GRE Text Completion (TC) Practice Questions

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That being spontaneous can sometimes spark new ideas, but such occurrences still stem from organized work toward a goal.
 
Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “APPROACHING the CREATIVE process in ______ manner…produce…NEW IDEAS…BUT such occurrences…STILL the RESULT OF ORGANIZED work…”, which implies a difference between freeform style and consistent effort toward the creative process; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that approaching the creative process in a spontaneous manner can sometimes produce exciting new ideas, even brilliant ones, but such ideas still stem from organized work toward a particular goal. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of approaching the creative process in a “spontaneous” manner.
 
Broad expectation from the correct answer choice: A word conveying the idea of being “spontaneous” or “random”.
 
A. This answer choice, “a systematic”, meaning “done according to a fixed plan” or “methodical”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “spontaneous” or “random”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
B. This answer choice, “a dynamic”, meaning “energetic and forceful”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “spontaneous” or “random”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
C. Correct. This answer choice, “an unstructured”, meaning “lacking a definite or organized structure”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “spontaneous” or “random”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.
 
D. Trap. This answer choice, “an ingenious”, meaning “clever” or “creative”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “spontaneous” or “random”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
E. This answer choice, “an unequivocal”, meaning “clear” or “leaving no doubt”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “spontaneous” or “random”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
Thus, C is the correct answer choice.

Written Explanation
 
Reasoning:

In the phrase “supposedly fervent desire for solitude”, the usage of “supposedly” implies that the “desire” referenced here is not real or, at least, not prevalent, and the usage of the phrase “is typically treated with, mostly justified,…” indicates that the first blank conveys an appropriate response to the “supposedly fervent desire”. Therefore, the only logical answer choice for blank (i) is B – “skepticism”.

The usage of the clause “since socialization seems to be this generation’s primary source of…” in conjunction with “The younger generation’s supposedly fervent desire for solitude is typically treated with, mostly justified, skepticism” implies that this clause provides a justification for why the younger generation’s desire for solitude is treated with skepticism; hence, the second blank must refer to something positive to convey that the younger generation actually has a positive relationship with “socialization”, and thus, logically, does not fervently desire solitude. Therefore, the only logical answer choice for blank (ii) is F – “amusement”.

Correct combination of answer choices:

B. “skepticism”, meaning “doubt about the truth of something”.

F. “amusement”, meaning “entertainment”.

The aforesaid combination of answer choices leads to a logical and coherent completion of the paragraph.

Incorrect answer choices:

A. This answer choice “deference”, meaning “polite regard for people’s feelings”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. This answer choice “sympathy”, meaning “concern”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

D. This answer choice “disquiet”, meaning “feeling of unease”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice “belligerence”, meaning “aggressive behavior”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, B and F are the correct combination of answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
Reasoning:

The usage of the clause “Theodor Geisel, also produced a series of…artworks” indicates that the first blank characterizes these particular artworks”, and the usage of the phrase “Renowned children’s illustrator” to describe “Theodor Geisel” implies that these artworks are of good quality; hence, “reviled” can be eliminated; “truculent” can be eliminated as well, as a painting cannot logically be described as hostile or argumentative. Therefore, the most fitting answer choice for blank (i) is C – “beauteous”.

The usage of the clause “his distinctively whimsical style” indicates that the second blank describes the relation between the painter’s whimsy and the “unnerving content” of these paintings. From the usage of the phrase “Renowned children’s illustrator” to describe “Theodor Geisel”, it can be concluded that Geisel’s work is viewed positively, in this context; hence, the negative descriptors “overshadowed by” and “awkwardly clashing with” can be eliminated. Therefore, the best answer choice for blank (ii) is E – “wonderfully at odds with”.

The usage of the clause “These paintings were not produced for…” in conjunction with “Geisel kept them in a private collection, and they were only displayed to the public after his passing” indicates that the third blank refers to a factor that was not part of Geisel’s motivation for producing these paintings and that this factor is something along the lines of “attention”. Therefore, the best answer choice for blank (iii) is I – “notoriety”.

Correct combination of answer choices:

C. “beauteous”, meaning “beautiful”.

E. “wonderfully at odds with”, meaning “pleasingly different from”.

I. “notoriety”, meaning “being known for something bad”.

The aforesaid combination of answer choices leads to a logical and coherent completion of the paragraph.

Incorrect answer choices:

A. This answer choice “truculent”, meaning “aggressively rebellious”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. This answer choice “reviled”, meaning “criticized”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

D. This answer choice “overshadowed by”, meaning “outshined by”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. This answer choice “awkwardly clashing with”, meaning “uncomfortably conflicting with”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

G. This answer choice “exploration”, meaning “a systematic consideration”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

H. This answer choice “amusement”, meaning “entertainment”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, C, E, and I are the correct combination of answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That over the last decade, cooperation has disappeared from public life.
 
Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the continuation of thought in the usage “Over the last decade, _____ has…VANISHED from public life…NOW…IDEOLOGICAL OPPONENTS can NEVER…COMPROMISE in…meaningful way”, which elaborates on the degeneration of a particular characteristic over the decade; this continuation of thought suggests that the sentence intends to convey that over the last decade, cooperation has seemingly disappeared from public life, and it now seems safe to assume that ideologically opposing parties cannot work together or find middle ground anymore. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of “cooperation” vanishing from public life.
 
Broad expectation from the correct answer choice: A word conveying the idea of “cooperation” or “teamwork”.
 
A. This answer choice, “cowardice”, meaning “the quality of lacking courage”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “cooperation” or “teamwork”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
B. This answer choice, “affability”, meaning “friendly and approachable”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “cooperation” or “teamwork”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.  
 
C. This answer choice, “showmanship”, meaning “the ability to attract attention through performance”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “cooperation” or “teamwork”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
D. This answer choice, “propriety”, meaning “appropriateness in conduct”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “cooperation” or “teamwork”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
E. Correct. This answer choice, “bipartisanship”, meaning “cooperation between two opposing political parties”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “cooperation” or “teamwork”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.
 
Thus, E is the correct answer choice.

Written Explanation
 
Reasoning:

The usage of the clause “A straightforward depiction of rural life is…serious contemporary art” in conjunction with “ambitious, high-caliber filmmakers, painters, photographers, and writers have abandoned” implies that the broad context here is that those who produce “serious art” have ceased to do something and the first blank refers to the position of “straightforward depiction of rural life” in “serious contemporary art”. Therefore, the only fitting answer choice for blank (i) is B – “absent in”.

The usage of the clause formed by the first answer choice “A straightforward depiction of rural life is absent in serious contemporary art” in conjunction with “ambitious, high-caliber filmmakers, painters, photographers, and writers have abandoned the…” indicates that the second blank refers to what is “absent in serious contemporary art”; hence, the second blank must be a term that can encompass “A straightforward depiction of rural life”. Therefore, the only logical answer choice for blank (ii) is F – “pastoral”.

Correct combination of answer choices:

B. “absent in”, meaning “not present in something”.

F. “pastoral”, meaning “related to rural life” or “priestly”.

The aforesaid combination of answer choices leads to a logical and coherent completion of the paragraph.

Incorrect answer choices:

A. This answer choice “indispensable for”, meaning “absolutely necessary for something”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. This answer choice “appreciated in”, meaning “recognized as valuable in something”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

D. This answer choice “cosmic”, meaning “related to the universe”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice “homely”, meaning “having a home-like simplicity”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, B and F are the correct combination of answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
Reasoning:

The usage of the phrase “knowledge of survival in the wilderness” indicates that the broad context of the passage is traversing the dangers of the wilderness; hence the use of the phrase “one of the most pristine tropical rainforests in the world” to describe “the Darrien Gap” implies that it is a dangerous place; further, the usage of “the Darrien Gap” in conjunction with “is quite obviously…” indicates that the first blank refers to a characteristic of the Darrien Gap, and thus, given the broad context established, the first blank must refer to the danger or harshness of “the Darrien Gap”. Therefore, the only fitting answer choice for blank (i) is C – “impassible”.

The usage of the phrase formed by the first blank – “is quite obviously impassible” – in conjunction with “…terrain to traverse” indicates that the phrase formed by the second blank underscores the fact that the Darrien Gap is “impassible”; hence, the second blank must refer to the danger or harshness of “the Darrien Gap”. Therefore, the only fitting answer choice for blank (ii) is D – “an unpropitious”.

The usage of the clause “even the most experienced hikers…in crossing this dense stretch of South/Central American wilderness” in conjunction with the phrases formed by the first and second blanks – “is quite obviously impassible” and “an unpropitious terrain to traverse” – indicates that the third blank characterizes the experience of crossing the Darrien Gap and conveys that doing so is difficult. Therefore, the only fitting answer choice for blank (iii) is I – “face immense adversity”.

Correct combination of answer choices:

C. “impassable”, meaning “incapable of being passed through”.

D. “an unpropitious”, meaning “an unfavorable”.

I. “face immense adversity”, meaning “deal with great hardship”.

The aforesaid combination of answer choices leads to a logical and coherent completion of the paragraph.

Incorrect answer choices:

A. This answer choice “immaculate”, meaning “perfectly clean”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. This answer choice “untouched”, meaning “not damaged in any way”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice “a routine”, meaning “an ordinary”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. This answer choice “a slapdash”, meaning “a disorganized”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

G. This answer choice “experience unimaginable awe”, meaning “feel an extreme sense of wonder”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

H. This answer choice “earn considerable prestige”, meaning “gain a high level of respect”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, C, D, and I are the correct combination of answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That citizens likely overestimate the differences among governing parties due to disproportionate media focus on their disagreements rather than cooperation.
 
Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “…citizen has an INFLATED VIEW of…DIVIDE among the governing parties due to _____ MEDIA COVERAGE…the LESS PARTISAN the interaction, the LESS ATTENTION it receives”, which implies a difference between the perceived and the actual extent of the ideological divide; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that the average citizen likely overestimates the ideological divide among the governing parties due to disproportionate media focus on the parties’ divisive interactions rather than cooperative ones for greater viewership. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of “disproportionate” media coverage.
 
Broad expectation from the correct answer choice: A word conveying the idea of being “disproportionate” or “biased”.
 
A. Trap. This answer choice, “ubiquitous”, meaning “present everywhere” or “widespread”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “disproportionate” or “biased”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
B. This answer choice, “equitable”, meaning “fair” or “impartial”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “disproportionate” or “biased”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
C. This answer choice, “intrusive”, meaning “gradually invasive without permission”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “disproportionate” or “biased”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect. 
 
D. This answer choice, “penetrating”, meaning “able to understand clearly” or “able to get into something”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “disproportionate” or “biased”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
E. Correct. This answer choice, “skewed”, meaning “biased” or “not symmetrical”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “disproportionate” or “biased”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.
 
Thus, E is the correct answer choice.

Written Explanation
 
Reasoning:

The usage of the phrase “narratives that the wrongdoers formulate to minimize their guilt” alongside the phrase “In the most common of these narratives” and the clause “the guilty…the wrongdoings as the sole responsibility of a small group of individuals” conveys that groups of guilty promote the idea that only a small number of the members of their group are actually guilty; hence, the usage of the clause “the guilty…the wrongdoings as the sole responsibility of a small group of individuals” indicates that the first blank is the action that “the guilty” take regarding this idea and this action must be something along the lines of “formulate”. Thus, the only fitting answer choice for blank (i) is B – “depict”.

The usage of the clause “those involved in proscribing punishment…this endeavor” in conjunction with “worried about the cost and ramifications of penalizing such broad groups of people” indicates that the second blank refers to an action that those responsible for punishing the guilty are likely to take toward the idea that only a small number of individuals are guilty and that those responsible for the punishment do not wish to punish a large number of people; hence, the second blank must be something along the lines of “support”. Thus, the only logical answer choice for blank (ii) is D – “cooperate in”.

Correct combination of answer choices:

B. “depict”, meaning “show”.

D. “cooperate in”, meaning “work together in”.

The aforesaid combination of answer choices leads to a logical and coherent completion of the paragraph.

Incorrect answer choices:

A. This answer choice “accept”, meaning “admit to”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. This answer choice “anoint”, meaning “select”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice “reject”, meaning “refuse”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. This answer choice “raise concerns regarding”, meaning “express worries about”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, B and D are the correct combination of answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
Reasoning:

The usage of the clause “Psychology aims to deepen our understanding of the mind” implies that the purpose of psychology is related to accumulating knowledge. Hence, the most fitting answer choice for blank (i) is C – “contemplating”.

The sentence formed by the first blank – “Psychology aims to deepen our understanding of the mind by contemplating what is most intrinsic to our mental faculties” conveys that psychology focuses on studying a particular set of subjects, and the clause – “The core of psychology is…the subjects” implies that the second blank must refer to an action that psychology would likely take toward these “subjects””; hence the correct answer choice must be something along the lines of “focusing on” or “studying”. Therefore, the most fitting answer choice for blank (ii) is F – “plumbing”.

The sentence formed by the second and third blanks – “The core of psychology is plumbing the subjects that are…” – indicates that the third blank describes the subjects that psychology studies, and the clauses “it focuses on the most internal of subjects, the human self” and “Psychology aims to deepen our understanding of the mind by contemplating what is most intrinsic to our mental faculties” conveys that the subjects psychology studies are highly intrinsic and unique to the individual. Hence, the most fitting answer choice for blank (iii) is H – “most personal”.

Correct combination of answer choices:

C. “contemplating”, meaning “thinking deeply about”.

F. “plumbing”, meaning “fully exploring” or “measuring the depths of”.

H. “most personal”, meaning “deeply private”.

The aforesaid combination of answer choices leads to a logical and coherent completion of the paragraph.

Incorrect answer choices:

A. This answer choice “securing”, meaning “protecting”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. This answer choice “liberating”, meaning “releasing”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

D. This answer choice “marginalizing”, meaning “treating something as unimportant”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice “normalizing”, meaning “treating something as acceptable when it is not”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

G. This answer choice “rather clichéd”, meaning “overly common”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

I. This answer choice “pleasantly honest”, meaning “refreshingly truthful”, cannot form a logical combination of answer choices for a coherent completion of the paragraph. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, C, F, and H are the correct combination of answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That self-help programs claim to have the solution to all problems, but most of them lack practical advice.
 
Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “…SELF-HELP programs…PURPORT TO HAVE the _____ to all…ILLS, BUT most offer LITTLE…PRACTICAL advice…”, which implies a difference between the promised effectiveness of the programs and their actual content; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that there are a wide variety of self-help programs that claim to have the solution to all of one’s problems, but most of them lack practical advice, mostly containing clichés and exaggerated philosophy. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of a wide variety of self-help programs purporting to have the “solution” to all of one’s ills.
 
Broad expectation from the correct answer choice: A word conveying the idea of a “solution” or “remedy”.
 
A. This answer choice, “origin”, meaning “the reason for an action or event”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of a “solution” or “remedy”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.
 
B. Trap. This answer choice, “revelation”, meaning “revealing something previously hidden” or “a new understanding”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of a “solution” or “remedy”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect. 
 
C. This answer choice, “inception”, meaning “the beginning or start of something”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of a “solution” or “remedy”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect. 
 
D. Trap. This answer choice, “assurance”, meaning “a promise”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of a “solution” or “remedy”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect. 
 
E. Correct. This answer choice, “panacea”, meaning “a remedy or solution for all problems”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of a “solution” or “remedy”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.
 
Thus, E is the correct answer choice.