GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) Verbal Reasoning Flashcards

24 sample cards from the Verbal Reasoning deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What is the 'reversal trap' in Text Completion?

   Misreading a contrast signal (like 'although' or 'far from') so you fill the blank with the opposite charge of what's required.

2. What is the format of a Sentence Equivalence question?

   One sentence with a single blank and six answer choices; you must select exactly two words that both complete the sentence and produce sentences alike in meaning.

3. What are the two simultaneous requirements for correct Sentence Equivalence answers?

   The two chosen words must (1) each fit the sentence's meaning and (2) be roughly synonymous with each other, yielding two sentences with the same meaning.

4. In Sentence Equivalence, why isn't simply finding a synonym pair always enough?

   A synonym pair must also fit the sentence's context; a pair of synonyms that doesn't match the meaning is a trap, and a fitting word with no synonym partner can't be correct.

5. How is Sentence Equivalence scored, and how many points for getting only one word right?

   All-or-nothing—both correct words must be selected with no extra. Choosing only one correct word earns zero credit.

6. What is a reliable technique for Sentence Equivalence: predict first or pair first?

   Predict a word for the blank from context first, then find the two choices closest to your prediction—pairing synonyms blindly without checking context leads to trap pairs.

7. In Sentence Equivalence, what should you do if you find a word that fits but has no synonymous partner among the six choices?

   Eliminate it—since the correct answer must be a synonymous pair, a fitting word with no matching partner cannot be one of the two answers.

8. What is 'context-driven prediction' and why is it the cornerstone of vocab questions?

   Generating your own word/phrase for a blank from sentence clues before viewing options; it prevents being lured by attractive wrong answers and speeds matching.

9. What clues drive prediction in a Text Completion sentence?

   Signal/transition words, the charge of nearby adjectives, definitional restatements, examples, and the overall logic of the sentence.

10. Why is the 'all-or-nothing' scoring rule strategically important across GRE Verbal question types?

    Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence give no partial credit, so verifying every blank/both words is essential; a single careless pick zeroes the whole question.

11. Given all-or-nothing scoring, what verification habit should you adopt before submitting a multi-blank answer?

    Re-read the full sentence with all chosen words inserted to confirm it reads coherently and matches the intended meaning.

12. Why are high-frequency GRE word lists useful, and what's a caution about them?

    They cover words that recur on the exam, boosting efficient prep; the caution is that the GRE tests words in context, so you must learn usage and connotation, not just definitions.

13. Give examples of classic high-frequency GRE words and their meanings.

    Ephemeral (short-lived), laconic (using few words), ubiquitous (everywhere), capricious (impulsive/changeable), pragmatic (practical), and prosaic (dull/ordinary).

14. How do roots, prefixes, and suffixes help with unfamiliar GRE words?

    Breaking a word into morphemes lets you estimate meaning—e.g., 'benevolent' = bene (good) + vol (wish) = wishing well/kind.

15. What does the prefix 'circum-' mean, with an example GRE word?

    'Around'—e.g., circumlocution (talking around a subject; evasive wordiness) or circumspect (looking around; cautious).

16. What do the roots 'loqu/loc' and 'phil' mean, with examples?

    'Loqu/loc' = speak (loquacious = talkative; eloquent); 'phil' = love (philanthropy = love of humankind; bibliophile = book lover).

17. What does the prefix 'a-/an-' typically signal, with a GRE example?

    'Without' or 'not'—e.g., amoral (without morals), atypical (not typical), anomaly (deviation from the norm).

18. What is the difference between denotation and connotation, and why does it matter on the GRE?

    Denotation is a word's literal dictionary meaning; connotation is its emotional/associative shade. The GRE often hinges on choosing the right connotation among synonyms.

19. Distinguish the connotations of 'assertive,' 'aggressive,' and 'pushy.'

    All relate to forcefulness, but 'assertive' is positive/neutral, 'aggressive' is more negative, and 'pushy' is clearly negative—nuance determines the correct GRE choice.

20. What is spaced repetition and why is it effective for GRE vocabulary retention?

    Reviewing material at increasing intervals just before you would forget it; it strengthens long-term memory more efficiently than massed cramming.

21. What is active recall and how does it improve GRE vocab review?

    Retrieving a word's meaning from memory (e.g., quizzing yourself with flashcards) rather than rereading; the retrieval effort produces stronger, more durable learning.

22. Why is learning GRE words in example sentences more effective than memorizing definitions alone?

    Contextual encoding teaches usage and connotation, which is exactly what Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence test, and it aids recall.

23. What review method helps when a flashcard word keeps being missed?

    Move it to a more frequent review interval (a 'leech'/short-stack pile) and add a mnemonic, root breakdown, or vivid example sentence to anchor it.

24. In Reading Comprehension, what is the 'too extreme' trap and how do you spot it?

    A wrong choice uses absolute language (all, never, always, only) stronger than the passage supports; correct answers usually use qualified language (some, may, often).

What this deck covers

Verbal Reasoning flashcards FAQ