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GMAT Verbal study materials
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GMAT Verbal practice questions

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Question 1Reading Comprehension

A passage states: 'The city council approved the new transit plan in March. By June, ridership on the express lines had risen 18 percent.' Which inference is best supported?

  1. The transit plan may have contributed to increased ridership. Correct answer.
  2. The express lines were unpopular before March.
  3. The council approved the plan without debate.
  4. Ridership rose because fares were lowered.

Explanation

The passage presents a sequence and a correlation, so the safest inference is a possible causal contribution, hedged with 'may have.' The text gives no data on prior popularity, debate, or fares, so those claims exceed the evidence.

Question 2Reading Comprehension

In a reading passage, the 'main idea' is best described as which of the following?

  1. The first sentence of each paragraph
  2. The central claim the passage develops and supports Correct answer.
  3. The author's tone toward the subject
  4. The most surprising detail in the passage

Explanation

The main idea is the central point the author develops, to which supporting details are subordinate. Details, topic sentences, and tone may support or color that point but are not equivalent to it.

Question 3Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'Critics who dismiss the reform as costly overlook the savings from reduced emergency visits.' The author's primary purpose in this sentence is to:

  1. describe the mechanics of emergency care
  2. challenge a criticism by introducing countervailing evidence Correct answer.
  3. summarize the critics' strongest argument
  4. concede that the reform is expensive

Explanation

The sentence sets up critics' objection and immediately counters it with an overlooked benefit, which is the author's aim. The author does not concede the point but disputes its completeness.

Question 4Reading Comprehension

A passage uses the word 'novel' in the sentence: 'The researchers proposed a novel method for filtering water.' In this context, 'novel' most nearly means:

  1. new Correct answer.
  2. expensive
  3. lengthy
  4. fictional

Explanation

Context determines meaning: a method being proposed by researchers is being described as new or original. The literary sense 'fictional' does not fit a scientific method.

Question 5Reading Comprehension

Which statement about the role of a passage's final sentence is most accurate as a general reading principle?

  1. It usually contains the passage's least important detail.
  2. It always introduces an entirely new topic.
  3. It typically restates the first sentence word for word.
  4. It often reinforces or qualifies the passage's central point. Correct answer.

Explanation

Concluding sentences commonly return to and sharpen or qualify the main point. Absolute claims about always introducing new topics or verbatim restatement misstate how conclusions function.

Question 6Reading Comprehension

A passage notes that a species of frog is 'nocturnal, emerging only after sunset to hunt insects.' Based on this, which is the most reasonable conclusion?

  1. The frog eats only plants.
  2. The frog is endangered.
  3. The frog lives exclusively in deserts.
  4. The frog is likely inactive during daylight hours. Correct answer.

Explanation

If the frog emerges only after sunset to hunt, it is reasonable to infer it is inactive during the day. Diet, habitat, and conservation status are not established by the sentence.

Question 7Reading Comprehension

When a passage presents two competing theories, the reader should primarily attend to:

  1. the evidence each theory uses and the author's stance toward them Correct answer.
  2. the number of paragraphs devoted to each theory
  3. the publication dates of the cited studies
  4. the length of the theorists' names

Explanation

Comprehension of a comparative passage depends on tracking each theory's support and where the author stands. Formatting, dates, and names are not the analytical focus.

Question 8Reading Comprehension

The phrase 'the results were robust' in a research passage most nearly means the results were:

  1. preliminary
  2. incomplete
  3. resistant to changes in assumptions Correct answer.
  4. controversial

Explanation

In research contexts, 'robust' means findings hold up under varied conditions or assumptions. It does not mean unfinished, disputed, or early-stage.

Question 9Reading Comprehension

A passage states: 'Although the bridge was completed on schedule, its cost exceeded projections by forty percent.' Which contrast does the sentence emphasize?

  1. Design versus construction
  2. Public versus private funding
  3. Timely completion versus budget overrun Correct answer.
  4. Safety versus speed

Explanation

The 'although' construction contrasts on-schedule completion with a cost overrun. No other dimension (safety, design, funding source) appears in the sentence.

Question 10Reading Comprehension

An author describes a policy as 'well-intentioned but poorly executed.' The author's attitude is best characterized as:

  1. entirely neutral
  2. enthusiastically supportive
  3. openly hostile to the policy's goals
  4. critical yet not wholly dismissive Correct answer.

Explanation

The author credits good intentions while faulting execution, a mixed, critical-but-fair stance. This is not full endorsement, pure neutrality, or hostility to the goals themselves.

Question 11Reading Comprehension

A passage presents three examples of a phenomenon before offering a general explanation. The examples most likely serve to:

  1. establish a pattern that the explanation then accounts for Correct answer.
  2. prove the explanation is false
  3. replace the need for any explanation
  4. introduce unrelated digressions

Explanation

Examples preceding an explanation typically build a pattern the explanation is meant to cover. They support rather than refute the explanation and are not digressions.

Question 12Reading Comprehension

A passage claims: 'Because the soil lacked nitrogen, crop yields fell.' Which assumption underlies this causal claim?

  1. All soils contain some nitrogen.
  2. Crop yields vary from year to year.
  3. Farmers tested the soil regularly.
  4. Nitrogen deficiency can limit crop growth. Correct answer.

Explanation

A causal claim linking nitrogen absence to lower yields assumes nitrogen availability affects growth. The other statements are neither stated nor required for the inference.

Question 13Reading Comprehension

In a passage, the word 'qualified' appears in: 'The researcher qualified her conclusion with a caveat.' Here 'qualified' means:

  1. passed an examination
  2. limited or moderated Correct answer.
  3. expressed enthusiastically
  4. earned a credential

Explanation

To qualify a conclusion with a caveat is to limit or moderate it. The credential and exam senses apply to people, not to conclusions.

Question 14Reading Comprehension

A passage contrasts two historians: one emphasizes economic causes of a war, the other emphasizes political ones. A question asks what the second historian would likely say about the first's account. The reader should:

  1. assume both historians fully agree
  2. rely on the first historian's conclusions
  3. infer the second historian's objection from the stated emphasis Correct answer.
  4. ignore the contrast as irrelevant

Explanation

When a passage sets up contrasting emphases, the reader can infer how each would critique the other's account. Assuming agreement or ignoring the contrast misreads the structure.

Question 15Reading Comprehension

The primary function of a transitional phrase such as 'however' in a passage is to:

  1. signal a shift or contrast in the argument Correct answer.
  2. introduce a direct quotation
  3. provide statistical evidence
  4. define a technical term

Explanation

'However' marks contrast, alerting the reader to a turn in the reasoning. It carries no evidential, definitional, or quotational function.

Question 16Reading Comprehension

A passage states: 'Few economists dispute that automation displaces some workers; the debate concerns whether new jobs replace them as quickly.' The author's point is that:

  1. automation has no effect on employment
  2. the debate is settled in favor of new jobs
  3. the disagreement centers on the pace of replacement, not displacement itself Correct answer.
  4. economists agree automation creates no displacement

Explanation

The sentence concedes broad agreement on displacement and locates the real dispute in the speed of replacement. It does not claim displacement is absent or the debate resolved.

Question 17Reading Comprehension

A author writes: 'The data, while suggestive, cannot bear the weight the authors place on them.' The author is:

  1. endorsing the study's conclusions
  2. describing the data collection methods
  3. questioning whether the evidence supports the conclusions Correct answer.
  4. praising the authors' caution

Explanation

Saying data 'cannot bear the weight' means the evidence is insufficient for the conclusions drawn. The author is skeptical, not endorsing, and is not describing methods or praising caution.

Question 18Reading Comprehension

A passage describes a scientist's hypothesis, then details experiments that failed to confirm it, then notes the scientist revised the theory. The passage's structure is best described as:

  1. comparison of two unrelated fields
  2. chronological biography with no argument
  3. definition followed by examples
  4. proposal, disconfirming evidence, and revision Correct answer.

Explanation

The sequence moves from hypothesis to failed tests to revision, a proposal-evidence-revision structure. It is not a neutral biography, a cross-field comparison, or a definition-example pattern.

Question 19Reading Comprehension

In context, the sentence 'The committee's report was measured in tone' suggests the report was:

  1. harshly critical
  2. quantified with metrics
  3. brief in length
  4. restrained and deliberate Correct answer.

Explanation

'Measured' describing tone means restrained and deliberate. It does not refer to measurement with numbers, brevity, or harsh criticism.

Question 20Reading Comprehension

A passage argues that a commonly held belief is mistaken and offers an alternative. Which question best tests the author's reasoning?

  1. Does the evidence offered actually undermine the common belief? Correct answer.
  2. How many people hold the common belief?
  3. How long is the passage?
  4. Is the author's writing style engaging?

Explanation

Evaluating an argument that overturns a belief requires checking whether the evidence genuinely undercuts that belief. Popularity, style, and length do not bear on the argument's validity.

Question 21Reading Comprehension

A passage reports that a drug reduced symptoms in 60 percent of participants but notes the study lacked a control group. A careful reader should conclude that:

  1. symptoms would have improved regardless
  2. the result is suggestive but cannot establish the drug's efficacy Correct answer.
  3. the drug is proven effective
  4. the study was fraudulent

Explanation

Without a control group, improvement cannot be confidently attributed to the drug, so the finding is suggestive but inconclusive. This is not proof of efficacy, evidence of fraud, or proof of spontaneous recovery.

Question 22Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'To call this policy a success is to confuse motion with progress.' The author implies that:

  1. the policy has produced measurable gains
  2. the policy should be expanded
  3. progress has been achieved without activity
  4. activity has occurred but genuine improvement has not been shown Correct answer.

Explanation

The idiom 'confusing motion with progress' means activity is being mistaken for real advancement. The author thus implies action occurred but improvement is unproven.

Question 23Reading Comprehension

A passage presents a historian's claim, then notes that the claim rests on a single archival source later shown to be a forgery. The passage's purpose in mentioning the forgery is most likely to:

  1. praise the historian's diligence
  2. introduce an unrelated anecdote
  3. undermine the evidential basis of the historian's claim Correct answer.
  4. confirm the historian's conclusion

Explanation

If the sole source is a forgery, the claim's foundation collapses, which is why the detail is included. It does not support the claim or the historian's care.

Question 24Reading Comprehension

A passage states: 'The correlation between the two variables, though statistically significant, was modest and observed in only one region.' A reader should infer that the finding:

  1. applies worldwide without qualification
  2. is statistically meaningless
  3. warrants caution before generalization Correct answer.
  4. definitively proves a causal law

Explanation

A modest, single-region correlation calls for caution about generalizing. It is not meaningless (it was significant) but also not proof of a universal causal law.

Question 25Reading Comprehension

An author concedes an opponent's point before advancing a rebuttal. This rhetorical move primarily serves to:

  1. strengthen credibility and sharpen the subsequent rebuttal Correct answer.
  2. avoid taking any position
  3. prove the opponent correct overall
  4. conceal the author's true view

Explanation

Conceding a valid point signals fair-mindedness and isolates the real disagreement, making the rebuttal more persuasive. It does not amount to neutrality, concealment, or overall agreement.

Question 26Reading Comprehension

A passage states that a study's findings were 'preliminary.' This most likely means the findings are:

  1. widely accepted by experts
  2. contradicted by later research
  3. derived from a large sample
  4. based on early or incomplete evidence Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'preliminary' describes something that comes before full development or final confirmation, so preliminary findings rest on early or incomplete evidence. It does not imply acceptance, sample size, or contradiction.

Question 27Reading Comprehension

In a passage, an author writes: 'The proposal, though innovative, is unlikely to gain broad support.' The author's attitude toward the proposal is best described as:

  1. hostile condemnation
  2. cautious skepticism Correct answer.
  3. complete indifference
  4. enthusiastic endorsement

Explanation

The author acknowledges innovation ('though innovative') but predicts failure to gain support, which signals cautious skepticism rather than endorsement or hostility. Indifference would not involve evaluating likelihood of support.

Question 28Reading Comprehension

A passage describes a city's new recycling program. It first lists the program's costs, then notes reductions in landfill waste, and finally concludes that the program has been worthwhile. The final conclusion primarily serves to:

  1. propose an alternative to the program
  2. evaluate the program in light of the evidence Correct answer.
  3. summarize evidence already presented
  4. introduce a counterargument to the cost data

Explanation

The conclusion weighs the costs and benefits to judge the program worthwhile; it is an evaluative judgment based on the preceding evidence. It does not introduce a counterargument or a new alternative.

Question 29Reading Comprehension

A passage reports that a new vaccine was tested on 1,000 volunteers and produced antibodies in 95 percent of them. Which question would best help evaluate the significance of this result?

  1. Were the volunteers representative of the general population? Correct answer.
  2. How many antibodies were produced on average?
  3. Did the volunteers know they were in a study?
  4. How much did the vaccine cost to develop?

Explanation

Whether the results generalize depends on how representative the sample is; a non-representative sample limits the significance of the 95 percent figure. Cost and awareness are less directly relevant to the meaning of the result.

Question 30Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'The report's conclusions are supported by a wealth of data.' The word 'wealth' in this context most nearly means:

  1. financial resources
  2. quality
  3. complexity
  4. abundance Correct answer.

Explanation

In this context 'wealth' means a large quantity or abundance of data, not monetary resources. The phrase 'a wealth of' is an idiom for plenty.

Question 31Reading Comprehension

A passage notes that a historian's account relies heavily on letters written by wealthy merchants. This detail is most relevant because it suggests the account may:

  1. be based on forged documents
  2. reflect the perspective of a limited group Correct answer.
  3. contain factual errors in dates
  4. overstate the importance of commerce

Explanation

Relying on letters from wealthy merchants means the account may reflect that group's perspective rather than a broader one. The detail points to a narrow source base, not necessarily factual errors or forgery.

Question 32Reading Comprehension

A passage states: 'The company's profits rose after it redesigned its packaging.' Which assumption would be needed to conclude that the redesign caused the profit rise?

  1. Profits had been falling before the redesign.
  2. The redesign was inexpensive to implement.
  3. Customers preferred the new packaging.
  4. No other major factor changed that could have affected profits. Correct answer.

Explanation

To infer causation from a sequence, one must assume no other relevant factors changed. Cost, customer preference, and prior profit trends are not necessary for the causal claim.

Question 33Reading Comprehension

In a passage, the word 'novel' appears in: 'The researchers proposed a novel explanation for the phenomenon.' Here 'novel' means:

  1. fictional
  2. lengthy
  3. new Correct answer.
  4. controversial

Explanation

In academic contexts, 'novel' means new or original, not fictional. The explanation is being presented as a new one.

Question 34Reading Comprehension

A passage describes two economic theories. Theory A predicts that minimum wage increases will reduce employment; Theory B predicts little effect. The passage then presents studies from various countries. The primary purpose of the studies is most likely to:

  1. argue that both theories are flawed
  2. show that minimum wages are unnecessary
  3. explain the historical origins of the theories
  4. provide evidence relevant to the competing predictions Correct answer.

Explanation

When a passage presents competing predictions, subsequent studies typically serve as evidence to test them. They are not primarily about origins, refuting both, or policy necessity.

Question 35Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'The committee's recommendation, while popular, rests on a questionable premise.' The author is:

  1. challenging the recommendation's foundation Correct answer.
  2. reporting the committee's view neutrally
  3. praising the committee's reasoning
  4. endorsing the recommendation because it is popular

Explanation

Saying the recommendation 'rests on a questionable premise' challenges its foundation, even while acknowledging popularity. It is not an endorsement, neutral report, or praise.

Question 36Reading Comprehension

A passage states: 'The correlation between ice cream sales and drowning rates is strong, but both are driven by summer weather.' This example is used to illustrate:

  1. the difference between correlation and causation Correct answer.
  2. the value of seasonal data
  3. the importance of large sample sizes
  4. the difficulty of measuring weather

Explanation

The example shows a strong correlation without a causal link, illustrating that correlation does not imply causation. The other options are not the point of the example.

Question 37Reading Comprehension

A passage describes a scientist who spent decades collecting data, then published a theory that contradicted prevailing views, and was initially dismissed. The passage's tone toward the scientist is best described as:

  1. sympathetic Correct answer.
  2. neutral
  3. mocking
  4. triumphant

Explanation

Describing decades of work and initial dismissal evokes sympathy for the scientist; the tone is not mocking, neutral, or triumphant. The passage highlights perseverance against resistance.

Question 38Reading Comprehension

A passage reports: 'The new drug reduced symptoms in 70 percent of patients, but the trial lacked a control group.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. The drug is ineffective.
  2. The trial's results should be ignored entirely.
  3. The drug's effectiveness cannot be established from this trial alone. Correct answer.
  4. The drug is effective for most patients.

Explanation

Without a control group, improvement cannot be confidently attributed to the drug; the result is suggestive but not conclusive. The passage does not support concluding effectiveness or ineffectiveness.

Question 39Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'The proposal is not without merit, but its costs outweigh its benefits.' The author's position is that the proposal is:

  1. worthy but impractical
  2. entirely without merit
  3. having some merit but ultimately not worthwhile Correct answer.
  4. beneficial despite its costs

Explanation

The author concedes some merit but concludes costs outweigh benefits, so the proposal is not worthwhile overall. The other options misstate the balance.

Question 40Reading Comprehension

A passage presents a theory, then notes that the theory fails to explain a key piece of evidence, and then offers a revised theory. The revised theory is most likely intended to:

  1. show that the evidence is irrelevant
  2. account for the evidence the original missed Correct answer.
  3. prove that no theory can succeed
  4. replace the original theory entirely

Explanation

A revision following a failure typically aims to accommodate the problematic evidence. It need not replace the original entirely or deny the evidence.

Question 41Reading Comprehension

A passage states: 'The novelist's later works are often described as more mature, but this label may simply reflect critics' familiarity with her earlier style.' The author is:

  1. questioning the basis of the critics' judgment Correct answer.
  2. analyzing the novelist's early style
  3. praising the later works
  4. endorsing the critics' view

Explanation

The author suggests the 'mature' label may reflect familiarity rather than genuine maturity, questioning the critics' basis. The author is not endorsing or praising.

Question 42Reading Comprehension

A passage describes a study in which participants who exercised regularly reported better mood than those who did not. The passage then notes that the study was observational. Which limitation is most relevant?

  1. The study's sample was too small.
  2. The mood reports were unreliable.
  3. The study cannot establish that exercise causes better mood. Correct answer.
  4. The exercise was not measured objectively.

Explanation

Observational studies can show associations but cannot establish causation because other factors may differ between groups. Sample size, reliability, and measurement are not mentioned as issues.

Question 43Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'To attribute the decline solely to regulation is to overlook the role of technological change.' The author's main point is that:

  1. the decline had multiple causes Correct answer.
  2. the decline cannot be explained
  3. technological change was the sole cause
  4. regulation played no role in the decline

Explanation

The author criticizes a single-cause explanation and points to another factor, implying multiple causes. The author does not deny regulation's role or claim technology alone caused it.

Question 44Reading Comprehension

A passage presents a historian's claim that a treaty prevented war, then notes that the treaty was signed after tensions had already eased. This note primarily serves to:

  1. introduce a new claim
  2. undermine the historian's claim Correct answer.
  3. support the historian's claim
  4. provide irrelevant background

Explanation

If tensions eased before the treaty, the treaty may not deserve credit for preventing war, which undermines the claim. The note is a challenge, not support or irrelevant detail.

Question 45Reading Comprehension

A passage states: 'The museum's collection is encyclopedic.' This most nearly means the collection is:

  1. organized alphabetically
  2. comprehensive in scope Correct answer.
  3. limited to rare items
  4. recently acquired

Explanation

'Encyclopedic' means covering a wide range of subjects, i.e., comprehensive. It does not refer to alphabetical order, rarity, or recency.

Question 46Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'The data are suggestive, but the authors' conclusion outpaces what the evidence can support.' The author's criticism is that the:

  1. evidence is fabricated
  2. conclusion is too strong for the evidence Correct answer.
  3. authors collected too much data
  4. data are irrelevant

Explanation

Saying the conclusion 'outpaces' the evidence means it claims more than the data can support. The author does not say the data are irrelevant, excessive, or fabricated.

Question 47Reading Comprehension

A passage describes a policy that reduced traffic accidents, but notes that the policy was introduced at the same time as a major campaign to improve road safety. To assess the policy's effect, a reader should:

  1. conclude the policy was ineffective
  2. assume the policy caused the reduction
  3. ignore the campaign as irrelevant
  4. consider whether the campaign also contributed to the reduction Correct answer.

Explanation

When two changes occur together, one must consider whether the other contributed, to avoid attributing the effect solely to the policy. Assuming causation or ignoring the campaign would be unjustified.

Question 48Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'The theory's elegance is precisely what should make us suspicious; nature is rarely so tidy.' The author is suggesting that:

  1. nature is fundamentally orderly
  2. a theory's simplicity may be a reason for caution Correct answer.
  3. the theory is definitely false
  4. elegance guarantees truth

Explanation

The author warns that elegance can be misleading because nature is complex, so simplicity should prompt caution. The author does not claim elegance guarantees truth or that the theory is false.

Question 49Reading Comprehension

A passage presents a study finding that students who eat breakfast earn higher grades. It then notes that the study controlled for family income and study habits. The controls primarily serve to:

  1. increase the sample size
  2. make the study observational
  3. rule out alternative explanations for the finding Correct answer.
  4. prove that breakfast causes higher grades

Explanation

Controls for income and study habits reduce the chance that those factors explain the grade difference, strengthening the case that breakfast is relevant. They do not increase sample size or prove causation by themselves.

Question 50Reading Comprehension

An author writes: 'The reform was a success in the narrow sense that it met its stated targets, but it failed to address the underlying problem.' The author's overall assessment is that the reform was:

  1. irrelevant to the problem
  2. successful in meeting targets but inadequate overall Correct answer.
  3. a complete success
  4. a complete failure

Explanation

The author distinguishes narrow success (meeting targets) from failure to solve the underlying problem, so the overall assessment is mixed: adequate on targets, inadequate overall. It is not a complete failure or success.