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GRE Sample Questions

  1. Question 1

    Q1

    SCALE : TONE

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A

    Explanation: This is a “part-to-whole' analogy. A musical SCALE is comprised of a series of TONES that are arranged in a fixed sequence; similarly, the spectrum is comprised of a series of colors arranged in a particular sequence.

  2. Question 2

    Q2

    SANDAL : FOOTPRINT

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    Correct answer: E

    Explanation: This is a “symptom or sign' analogy. A SANDAL leaves behind it a FOOTPRINT that traces the sandal’s path; similarly, a boat leaves behind it a wake that traces the boat’s path.

  3. Question 3

    Q3

    DAM : DELUGE

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Explanation: This is an “operates against' (prevention) analogy. You DAM (a body of water) to prevent a DELUGE (sudden, enormous flow); similarly, you lock something like a door or a safe in order to prevent a theft.

  4. Question 4

    Q4

    WAR : OFFENSIVE

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C

    Explanation: This is an “environment for' analogy. An OFFENSIVE (a noun here) is an event a planned attack that typically occurs during a WAR. Similarly, a dream is an event that typically occurs during slumber (deep sleep). As for choice (D), soccer is an event that might take place in a stadium. But to say that soccer usually occurs in a stadium would be an overstatement. Also, a stadium is a physical place, whereas WAR and slumber are events.

  5. Question 5

    Q5

    SONG : SERENADE

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    Correct answer: A

    Explanation: This is a “type of' (special category) analogy. A SERENADE is a special kind of SONG, one sung by a lover to his beloved, sometimes in secret; similarly, a tryst is a special kind of appointment, one made by lovers, often in secret.

  6. Question 6

    Q6

    HAND : GNARLED

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    Correct answer: D

    Explanation: This is a type of “symptom or manifestation' analogy. A HAND may become GNARLED (knotted and twisted) with age, just as a brow may become creased (wrinkled or ridged) with age. Gnarls and creases are each a manifestation of gradual deterioration. Since a tire goes flat abruptly and for one of many possible reasons, choice (E) is not as strong an analogy as choice (D).

  7. Question 7

    Q7

    OSCILLATE : PENDULUM

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: E

    Explanation: This is an “inherent function' analogy. A PENDULUM is designed to OSCILLATE (move back and forth); similarly, an automobile is designed to travel.

  8. Question 8

    Q8

    ARCHITECT : CREATIVE

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B

    Explanation: This is as “ideal characteristic' analogy. Ideally, an ARCHITECT is CREATIVE; similarly, an ideal soldier is one who is obedient; that is, one who obeys the orders of a superior officer. Choice (B) is

    incorrect because disloyalty is not just an ideal characteristic of a traitor; it is the defining characteristic.

  9. Question 9

    Q9

    DESIGNATION : STIGMA

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B

    Explanation: This is a “negative form of' analogy. A STIGMA (mark or sign of disgrace) is an unwanted DESIGNATION. Similarly, a predicament (difficult situation) is an unwanted circumstance.

  10. Question 10

    Q10

    TEACHER : INSTRUCTION

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: E

    Explanation: This is an “inherent function' analogy. The function of a TEACHER is to provide INSTRUCTION for another; similarly, the function of a guard is to provide protection for another. As for choice (D), although the “function' of a student might be said to learn, it is not to provide learning for another. So choice (E) is not as strong an analogy as choice (D).

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