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Only one out of five test-takers (nearly) achieve a GMAT score of 700+, and the Verbal Reasoning section is a big reason for this. The GMAT verbal is undoubtedly the trickiest part of the exam, especially for non-native English speakers. But what helps those 20% test-takers cross the 700 mark is practice! In this blog, we bring 10 toughest GMAT Reading Comprehension sample questions with solutions.

In this blog

  1. What is on the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section?
  2. What is on the GMAT Reading Comprehension section?
  3. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 1
  4. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 2
  5. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 3
  6. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 4
  7. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 5
  8. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 6
  9. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 7
  10. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 8
  11. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 9
  12. GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 10

Before we dive deeper into the GMAT Reading Comprehension questions, let’s run through the composition of the GMAT verbal section.

What is on the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section?

The verbal reasoning section of the GMAT exam consists of a total of 36 multiple-choice questions to be done in 65 minutes. The questions are of the following three types:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Sentence Correction
  • Critical Reasoning

The score range on the GMAT verbal reasoning section is from 6 to 51 with 6 being the lowest score and 51 the highest.

What is on the GMAT Reading Comprehension section?

The Reading Comprehension of the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section usually consists of 4 unseen passages followed by 3-4 questions each. Let’s dive into some GMAT Reading Comprehension practice questions.

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GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 1:

Historians often refer to the period between the late 1800s and the early 1900s as the “Age of Imperialism.” During this time, powerful European nations expanded their empires by taking control of other countries and territories. This expansion was fueled by a desire for resources and power, as well as a belief in the superiority of European culture.

Which of the following statements best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

  1. A) The “Age of Imperialism” was a time of expansion and conquest for powerful European nations.
  2. B) The expansion of European empires during the late 1800s and early 1900s was driven by a desire for resources, power, and a belief in the superiority of European culture.
  3. C) Historians refer to the period between the late 1800s and the early 1900s as the “Age of Imperialism.”
  4. D) European nations believed that their culture was superior to that of the countries and territories they conquered.

Solution: The correct answer is B. While all of the statements in the passage are true, only answer choice B fully summarizes the main idea of the passage by including all of the key points.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 2:

In the early days of the internet, many people believed that it would be a democratizing force that would level the playing field and give voice to the underrepresented. However, over time, it has become clear that the internet has its own power structures and hierarchies, and that not everyone has equal access to the benefits it offers.

Which of the following is the best example of a “power structure” in the context of the passage?

  1. A) The fact that large companies have more resources to invest in internet infrastructure than small companies.
  2. B) The fact that some people have more followers on social media than others.
  3. C) The fact that some websites rank higher in search engine results than others.
  4. D) The fact that some countries have stricter internet censorship laws than others.

Solution: The correct answer is C. A “power structure” in this context refers to a hierarchy that determines who has access to the benefits of the internet. Answer choice C is the best example of this because it demonstrates that some websites have greater visibility and are more likely to be accessed by users than others, which gives them a significant advantage.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 3:

In the mid-20th century, the feminist movement gained significant traction in the United States. Feminists pushed for greater equality between men and women in all aspects of life, including the workplace. One of the most significant successes of the movement was the passage of Title IX, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs that receive federal funding.

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

  1. A) Feminists were only concerned with achieving equality in the workplace.
  2. B) Title IX was the only success of the feminist movement.
  3. C) The feminist movement gained traction in the mid-20th century.
  4. D) Title IX applies only to education programs that receive federal funding.

Solution: The correct answer is C. While the passage does mention the feminist movement’s focus on achieving equality in the workplace and the passage of Title IX, only answer choice C is a true inference that can be drawn from the information provided.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 4:

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable fashion, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. This movement includes a focus on using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting ethical labor practices.

Which of the following is an assumption underlying the movement for sustainable fashion?

  1. A) Consumers are willing to pay higher prices for sustainably produced clothing.
  2. B) All materials currently used in the fashion industry have a negative impact on the environment.
  3. C) It is possible to create high-quality, stylish clothing using only eco-friendly materials.
  4. D) Labor practices in the fashion industry are currently unethical.

Solution: The correct answer is A. The assumption underlying the movement for sustainable fashion is that there is a demand for sustainably produced clothing, and that consumers are willing to pay a premium for it. While the other answer choices may be true to some extent, they are not necessary assumptions for the movement to exist.

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GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 5:

The music of the Romantic era, which flourished in the 19th century, was characterized by a focus on emotion, imagination, and individualism. Composers of this period often used unconventional structures and harmonies, and incorporated elements of folk music and other non-classical forms.

Which of the following is an example of a musical technique used by Romantic-era composers?

  1. A) Writing music that follows strict rules of form and structure.
  2. B) Using simple harmonies and melodies that are easy to follow.
  3. C) Incorporating folk music and other non-classical forms into their compositions.
  4. D) Focusing on mathematical precision and complexity in their music.

Solution: The correct answer is C. The passage states that Romantic-era composers often incorporated elements of folk music and other non-classical forms into their compositions. Answer choices A, B, and D are all the opposite of what is described in the passage and can be ruled out.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 6:

The Renaissance, a period of great cultural and intellectual awakening that occurred in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century, is often considered a turning point in Western history. It saw a resurgence of interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy, as well as the development of new forms of artistic expression.

Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

  1. A) The Renaissance was a period of cultural and intellectual awakening that occurred in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century.
  2. B) The Renaissance saw a resurgence of interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy, as well as the development of new forms of artistic expression.
  3. C) The Renaissance is often considered a turning point in Western history.
  4. D) All of the above.

Solution: The correct answer is D. All of the statements in the passage are true and together they best summarize the main idea of the passage.

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GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 7:

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. Its effects are widespread and far-reaching, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and the displacement of millions of people.

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

  1. A) Climate change will have no significant impact on the world.
  2. B) Climate change will only affect coastal regions.
  3. C) Climate change is a global problem that affects many aspects of life.
  4. D) Climate change is a problem that only affects developed countries.

Solution: The correct answer is C. The passage states that climate change is a widespread and far-reaching problem that includes rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and the displacement of millions of people. Answer choice C is the only inference that can be drawn from the information provided.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 8:

The 1960s were a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. The civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, and the women’s liberation movement all gained momentum during this decade, challenging the status quo and paving the way for social change.

Which of the following is an example of a social or political movement that gained momentum in the 1960s?

  1. A) The Tea Party movement
  2. B) The Occupy Wall Street movement
  3. C) The civil rights movement
  4. D) The pro-life movement

Solution: The correct answer is C. The passage specifically mentions the civil rights movement as one of the social and political movements that gained momentum in the 1960s. Answer choices A, B, and D are all incorrect.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 9:

Many people believe that it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of different foods. This can help ensure that the body receives all of the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Which of the following is the best definition of a “balanced diet” in the context of the passage?

  1. A) A diet that includes a wide variety of different foods.
  2. B) A diet that is high in fat and sugar.
  3. C) A diet that includes only raw fruits and vegetables.
  4. D) A diet that excludes all animal products.

Solution: The correct answer is A. The passage states that a balanced diet includes a variety of different foods, which implies that no single food group or type of food should be emphasized over others. Answer choices B, C, and D are all incorrect.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Question 10:

The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information. It has made it possible for people around the world to connect with each other instantly and has given us access to an unprecedented amount of knowledge.

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

  1. A) The Internet has had no impact on the way we communicate and access information.
  2. B) The Internet has made it more difficult for people to connect with each other.
  3. C) The Internet has made it possible for people around the world to access an unprecedented amount of knowledge.
  4. D) The Internet is a fad that will soon be replaced by newer technology.

Solution: The correct answer is C. The passage explicitly states that the Internet has given us access to an unprecedented amount of knowledge, and this is the only inference that can be drawn from the information provided. Answer choices A, B, and D are all incorrect.

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