GRE Mock Quiz

~ Verbal Reasoning ~

Reading Comprehension

Passage: The invention of the telegraph in the 19th century brought about a significant transformation in the way information was transmitted across distances. Prior to this innovation, communication was limited by the speed of physical transportation methods such as horse-riding messengers or ships. The telegraph allowed for almost instantaneous transmission of messages, which had a profound impact on various sectors including business, journalism, and personal correspondence. However, the telegraph also faced initial resistance and skepticism from those who were accustomed to the slower, but more tangible, methods of communication.

Question 1: What was one of the primary impacts of the telegraph on communication?

• A) It slowed down the speed of communication.
• B) It allowed for almost instantaneous transmission of messages.
• C) It increased the reliability of physical transportation methods.
• D) It was primarily used for entertainment purposes.

Question 2: How did people initially react to the telegraph?

• A) They embraced it immediately.
• B) They ignored it.
• C) They resisted and were skeptical of it.
• D) They used it primarily for entertainment.

Text Completion

Question 3: Although the scientist was initially _______ about the new theory, further research convinced her of its _______.

• A) enthusiastic...implausibility
• B) skeptical...validity
• C) certain...error
• D) indifferent...importance

Sentence Equivalence

Question 4: The student's thesis was both thorough and _______; it addressed every possible counterargument.

• A) superficial
• B) meticulous
• C) careless
• D) exhaustive
• E) perfunctory
• F) comprehensive

~ Quantitative Reasoning ~

Question 5: If x+2=5x + 2 = 5x+2=5, what is the value of 3x3x3x?

• A) 1
• B) 3
• C) 6
• D) 9

Question 6: In a class of 30 students, 18 are taking math, and 15 are taking science. If 10 students are taking both subjects, how many students are taking neither subject?

• A) 2
• B) 7
• C) 10
• D) 12

Question 7: A rectangle has a length of 8 units and a width of 5 units. What is the perimeter of the rectangle?

• A) 13 units
• B) 26 units
• C) 30 units
• D) 40 units

~ Analytical Writing ~

Issue Task: Prompt: "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this statement. Support your position with reasons and examples.

Argument Task: Prompt: "A recent study claims that students who attend schools with a longer academic year score higher on standardized tests. Therefore, to improve test scores, schools should consider extending the academic year." Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. Consider the assumptions, evidence, and conclusions presented in the prompt.