately would require steep prices, forbidding the kind of frequent, casual use of Web sites that surfers now take for granted.

D. inhibiting. Skeptics contend that any scheme for charging visitors to Web sites that rewards the vendor adequately would require steep prices, inhibiting the kind of frequent, casual use of Web sites that surfers now take for granted.

E. provoking. Skeptics contend that any scheme for charging visitors to Web sites that rewards the vendor adequately would require steep prices, provoking the kind of frequent, casual use of Web sites that surfers now take for granted.

F. reversing. Skeptics contend that any scheme for charging visitors to Web sites that rewards the vendor adequately would require steep


prices, reversing the kind of frequent, casual use of Web sites that surfers now take for granted.



Question 19.

It seems obvious that Miles Davis’ BLANK the Juilliard School, which resulted in his decision to drop out, was based on the school’s training of musicians for a kind of music that he did not want to play.

Now listen to the six answer choices, labeled A through F.A. disaffection withB. dislocation ofC. disentanglement fromD. subversion ofE. displacement ofF. estrangement from




A. disaffection with. It seems obvious that Miles Davis’ disaffection with the Juilliard School, which resulted in his decision to drop out, was based on the school’s training of musicians for a kind of music that he did not want to play.


B. dislocation of. It seems obvious that Miles Davis’ dislocation of the Juilliard School, which resulted in his decision to drop out, was based on the school’s training of musicians for a kind of music that he did not want to play.

C. disentanglement from. It seems obvious that Miles Davis’ disentanglement from the Juilliard School, which resulted in his decision to drop out, was based on the school’s training of musicians for a kind of music that he did not want to play.

D. subversion of. It seems obvious that Miles Davis’ subversion of the Juilliard School, which resulted in his decision to drop out, was based on the school’s training of musicians for a kind of music that he did not want to play.

E. displacement of. It seems obvious that Miles Davis’ displacement of the Juilliard School, which resulted in his decision to drop out, was based on the school’s training of musicians for a kind of music that he did not want to play.

F. estrangement from. It seems obvious that Miles Davis’ estrangement from the Juilliard School, which resulted in his decision to drop out, was based on the school’s training of musicians for a kind of music that he did not want to play.



Question 20 has five answer choices, labeled A through E, and is based on the following text.


Astronomers found a large body orbiting close to the star Upsilon Andromedae. The standard theory of planet formation holds that no planet that large could be formed so close to a star, leading to the suggestion that the body is a companion star. A subsequent discovery puts that suggestion in doubt: two other large bodies were found orbiting close to Upsilon Andromedae, and the standard theory of companion stars allows for at most one companion star.

Question 20.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the status of the orbiting body without casting doubt on the two standard theories mentioned?

A. The smaller a planet orbiting a star is, and the farther away it is from the star, the less likely it is to be discovered.B. If a planet’s orbit is disturbed, the planet can be drawn by gravity toward the star it is orbiting.C. The largest of the bodies orbiting Upsilon Andromedae is the farthest away from the star, and the smallest is the nearest.D. It is likely that there are many stars, in addition to Upsilon Andromedae and the Sun, that are orbited by more than one smaller body.E. In most cases of companion stars, the smaller companion is much fainter than the larger star.


Question 21 has five answer choices, labeled A through E, and is based on the following text.


In Gilavia, the number of reported workplace injuries has declined 16 percent in the last five years. However, perhaps part of the decline results from injuries going unreported: many employers have introduced safety-incentive programs, such as prize drawings for which only employees who have a perfect work-safety record are eligible. Since a workplace injury would disqualify an employee from such programs, some employees might be concealing injury, when it is feasible to do so.

Question 21.

Which of the following, if true in Gilavia, most strongly supports the proposed explanation?

A. In the last five years, there has been no decline in the number of workplace injuries leading to immediate admission to a hospital emergency room.B. Employers generally have to pay financial compensation to employees who suffer work-related injuries.C. Many injuries that happen on the job are injuries that would be impossible to conceal and yet would not be severe enough to require any change to either the employee’s work schedule or the employee’s job responsibilities.D. A continuing shift in employment patterns has led to a decline in the percentage of the workforce that is employed in the dangerous occupations in which workplace injuries are likely.E. Employers who have instituted safety-incentive programs do not in general have a lower proportion of reported workplace injuries among their employees than do employers without such programs.




The attribution of early-nineteenth-century English fiction is notoriously problematic. Fewer than half of new novels published in Britain between 1800 and 1829 had the author’s true name printed on the title page. Most of these titles have subsequently been attributed, either through the author’s own acknowledgment of a previously anonymous or pseudonymous work, or through bibliographical research. One important tool available to researchers is the list of earlier works “by the author” often found on title pages. But such lists are as likely to create new confusion as they are to solve old problems. Title pages were generally prepared last in the publication process, often without full authorial assent, and in the last-minute rush to press, mistakes were frequently made.

Question 22.


The phrase “notoriously problematic” occurs in the first sentence, which reads, “The attribution of early-nineteenth-century English fiction is notoriously problematic.” The passage suggests that which of the following factors contributes to the “notoriously problematic” nature of authorial attribution in early-nineteenth-century English fiction?

A. The unwillingness of any writers to acknowledge their authorship of works that were originally published anonymously or pseudonymously


B. The possibility that the title page of a work may attribute works written by other authors to the author of that workC. The possibility that the author’s name printed on a title page is fictitious


Question 23


The passage suggests that which of the following is frequently true of the title pages of early-nineteenth-century English novels?

A. The title page was prepared for printing in a hurried manner.B. Material on the title page was included without the author’s knowledge or approval.C. Information on the title page was deliberately falsified to make the novel more marketable.



The more definitions a given noun has, the more valuable is each one. Multiple definitions, each subtly different from all the others, convey multiple shades of meaning. They expand the uses of the word; language is enriched, thought is widened, and interpretations increase or dilate to fill the potentialities of association. The very impossibility of


absoluteness in the definition of certain nouns adds to the levels of connotation they may reach. The inner life of a writer often says more than most readers can know; the mind of a reader can discover truths that go beyond the intent or perhaps even the comprehension of the writer. And all of it finds expression because a word can mean many things.

Question 24.


The word “shades” appears in the second sentence of the passage, which reads, “Multiple definitions, each subtly different from all the others, convey multiple shades of meaning.” In the context in which it appears, “shades” most nearly means

A. remindersB. nuancesC. obscuritiesD. coveringsE. degree


Question 25.



The passage suggests that a writer’s use of nouns that have multiple definitions can have which of the following effects on the relationship between writer and reader?

A. It can encourage the reader to consider how the writer’s life might have influenced the work.B. It can cause the reader to become frustrated with the writer’s failure to distinguish between subtle shades of meaning.C. It can allow the reader to discern in a work certain meanings that the writer did not foresee.D. It allows the writer to provide the reader with clues beyond the word itself in order to avoid ambiguity.E. It allows the writer to present unfamiliar ideas to the reader more efficiently.


This is the end of Section 3 of The Graduate Record Examinations® Practice General Test #4. In an actual test, once you complete a section you may not return to it. The answer key for this section is in a separate document, titled “GRE Practice Test #4 Answers.doc”. Explanations for the questions in this section are in a separate document, titled “GRE Practice Test #4 Verbal Explanations.doc”


Section 4 - Verbal Reasoning

25 Questions


Each of the following questions includes a short text with a blank, indicating that something has been omitted. Select the entry that best completes the text.

For each question, first you will hear the text with the word “BLANK” indicating that a word or phrase is omitted. There are five answer choices, each consisting of a word or phrase, for filling in the blank. Next, you will hear the five lettered options for filling in the blank. You may then indicate your answer, or go on to listen to the Answer Choices in Context.

Following the list of answer choices are five lettered readings of the text, one for each answer choice. The group of readings is separated from the main text using the “Begin skippable content” and “End skippable content” level-6 headings.

Question 1.

The unexplained digressions into the finer points of quantum electrodynamics are so BLANK that even readers with a physics degree would be wise to keep a textbook handy to make sense of them.

A. uninteresting


B. controversialC. unsophisticatedD. frustratingE. humorless




A. uninteresting. The unexplained digressions into the finer points of quantum electrodynamics are so uninteresting that even readers with a physics degree would be wise to keep a textbook handy to make sense of them.

B. controversial. The unexplained digressions into the finer points of quantum electrodynamics are so controversial that even readers with a physics degree would be wise to keep a textbook handy to make sense of them.

C. unsophisticated. The unexplained digressions into the finer points of quantum electrodynamics are so unsophisticated that even readers with a physics degree would be wise to keep a textbook handy to make sense of them.

D. frustrating. The unexplained digressions into the finer points of quantum electrodynamics are so frustrating that even readers with a physics degree would be wise to keep a textbook handy to make sense of them.

E. humorless. The unexplained digressions into the finer points of quantum electrodynamics are so humorless that even readers with a


physics degree would be wise to keep a textbook handy to make sense of them.



Question 2.

The belief that politicians might become BLANK after their election to office led to the appointment of ethics officers at various levels of government.

A. scrupulousB. entrenchedC. venalD. puzzledE. artificial




A. scrupulous. The belief that politicians might become scrupulous after their election to office led to the appointment of ethics officers at various levels of government.

B. entrenched. The belief that politicians might become entrenched after their election to office led to the appointment of ethics officers at various levels of government.


C. venal. The belief that politicians might become venal after their election to office led to the appointment of ethics officers at various levels of government.

D. puzzled. The belief that politicians might become puzzled after their election to office led to the appointment of ethics officers at various levels of government.

E. artificial. The belief that politicians might become artificial after their election to office led to the appointment of ethics officers at various levels of government.



Question 3.

Even the charisma and technical prowess of two fine actors are not BLANK the task of fully invigorating a gray domestic drama with a tired tale to tell.

A. required forB. interested inC. preferred forD. adequate toE. inferior to





A. required for. Even the charisma and technical prowess of two fine actors are not required for the task of fully invigorating a gray domestic drama with a tired tale to tell.

B. interested in. Even the charisma and technical prowess of two fine actors are not interested in the task of fully invigorating a gray domestic drama with a tired tale to tell.

C. preferred for. Even the charisma and technical prowess of two fine actors are not preferred for the task of fully invigorating a gray domestic drama with a tired tale to tell.

D. adequate to. Even the charisma and technical prowess of two fine actors are not adequate to the task of fully invigorating a gray domestic drama with a tired tale to tell.

E. inferior to. Even the charisma and technical prowess of two fine actors are not inferior to the task of fully invigorating a gray domestic drama with a tired tale to tell.



Question 4.

There may be a threshold below which blood pressure reductions become BLANK given that a long-running study showed no decreased heart risk for drops in blood pressure below a certain point.

A. worthwhile


B. indiscernibleC. arduousD. significantE. superfluous




A. worthwhile. There may be a threshold below which blood pressure reductions become worthwhile given that a long-running study showed no decreased heart risk for drops in blood pressure below a certain point.

B. indiscernible. There may be a threshold below which blood pressure reductions become indiscernible given that a long-running study showed no decreased heart risk for drops in blood pressure below a certain point.

C. arduous. There may be a threshold below which blood pressure reductions become arduous given that a long-running study showed no decreased heart risk for drops in blood pressure below a certain point.

D. significant. There may be a threshold below which blood pressure reductions become significant given that a long-running study showed no decreased heart risk for drops in blood pressure below a certain point.

E. superfluous. There may be a threshold below which blood pressure reductions become superfluous given that a long-running study


showed no decreased heart risk for drops in blood pressure below a certain point.




Each of the following questions includes a short text with two or three blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. You will be asked to select one entry for each blank from the corresponding choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

For each question, first you will hear the text with the word “BLANK” in place of the omitted material. Next, you will hear the text again, but in place of each blank, you will hear three lettered options for completing that blank. The set of lettered options is formatted as bold and enclosed by parentheses. Each option consists of a word or phrase.

For questions containing two blanks, following the list of answer choices are nine readings of the text, one for each answer choice combination. The group of readings begins with a “Begin Skippable Content” level-6 heading and ends with an “End Skippable Content” level-6 heading. Each reading consists of two option letters, the two words or phrases being combined, and the text with the combination of the words or phrases inserted into the blanks.



Question 5.


Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to BLANK transactions designed to BLANK corporate malfeasance.


Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to (A. sham, B. unpremeditated, C. justifiable) transactions designed to (D. cloak, E. ameliorate, F. illuminate) corporate malfeasance.




A, D. sham, cloak. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to sham transactions designed to cloak corporate malfeasance.

A, E. sham, ameliorate. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to


pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to sham transactions designed to ameliorate corporate malfeasance.

A, F. sham, illuminate. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to sham transactions designed to illuminate corporate malfeasance.

B, D. unpremeditated, cloak. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to unpremeditated transactions designed to cloak corporate malfeasance.

B, E. unpremeditated, ameliorate. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to unpremeditated transactions designed to ameliorate corporate malfeasance.

B, F. unpremeditated, illuminate. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to unpremeditated transactions designed to illuminate corporate malfeasance.

C, D. justifiable, cloak. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to justifiable transactions designed to cloak corporate malfeasance.


C, E. justifiable, ameliorate. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to justifiable transactions designed to ameliorate corporate malfeasance.

C, F. justifiable, illuminate. Unlike the problems in recent financial scandals, issues raised by the regulators in this case appear largely to pertain to unwieldy accounting rules that are open to widely divergent interpretations—not to justifiable transactions designed to illuminate corporate malfeasance.




Question 6.


Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject BLANK, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, BLANK, day by day, according to their own customs.


Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject (A. latitude, B. habit, C. materialism), but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, (D. impetuously, E. ploddingly, F. sporadically), day by day, according to their own customs.




A, D. latitude, impetuously. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject latitude, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, impetuously, day by day, according to their own customs.

A, E. latitude, ploddingly. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject


latitude, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, ploddingly, day by day, according to their own customs.

A, F. latitude, sporadically. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject latitude, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, sporadically, day by day, according to their own customs.

B, D. habit, impetuously. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject habit, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, impetuously, day by day, according to their own customs.

B, E. habit, ploddingly. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject habit, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, ploddingly, day by day, according to their own customs.

B, F. habit, sporadically. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject habit, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, sporadically, day by day, according to their own customs.

C, D. materialism, impetuously. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject materialism, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, impetuously, day by day, according to their own customs.

C, E. materialism, ploddingly. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject materialism, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, ploddingly, day by day, according to their own customs.


C, F. materialism, sporadically. Everyone has routines that govern their work. The myth is that artists are somehow different, that they reject materialism, but of course that’s not true: most artists work as the rest of us do, sporadically, day by day, according to their own customs.



Question 7.


Repression of painful memories is sometimes called “willed forgetting.” Yet true forgetting is BLANK than the phenomenon of repressed memory. In spite of the effort that it BLANK, repressing unwanted memories is less BLANK than truly forgetting them, for repressed memories are prone to come back.


Repression of painful memories is sometimes called “willed forgetting.” Yet true forgetting is a (A. less controlled, B. different in its effect, C. far more common) than the phenomenon of repressed memory. In spite of the effort that it (D. eases, E. conveys, F. entails), repressing unwanted memories is less (G. permanent, H. arduous, I. immediate) than truly forgetting them, for repressed memories are prone to come back.



Question 8.


Rather than viewing the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s antinomian controversy as the inevitable BLANK of the intransigent opposing forces of radical and BLANK beliefs, male and female piety, BLANK and secular power, and the like, as other critics have, Winship argues that the crisis was not “fixed and structural.”


Rather than viewing the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s antinomian controversy as the inevitable (A. dissolution, B. melding, C. collision) of the intransigent opposing forces of radical and (D. revolutionary, E. orthodox, F. questionable) beliefs, male and female piety, (G. clerical, H. civil, I. cerebral) and secular power, and the like, as other critics have, Winship argues that the crisis was not “fixed and structural.”



Questions 9 through 12 are based on the following passage, which consists of four paragraphs.

Until recently, many anthropologists assumed that the environment of what is now the southwestern United States shaped the social history and culture of the region’s indigenous peoples. Building on this assumption, archaeologists asserted that adverse environmental conditions and droughts were responsible for the disappearances and migrations of southwestern populations from many sites they once inhabited.

However, such deterministic arguments fail to acknowledge that local environmental variability in the Southwest makes generalizing about that environment difficult. To examine the relationship between environmental variation and sociocultural change in the Western Pueblo region of central Arizona, which indigenous tribes have occupied continuously for at least 800 years, a research team recently reconstructed the climatic, vegetational, and erosional cycles of past centuries. The researchers found it impossible to provide a single, generally applicable characterization of environmental conditions for the region. Rather, they found that local areas experienced different patterns of rainfall, wind, and erosion, and that such conditions had prevailed in the Southwest for the last fourteen hundred years. Rainfall, for example, varied within and between local valley systems, so that even adjacent agricultural fields can produce significantly different yields.

The researchers characterized episodes of variation in southwestern environments by frequency: low frequency environmental processes occur in cycles longer than one human generation, which generally is considered to last about 25 years, and high frequency processes have shorter cycles. The researchers pointed out that low frequency


processes, such as fluctuations in stream flow and ground water levels, would not usually be apparent to human populations. In contrast, high frequency fluctuations such as seasonal temperature variations are observable and somewhat predictable, so that groups could have adapted their behaviors accordingly. When the researchers compared sequences of sociocultural change in the Western Pueblo region with episodes of low- and high-frequency environmental variation, however, they found no simple correlation between environmental process and sociocultural change or persistence.

Although early Pueblo peoples did protect themselves against environmental risk and uncertainty, they responded variously on different occasions to similar patterns of high-frequency climatic and environmental change. The researchers identified seven major adaptive responses, including increased mobility, relocation of permanent settlements, changes in subsistence foods, and reliance on trade with other groups. These findings suggest that groups’ adaptive choices depended on cultural and social as well as environmental factors and were flexible strategies rather than uncomplicated reactions to environmental change. Environmental conditions mattered, but they were rarely, if ever, sufficient to account for sociocultural persistence and change. Group size and composition, culture, contact with other groups, and individual choices and actions were—barring catastrophes such as floods or earthquakes—more significant for a population’s survival than were climate and environment.

Question 9.


The passage is primarily concerned with


A. explaining why certain research findings have created controversy B. pointing out the flaws in a research methodology and suggesting a different approachC. presenting evidence to challenge an explanation and offering an alternative explanationD. elucidating the means by which certain groups have adapted to their environmentE. defending a long-held interpretation by presenting new research findings


Question 10.


The second sentence of the passage refers to an assertion made by archaeologists “that adverse environmental conditions and droughts were responsible for the disappearances and migrations of southwestern populations from many sites they once inhabited.” Which of the following findings would most strongly support that assertion?

A. A population remained in a certain region at least a century after erosion wore away much of the topsoil that sustained grass for their grazing animals.B. The range of a certain group’s agricultural activity increased over a century of gradual decrease in annual rainfall.


C. As winters grew increasingly mild in a certain region, the nomadic residents of the region continued to move between their summer and winter encampments.D. An agricultural population began to trade for supplies of a grain instead of producing the grain in its own fields as it had in the past.E. A half century of drought and falling groundwater levels caused a certain population to abandon their settlements along a riverbank.


Question 11.


At the end of the second paragraph, the fact that “adjacent agricultural fields can produce significantly different yields” is offered as evidence of the

A. unpredictability of the climate and environment of the southwestern United StatesB. difficulty of producing a consistent food supply for a large population in the Western Pueblo regionC. lack of water and land suitable for cultivation in central ArizonaD. local climatic variation in the environment of the southwestern United StatesE. high-frequency environmental processes at work in the southwestern United States



Question 12.


It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following activities is NOT an example of a population responding to high-frequency environmental processes?

A. Developing watertight jars in which to collect and store water during the rainy season.B. Building multistory dwellings in low-lying areas to avoid the flash flooding that occurs each summer.C. Moving a village because groundwater levels have changed over the last generation.D. Trading with other groups for furs from which to make winter clothes.E. Moving one’s herds of grazing animals each year between summer and winter pastures.



Arctic sea ice comes in two varieties. Seasonal ice forms in winter and then melts in summer, while perennial ice persists year-round. To the untrained eye, all sea ice looks similar, but by licking it one can estimate how long a particular piece has been floating around. When


ice begins to form in seawater, it forces out salt, which has no place in the crystal structure. As the ice gets thicker, the rejected salt collects in tiny pockets of brine too highly concentrated to freeze. A piece of first-year ice will taste salty. Eventually, if the ice survives, these pockets of brine drain out through fine, veinlike channels, and the ice becomes fresher; multiyear ice can even be melted and drunk.

Question 13


The passage mentions which of the following as being a characteristic of seasonal ice?

A. It is similar in appearance to perennial ice.B. It is typically filled with fine, veinlike channels.C. It tastes saltier than perennial ice.



Question 14.


The word “fine” appears in the last sentence of the passage, which reads, “Eventually, if the ice survives, these pockets of brine drain out through fine, veinlike channels, and the ice becomes fresher; multiyear ice can even be melted and drunk.” In the context in which it appears, “fine” most nearly means

A. acceptableB. elegantC. preciseD. pureE. small


Directions for questions 15 through 18

Each of the following questions includes a sentence with a blank indicating that something has been omitted. Following the sentence you will hear a list of six words or phrases, each of which could be used to complete the sentence. Select the two answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.

Following the list of answer choices are six readings of the sentence, one for each answer choice. The group of readings is surrounded by


“Begin skippable content” and “End skippable content” labels formatted as level-6 headings. Each reading will begin with the word or phrase that can be inserted into the blank, followed by a reading of the sentence with the word or phrase inserted into the blank.

Question 15.

It would have been disingenuous of the candidate to appear BLANK when her opponent won the election, but she congratulated the victor nonetheless.


A. graciousB. ecstaticC. crestfallenD. indifferentE. euphoricF. disgruntled




A. gracious. It would have been disingenuous of the candidate to appear gracious when her opponent won the election, but she congratulated the victor nonetheless.

B. ecstatic. It would have been disingenuous of the candidate to appear ecstatic when her opponent won the election, but she congratulated the victor nonetheless.


C. crestfallen. It would have been disingenuous of the candidate to appear crestfallen when her opponent won the election, but she congratulated the victor nonetheless.

D. indifferent. It would have been disingenuous of the candidate to appear indifferent when her opponent won the election, but she congratulated the victor nonetheless.

E. euphoric. It would have been disingenuous of the candidate to appear euphoric when her opponent won the election, but she congratulated the victor nonetheless.

F. disgruntled. It would have been disingenuous of the candidate to appear disgruntled when her opponent won the election, but she congratulated the victor nonetheless.



Question 16.

As market forces penetrate firms and bid up the value of attributes of labor that are more measurable than is the knowledge born of experience, it can be expected that trends in wages will not BLANK those whose main value lies in such experiential knowledge.

Now listen to the six answer choices, labeled A through F.A. favorB. aidC. affectD. forsakeE. betray


F. differentiate




A. favor. As market forces penetrate firms and bid up the value of attributes of labor that are more measurable than is the knowledge born of experience, it can be expected that trends in wages will not favor those whose main value lies in such experiential knowledge.

B. aid. As market forces penetrate firms and bid up the value of attributes of labor that are more measurable than is the knowledge born of experience, it can be expected that trends in wages will not aid those whose main value lies in such experiential knowledge.

C. affect. As market forces penetrate firms and bid up the value of attributes of labor that are more measurable than is the knowledge born of experience, it can be expected that trends in wages will not affect those whose main value lies in such experiential knowledge.

D. forsake. As market forces penetrate firms and bid up the value of attributes of labor that are more measurable than is the knowledge born of experience, it can be expected that trends in wages will not forsake those whose main value lies in such experiential knowledge.

E. betray. As market forces penetrate firms and bid up the value of attributes of labor that are more measurable than is the knowledge born of experience, it can be expected that trends in wages will not betray those whose main value lies in such experiential knowledge.


F. differentiate. As market forces penetrate firms and bid up the value of attributes of labor that are more measurable than is the knowledge born of experience, it can be expected that trends in wages will not differentiate those whose main value lies in such experiential knowledge.



Question 17.

The point we might still take from the First World War is the old one that wars are always, as one historian aptly put it, BLANK: they produce unforeseeable results.


A. unsurprisingB. astoundingC. conventionalD. ruinousE. stunningF. devastating





A. unsurprising. The point we might still take from the First World War is the old one that wars are always, as one historian aptly put it, unsurprising: they produce unforeseeable results.

B. astounding. The point we might still take from the First World War is the old one that wars are always, as one historian aptly put it, astounding: they produce unforeseeable results.

C. conventional. The point we might still take from the First World War is the old one that wars are always, as one historian aptly put it, conventional: they produce unforeseeable results.

D. ruinous. The point we might still take from the First World War is the old one that wars are always, as one historian aptly put it, ruinous: they produce unforeseeable results.

E. stunning. The point we might still take from the First World War is the old one that wars are always, as one historian aptly put it, stunning: they produce unforeseeable results.

F. devastating. The point we might still take from the First World War is the old one that wars are always, as one historian aptly put it, devastating: they produce unforeseeable results.



Question 18.

This is the kind of movie—stuffed with intimations of faraway strife and people in suits talking frantically on cell phones and walkie-talkies—


that is conventionally described as a political thriller, but the film is as apolitical as it is BLANK.

Now listen to the six answer choices, labeled A through F.A. intenseB. unprecedentedC. subtleD. humdrumE. refinedF. dull




A. intense. This is the kind of movie—stuffed with intimations of faraway strife and people in suits talking frantically on cell phones and walkie-talkies—that is conventionally described as a political thriller, but the film is as apolitical as it is intense.

B. unprecedented. This is the kind of movie—stuffed with intimations of faraway strife and people in suits talking frantically on cell phones and walkie-talkies—that is conventionally described as a political thriller, but the film is as apolitical as it is unprecedented.

C. subtle. This is the kind of movie—stuffed with intimations of faraway strife and people in suits talking frantically on cell phones and walkie-talkies—that is conventionally described as a political thriller, but the film is as apolitical as it is subtle.


D. humdrum. This is the kind of movie—stuffed with intimations of faraway strife and people in suits talking frantically on cell phones and walkie-talkies—that is conventionally described as a political thriller, but the film is as apolitical as it is humdrum.

E. refined. This is the kind of movie—stuffed with intimations of faraway strife and people in suits talking frantically on cell phones and walkie-talkies—that is conventionally described as a political thriller, but the film is as apolitical as it is refined.

F. dull. This is the kind of movie—stuffed with intimations of faraway strife and people in suits talking frantically on cell phones and walkie-talkies—that is conventionally described as a political thriller, but the film is as apolitical as it is dull.





Historians credit repeated locust invasions in the nineteenth century with reshaping United States agriculture west of the Mississippi River. Admonished by government entomologists, farmers began to diversify. Wheat had come to nearly monopolize the region, but it was particularly vulnerable to the locusts. In 1873, just before the locusts’ most withering offensive, nearly two-thirds of Minnesota farmland was producing wheat; by the invasions’ last year, that fraction had dropped to less than one-sixth. Farmers learned that peas and beans were far less vulnerable to the insects, and corn was a more robust grain than wheat. In addition to planting alternative crops, many farmers turned to dairy and beef production. Although pastures were often damaged by the locusts, these lands were almost always left in better shape than the crops were.

Question 19


According to the passage, before the recommendations by the government entomologists, which of the following was true about farming west of the Mississippi River?

A. Farmers focused primarily on growing wheat.B. Peas and beans had not yet been planted in the region.


C. A relatively small portion of farmland was devoted to crops other than wheat.


Question 20.


The word “robust” appears in the fifth sentence of the passage, which reads, “Farmers learned that peas and beans were far less vulnerable to the insects, and corn was a more robust grain than wheat.” In the context in which it appears, “robust” most nearly means

A. crudeB. demandingC. productiveD. vigorousE. rich


Question 21 has five answer choices, labeled A through E, and is based on the following passage.

In 1998 the United States Department of Transportation received nearly 10,000 consumer complaints about airlines; in 1999 it received over 20,000. Moreover, the number of complaints per 100,000 passengers also more than doubled. In both years the vast majority of complaints concerned flight delays, cancellations, mishandled


baggage, and customer service. Clearly, therefore, despite the United States airline industry’s serious efforts to improve performance in these areas, passenger dissatisfaction with airline service increased significantly in 1999.

Question 21.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

A. Although the percentage of flights that arrived on time dropped slightly overall, from 77 percent in 1998 to 76 percent in 1999, some United States airlines’ 1999 on-time rate was actually better than their 1998 on-time rate.B. The number of passengers flying on United States airlines was significantly higher in 1999 than in 1998. C. Fewer bags per 1,000 passengers flying on United States airlines were lost or delayed in 1999 than in 1998.D. The appearance in 1999 of many new Internet sites that relay complaints directly to the Department of Transportation has made filing a complaint about airlines much easier for consumers than ever before.E. Although the number of consumer complaints increased for every major United States airline in 1999, for some airlines the extent of the increase was substantial, whereas for others it was extremely small.



Questions 22 through 24 are based on the following passage.

Nineteenth-century architect Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc contended that Paris’s Notre-Dame cathedral, built primarily in the late twelfth century, was supported from the very beginning by a system of flying buttresses—a series of exterior arches (flyers) and their supports (buttresses)—which permitted the construction of taller vaulted buildings with slimmer walls and interior supports than had been possible previously. Other commentators insist, however, that Notre-Dame did not have flying buttresses until the thirteenth or fourteenth century, when they were added to update the building aesthetically and correct its structural flaws. Although post-twelfth-century modifications and renovations complicate efforts to resolve this controversy—all pre-fifteenth-century flyers have been replaced, and the buttresses have been rebuilt and/or resurfaced—it is nevertheless possible to tell that both the nave and the choir, the church’s two major parts, have always had flying buttresses. It is clear, now that nineteenth-century paint and plaster have been removed, that the nave’s lower buttresses date from the twelfth century. Moreover, the choir’s lower flyers have chevron (zigzag) decoration. Chevron decoration, which was characteristic of the second half of the twelfth century and was out of favor by the fourteenth century, is entirely absent from modifications to the building that can be dated with confidence to the thirteenth century.

Question 22



The passage is primarily concerned with

A. tracing the development of a controversyB. discussing obstacles to resolving a controversyC. arguing in support of one side in a controversyD. analyzing the assumptions underlying the claims made in a controversyE. explaining why evidence relevant to a controversy has been overlooked


Question 23


The second sentence of the passage mentions the following claim by “other commentators”: “Notre-Dame did not have flying buttresses until the thirteenth or fourteenth century, when they were added to update the building aesthetically and correct its structural flaws.” That claim suggests that the "other commentators" believe which of the following about Notre-Dame?

A. It was the inspiration for many vaulted cathedrals built in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

B. Its design flaws were not apparent until flying buttresses were added in the thirteenth or fourteenth century.

C. Its flying buttresses are embellished with decoration characteristic of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

D. It had been modified in some respects before flying buttresses were added in the thirteenth or fourteenth century.


E. It was originally constructed in an architectural style that was considered outmoded by the thirteenth or fourteenth century.


Question 24.


The author’s argument concerning Notre-Dame’s flying buttresses depends on which of the following assumptions about the choir’s lower flyers?

A. They accurately reproduce the decoration on the choir’s original lower flyers.B. They have a type of decoration used exclusively for exterior surfaces.C. They were the models for the choir’s original upper flyers.D. They were the models for the nave’s original lower flyers.E. They were constructed after the nave’s flyers were constructed.



Question 25 has five answer choices, labeled A through E, and is based on the following passage.

The average temperature of the lobster-rich waters off the coast of Foerkland has been increasing for some years. In warmer water, lobsters grow faster. In particular, lobster larvae take less time to reach the size at which they are no longer vulnerable to predation by young cod, the chief threat to their survival. Consequently, the survival rate of lobster larvae must be going up, and the lobster population in Foerkland’s coastal waters is bound to increase.

Question 25.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

A. There are indications that in recent years the fishing fleet operating off the coast of Foerkland has been taking cod at an unsustainably high rate.

B. The increase in water temperatures off Foerkland has not been as pronounced as the increase in average soil temperatures in Foerkland.

C. Because of their speeded-up growth, lobsters now get large enough to be legal catch before they reach reproductive maturity.

D. Even though lobsters grow faster in warmer waters, warmer waters have no effect on the maximum size to which a lobster can eventually grow.

E. Cod are a cold-water species, and the increasing water temperatures have caused a northward shift in Foerkland’s cod population.



This is the end of Section 4 for The Graduate Record Examinations® Practice General Test #4. In an actual test, once you complete a section you may not return to it. The answer key for this section is in a separate document, titled “GRE Practice Test #4 Answers.doc”. Explanations for the questions in this section are in a separate document, titled “GRE Practice Test #4 Verbal Explanations.doc”


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Practice Test 4 Verbal - Educational Testing Service€¦ · Web viewTitle: Practice Test 4 Verbal Author: ETS Last modified by: Kristy Callaghan Created Date: 1/14/2013 7:02:00