GRE Text Completion Sample Questions

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1. Having existed since the dawn of time, good and evil are so (1) ___________ involved in our lives; we all seem to have a supply of both. God Went Fishing, by Dennis Shields, is a commentary on the vices of 21st century society. Many times the grim aspects of society need to be portrayed in ways that are at once (2) ___________ for the reader and aesthetically appealing. Indeed, the author of this new work (3) ____________ as he exposes one societal ill after the other. His aim-to bring about self-examination and a desire to improve life in animperfect world.

Blank 1: prominently, clandestinely, intrinsically

Blank 2: palatable, enlightening, explicable

Blank 3: entertains, impresses, enlightens

Correct Answer: intrinsically, palatable, entertains

Explanation: The author is contemplating over the two opposing characteristics of our nature. He says that we all seem to have a supply of both good and evil. The option ‘prominently’ would not fit in the sentence since the author uses the words ‘seem to’. This shows that the characteristics are not prominent. For the same reason, we reject the option ‘clandestinely’. The sentence shows how effortlessly the good and evil in our beings surface. Hence, out of the remaining two options, we select ‘intrinsically’ over ‘clandestinely’. In the given context, ‘intrinsically’ would mean innate or natural. Further, the author introduces us to the book in which the vices of society are laid bare. He says that when a piece of writing has to portray the grim aspects of society, they have to be put forward in such a manner that they appeal to the aesthetics of the readers. The aspect of aesthetics is secondary only to the aspect of being ‘palatable’. It is only when the grim aspects are acceptable and agreeable to the feelings of the reader that he shall look for aesthetic appeal of the writing. The option ‘palatable’ is relatively the most suitable. For the last blank, we select the option ‘entertains’. The purpose of any fictional piece of writing is to ‘entertain’. The choice of this answer option is also clear from the use of the word ‘indeed’ by the author. He says that the writing is palatable, aesthetically appealingand it certainly ‘entertains’.

2. If you are speaking to educate and inform your audience, make sure that you have accurate and updated (1) ______________ in your presentation. It is not enough that you have prepared and have memorized your speech; you should also know what you are talking about and have made a thorough research about it. Knowing the venue and being there early is half the battle. Try to get a feel of the place. Stand on the stage or wherever you are supposed to deliver your speech. Try to visualize your audience listening to your speech. Check the sound system and the availability of audio-visual aids if you need to use some. Being at the venue early will give you some time to prepare and (2) _________ yourself. You can also afford time for a last minute (3) ____________of your speech.

Blank 1: facts, information, essentials

Blank 2: compose, rehearse, relax

Blank 3: tweaking, rehearsal, approval

Correct Answer: facts, compose, tweaking

Explanation: In the first sentence, the situation is that of educating and informing the audience. The options, other than ‘essentials’, are suitable. Out of those, it is ‘facts’ that we prefer over ‘information’. The reason for this selection is that when you have to educate, you shall give specific information in the form of accurate facts. The author uses the words ‘make sure’, thereby giving a precaution. He says we should ensure that our information is well researched and we present ‘updated facts’. For the second blank, we shall contemplate over the advice given by the author. He says that we should reach the venue before time to prepare ourselves. The options ‘compose’ and ‘relax’ are our top choices. To relax means to unwind or loosen up, whereas to compose means to contain or control yourself. ‘Compose’ is hence more suitable in the given context. For the last blank, we select the option ‘tweaking’. A rehearsal or an approval is not possible at the last minute, only minor changesin the speech can be made, according to the situation. Hence, we select this option.

GRE Text Completion Sample Questions

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