Trickiest GRE Verbal Practice Questions With Answers [Part – II]

This is part two in the series of the trickiest GRE Verbal Questions, where we prepare you to ace the section with quality questions and detailed explanations. Of course, after part one of this series, we are taking the difficulty up a notch for the GRE topics that frequently make you cry! The goal is to build your exam-time stamina and aptitude for GRE Verbal. And with this blog, we are tackling some of the trickiest topics of the section with moderate to a high level of difficulty. So let’s dive in!IN THIS BLOG:

1. GRE Verbal Practice Questions On Sentence Equivalence
2. GRE Verbal Practice Questions On Modifiers & Parallelism
3. GRE Verbal Practice Questions On Subject-Verb Agreement

GRE Verbal Practice Questions On Sentence Equivalence

Here are 8 GRE verbal practice questions on sentence equivalence with a higher difficulty level:

1. The director’s latest film was a ___________ work of art, with complex themes and symbolism that left many viewers scratching their heads.

1. confounding
2. straightforward
3. lucid
4. unambiguous
5. clear-cut

Solution: A

Explanation: The use of the word “confounding” suggests that the film was difficult to understand and left many viewers puzzled. The other answer choices suggest the opposite and would not be appropriate.

2. The CEO’s ___________ decision to cut costs by outsourcing jobs to foreign countries resulted in a public relations nightmare for the company.

1. prudent
2. savvy
3. wise
4. injudicious
5. astute

Solution: D

Explanation: The use of the word “injudicious” suggests that the decision was unwise and had negative consequences. The other answer choices suggest the opposite and would not be appropriate.

Suggested Read: 5 common mistakes that Indian students make in GMAT Sentence Correction

3. The candidate’s ___________ campaign promises were met with skepticism by many voters, who had heard similar promises from politicians in the past.

1. audacious
2. ambitious
3. grandiose
4. modest
5. humble

Solution: C

Explanation: The use of the word “grandiose” suggests that the promises were exaggerated and unrealistic. The other answer choices suggest the opposite and would not be appropriate.

4. The professor’s lectures were ___________, with students often struggling to keep up with her rapid pace and advanced vocabulary.

1. accessible
2. unintelligible
3. straightforward
4. clear
5. simple

Solution: B

Explanation: The use of the word “unintelligible” suggests that the lectures were difficult to understand. The other answer choices suggest the opposite and would not be appropriate.

5. The artist’s latest work was a ___________ masterpiece, with critics raving about its depth and complexity.

1. mediocre
2. pedestrian
3. banal
4. sublime
5. ordinary

Solution: D

Explanation: The use of the word “sublime” suggests that the work was exceptional and of the highest quality. The other answer choices suggest the opposite and would not be appropriate.

6. The company’s decision to ___________ its employees was met with anger and frustration by the workers, who felt that their hard work and dedication had been undervalued.

1. reward
2. promote
3. restructure
4. downsize
5. expand

Solution: D

Explanation: The use of the word “downsize” suggests that the company reduced its workforce, which would be met with negative emotions from employees. The other answer choices suggest the opposite and would not be appropriate.

7. The author’s latest novel was a ___________ success, with both critics and readers praising its beautiful prose and intricate plot.

1. moderate
2. lacklustre
3. mediocre
4. resounding
5. unimpressive

Solution: D

Explanation: The use of the word “resounding” suggests that the success was significant and impressive. The other answer choices suggest the opposite and would not be appropriate.

8. The government’s ___________ policies have been criticized for their lack of transparency and accountability.
9. democratic
10. autocratic
11. authoritarian
12. oligarchic
13. plutocratic

Solution: C

Explanation: The use of the word “authoritarian” suggests that the policies are characterized by a lack of freedom and accountability. The other answer choices suggest the opposite and would not be appropriate.

GRE Verbal Practice Questions On Modifiers & Parallelism

Here are 8 GRE verbal practice questions on modifiers & parallelism with a higher difficulty level:

Question 1: Which sentence has the correct modifier placement and parallel structure?

1. The student’s work ethic was outstanding, frequently staying up late and studying for hours on end.
2.  The student’s work ethic was outstanding, staying up late frequently and studying for hours on end.
3.  The student’s work ethic was outstanding, frequently staying up late, and studying for hours on end.

Solution: Option A is incorrect because “frequently” should be placed next to the verb it modifies, “studying.” Option B is correct because it places the modifier “frequently” next to the verb it modifies, “staying up late,” and maintains parallel structure. Option C is incorrect because the parallelism is broken with the use of a comma after “late.” The correct answer is B.

Question 2: Which sentence has the correct parallel structure?

1.  The new employee is great at managing projects, delegating responsibilities, and working with team members.
2.  The new employee is great at managing projects, delegating responsibilities, and with team members, working.
3.  The new employee is great at managing projects, delegating responsibilities, and working with members of the team.

Solution: Option A is correct because all three items in the list are in the same form (verb + object). Option B is incorrect because the prepositional phrase “with team members” breaks the parallelism. Option C is incorrect because the last item in the list is phrased differently (“members of the team” instead of “team members”). The correct answer is A.

Question 3: Which sentence has the correct modifier placement?

1.  The cat slept in the sun, its soft fur glistening.
2.  The cat slept in the sun, glistening with its soft fur.
3.  The cat, with its soft fur glistening, slept in the sun.

Solution: Option A is incorrect because the modifier “its soft fur glistening” seems to be modifying “the sun” instead of “the cat.” Option B is incorrect because it places the modifier “glistening with its soft fur” next to “sun” instead of “cat.” Option C is correct because it places the modifier “with its soft fur glistening” next to “the cat” and clearly shows that the modifier is describing the cat’s appearance. The correct answer is C.

Question 4: Which sentence has correct modifier placement?

1.  Driving down the highway, the car’s engine suddenly failed.
2.  While driving down the highway, the car’s engine suddenly failed.
3.  The car’s engine suddenly failed, driving down the highway.

Solution:

Option A is incorrect because it places the modifier “driving down the highway” next to the wrong noun (“the car’s engine” instead of “the driver”). Option B is correct because it places the modifier “while driving down the highway” next to “the driver” and clearly shows that the modifier is describing the circumstances under which the engine failed. Option C is incorrect because it places the modifier at the end of the sentence, which can create ambiguity about what it is modifying. The correct answer is B.

Question 5: Which sentence has correct parallel structure?

1.  The company’s new product was designed to be user-friendly, affordable, and it had a sleek design.
2.  The company’s new product was designed to be user-friendly, affordable, and sleek.
3.  The company’s new product was designed to be user-friendly, affordable, and it had a sleek and modern design.

Solution:

Option A is incorrect because it breaks parallelism by using a separate clause (“it had a sleek design”) instead of a simple adjective. Option B is correct because all three items in the list are adjectives that modify “the company’s new product.” Option C is incorrect because it breaks parallelism with the use of “sleek and modern design” instead of “sleek design.” The correct answer is B.

Question 6: Which sentence has a correct modifier placement?

1.  The teacher explained the concept clearly, using examples and diagrams on the board.
2.  The teacher explained the concept clearly by using examples and diagrams on the board.
3.  The teacher, using examples and diagrams on the board, explained the concept clearly.

Solution:

Option A is correct because it places the modifiers “using examples and diagrams on the board” next to “the teacher” and “the concept” respectively, making it clear what is being modified. Option B is incorrect because it implies that the teacher explained the concept clearly in order to use examples and diagrams on the board, which is not the intended meaning. Option C is incorrect because it places the modifiers at the beginning of the sentence, which can create ambiguity about what is being modified. The correct answer is A.

Question 7: Which sentence has the correct parallel structure?

1.  The band’s concert was a huge success, playing to a packed audience and receiving standing ovations.
2.  The band’s concert was a huge success, playing to a packed audience and with standing ovations received.
3.  The band’s concert was a huge success, they played to a packed audience and received standing ovations.

Solution:

Option A is correct because all three items in the list are verb phrases that modify “the band’s concert.” Option B is incorrect because it breaks parallelism with the use of “with standing ovations received” instead of “and receiving standing ovations.” Option C is incorrect because it uses “they played” instead of “playing” and “received” instead of “receiving,” breaking the parallelism. The correct answer is A.

Question 8: Which sentence has the correct modifier placement?

1.  The chef served a delicious meal, garnishing it with fresh herbs and a slice of lemon.
2.  The chef served a delicious meal, garnishing with fresh herbs and a slice of lemon.
3.  The chef served a delicious meal, garnishing it with fresh herbs and with a slice of lemon.

Solution:

Option A is correct because in this sentence, the phrase “with fresh herbs and a slice of lemon” correctly modifies the verb “garnishing.” The phrase is placed immediately after the verb it modifies, making the sentence clear and easy to understand.

GRE Verbal Practice Questions On Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are 8 GRE verbal practice questions on subject-verb agreement with a higher difficulty level:

Question 1: Neither the teacher nor the students (is/are) responsible for the mistake.

Solution: The subject here is “neither the teacher nor the students.” Since “nor” is used, the subject is singular, and the correct verb form is “is.” Thus, the correct answer is “is.”

Question 2: The group of students (was/were) waiting eagerly for the results.

Solution: The subject here is “group,” which is singular. Hence, the correct verb form is “was.” Thus, the correct answer is “was.”

Question 3: One of the students (has/have) already completed the assignment.

Solution:The subject here is “one of the students,” which is singular. Thus, the correct verb form is “has.” Therefore, the correct answer is “has.”

Question 4: Each of the students (was/were) given a prize for their outstanding performance.

Solution: The subject here is “each of the students,” which is singular. Hence, the correct verb form is “was.” The pronoun “their” is incorrect because it is plural, so it should be replaced with “his or her.” Therefore, the correct answer is “was.”

Question 5: The committee (has/have) not yet reached a decision.

Solution: The subject here is “committee,” which can be either singular or plural. However, in this sentence, it is being treated as a singular entity. Therefore, the correct verb form is “has.” Thus, the correct answer is “has.”

Question 6: Neither the teacher nor the students (has/have) understood the concept.

Solution: The subject here is “neither the teacher nor the students.” Since “nor” is used, the subject is singular, and the correct verb form is “has.” Therefore, the correct answer is “has.”

Question 7: Each of the apples (is/are) ripe and juicy.

Solution: The subject here is “each of the apples,” which is singular. Thus, the correct verb form is “is.” Therefore, the correct answer is “is.”

Question 8: The police (has/have) made several arrests in connection with the robbery.

Solution: The subject here is “police,” which is plural. Therefore, the correct verb form is “have.” Hence, the correct answer is “have.”

Don’t get disheartened if you are unable to solve these questions! Regardless of your current level of proficiency and individual learning style, consistent and dedicated practice can improve your skills on GRE verbal. Sign up for a free GRE Verbal demo class with a Jamboree expert and ask your doubts directly from our experienced faculty.