Section 3. Verbal Reasoning
- C Since literary analysis lacks evidence, its interpretations are most likely
ambiguous. - A and E If novice readers overlook the darker social commentary, then they
misunderstand the point of satire. Since this “social commentary” is part of the
satire but is overlooked, it must be implicit. - A, F, and I The easiest word to begin with is the second blank. The writing is
“illuminating” for the adventurous reader. Of the words in blank 2, the word
closest in meaning to “illuminating” is edifying. Now, look at blank 1. If these
detours “frustrate” some readers, then they are exasperating. Now, look at
blank 3. The frustrated readers do not like detours, and are used to “direct”
argumentation. Of the choices, the word closest in meaning to “direct” is
unequivocal. - B, D, and H Start with the second blank, which is the opposite of “platitudes.”
The best choice is forthrightness. Now, move on to the first blank. If the
politician prioritizes forthrightness, then her actions question the belief that
politicians forgo “honesty.” The closest choice is candor. Now, look at the third
blank. The phrase “even if ” indicates that her actions might have a negative
effect. They might alienate her supporters. - A The trait that served him well in his prior job was his “work ethic,” Of the
choices, the word closest in meaning to “work ethic” is industriousness. - B and E The word in the first blank is a more extreme form of “self-
assurance.” The best choice is hubris. The word in the second blank serves the
purpose of indicating that his self-confidence is justified by his skills. The best
choice is commensurate with. - C To undermine the conclusion, we want to show that 10 percent increase in
the savings of citizens aged 50–65 does not indicate that the savings rate of
these citizens went up. If choice C is true, then the ratio of savings/person went
down during the time period. - A The passage’s primary purpose is to explain the benefits of volunteering.
- C The passage states that volunteering is especially helpful for elderly people.
One reason is that it provides “a sense of purpose at a time when their social
roles are changing.” The choice that most closely meets these conditions is C. - C The author states that “the youngest Baby Boomers will not reach age 65
until 2029” in order to support the point that the number of volunteers “can be
expected to rise for many years to come.” - E All of the choices are mentioned as potential benefits of volunteering except
for “increased financial success.” - A and D Since the artwork couldn’t be identified, it was probably impossible
to determine where it came from. The words that best fit the blank are origin
and provenance. - A and D The word in the blank is a factor in dieting that contrasts with
genetic factors. A good prediction is “willpower.” Of the choices, the words
closest in meaning to “willpower” are restraint and self-control. - A and E The word in the blank should match the meaning of “selflessness.”
The best choices are altruism and beneficence.
CHAPTER 16 ■ PRACTICE TEST 2 56505-GRE-Test-2018_463-582.indd 565 12/05/17 12:14 pm