GRE Sentence Equivalence (SE) Practice Questions

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That increasing government revenue enough to make a universal basic income feasible would require significant corporate tax expansion which would, in turn, harm the economic growth of the country.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the cause-effect relationship expressed in the usage “Economists…that INCREASING government revenue ENOUGH…make a universal basic income FEASIBLE…require…tax EXPANSION _____ the economic growth…”, which implies a progression toward a negative outcome; this causal connection suggests that the sentence intends to convey that economists have been clear that increasing government revenue enough to make a universal basic income feasible would require significant corporate tax expansion which would, in turn, harm the economic growth that the country has come to take for granted. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of significant corporate tax expansion “harming” the economic growth.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of “harming” or “blocking”.

A. This answer choice, “disputing”, meaning “to argue against something”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “harming” or “blocking”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. This answer choice, “accumulating”, meaning “to collect something”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “harming” or “blocking”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. Correct. This answer choice, “fettering”, meaning “to restrain someone” or “to limit something”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “harming” or “blocking”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

D. This answer choice, “enhancing”, meaning “to make something better” or “to increase”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “harming” or “blocking”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice, “conflicting”, meaning “to clash”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “harming” or “blocking”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. Correct. This answer choice, “inhibiting”, meaning “to restrain, hinder, or slow down”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of “harming” or “blocking”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

Thus, C and F are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That the fireman, who was feared to have been crushed under the falling rubble, made his way out of the wreckage safely.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “The fireman…FEARED to have been CRUSHED under…made his WAY OUT of the wreckage, ___”, which implies a major difference between the expected and the actual outcomes; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that even though there was an initial fear of the fireman to have been crushed under the falling rubble, he ultimately made his way out of the wreckage safely. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of the fireman’s “safe” return.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of being “safe” or unwounded”.

A. This answer choice, “untrained”, meaning “not made expert by instruction”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “safe” or unwounded”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. This answer choice, “uncalled”, meaning “not invited” or “undesirable”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “safe” or unwounded”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. Correct. This answer choice, “unharmed”, meaning “not injured or harmed”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “safe” or unwounded”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

D. This answer choice, “unsuited”, meaning “not compatible” or “not suitable for a specific purpose”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “safe” or unwounded”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. Correct. This answer choice, “uninjured”, meaning “not harmed or damaged”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “safe” or unwounded”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

F. This answer choice, “unrequited”, meaning “not returned in feeling” or “unanswered”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “safe” or unwounded”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, C and E are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That the secondary effects of disruptions in any industry in any part of the world can be surprisingly global.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the continuation of thought in the usage “…the secondary effects of DISRUPTIONS…in any part of the world can be _____ …there are CONNECTIONS that NONE were consciously AWARE of”, which suggests an elaboration on the nature of disruptions; this continuation of thought suggests that the sentence intends to convey that the secondary effects of disruptions in any industry in any part of the world can be surprisingly global, as often there are connections that were not previously recognized. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of the secondary effects of disruptions being “surprising”.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of being “surprising” or “unexpected”.

A. This answer choice, “detrimental”, meaning “harmful”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “surprising” or “unexpected”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. This answer choice, “mainstream”, meaning “unimaginative” or “very popular”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “surprising” or “unexpected”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. Correct. This answer choice, “startling”, meaning “causing a sudden feeling of surprise or astonishment”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “surprising” or “unexpected”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

D. This answer choice, “inimical”, meaning “hostile” or “unfriendly”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “surprising” or “unexpected”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice, “predictable”, meaning “able to be anticipated or expected”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “surprising” or “unexpected”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. Correct. This answer choice, “astounding”, meaning “extremely surprising” or “causing great wonder”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “surprising” or “unexpected”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

Thus, C and F are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That books with clever, colorful graphics, and breathless speculation on complex scientific concepts are typically classified as popular science, but this particular book is as unscientific as it is dull.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “Books…with…COLORFUL graphics and…ESOTERIC (meaning: mysterious, in a profound way) SCIENTIFIC concepts- are…popular science, BUT this book is as UNSCIENTIFIC as it is _____ ”, which implies a difference between the typical classification and the actual nature of the book; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that books with clever, colorful graphics, and breathless speculation on complex scientific concepts are typically classified as popular science, but this particular book is as unscientific as it is dull. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of the book being “dull”.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of being “dull” or “ordinary”.

A. This answer choice, “profound”, meaning “having great depth or intensity” or “showing deep insight”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “dull” or “ordinary”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. This answer choice, “nuanced”, meaning “characterized by subtle differences” or “showing sensitivity to small details”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “dull” or “ordinary”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. Correct. This answer choice, “insipid”, meaning “lacking interest, significance or impact”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “dull” or “ordinary”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

D. This answer choice, “unexpected”, meaning “not expected or anticipated” or “surprising”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “dull” or “ordinary”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. Correct. This answer choice, “uninteresting”, meaning “arousing no attention, curiosity or excitement”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “dull” or “ordinary”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

F. This answer choice, “unpredictable”, meaning “subject to change”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “dull” or “ordinary”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, C and E are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That rationalism does not necessitate disregarding the value of emotions; rather, it aims to restrict the negative impact of emotions on decision-making.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “…rationalism…DOES NOT REQUIRE…discount…emotions…BUT to recognize…deleterious effect…emotions should be…MOTIVATORS, WHILE their impact on one’s decisions should be _____”, which implies a difference between the perceived and the actual teachings of a philosophy; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that according to Kant, rationalism does not necessitate disregarding the value of emotions but understanding their negative impact on decision-making, due to which their role should be limited to that of motivators, while their impact on one’s decisions should be restricted. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of the impact of emotions on one’s decisions being “restricted”.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of being “restricted”.

A. This answer choice, “boosted”, meaning “contribute to the growth of” or “increase”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “restricted”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. Correct. This answer choice, “curtailed”, meaning “reduced or cut short in quantity”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “restricted”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

C. This answer choice, “augmented”, meaning “increased or enlarged in size”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “restricted”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

D. This answer choice, “stipulated”, meaning “specified or required as a condition”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “restricted”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. Correct. This answer choice, “limited”, meaning “restricted in size, quantity, or extent”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “restricted”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

F. This answer choice, “regretted”, meaning “felt sorrow or remorse for something”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “restricted”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, B and E are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That despite the need for briefness, the doctor’s new book should have included at least one chapter on the ethics of producing stem cells or at least a glossary of the relevant literature.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “IRRESPECTIVE of…need for _____, considering…one FULL CHAPTER examining the ethics…GLOSSARY of the relevant literature…was WARRANTED in…new book…”, which implies a difference between the necessity and the proposed inclusion in the book; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that despite the understandable need for briefness, given the extensive nature of the subject, the doctor’s new book on the history of genetics research should have included at least one full chapter examining the ethics of producing stem cells through human cell cloning, or at least a glossary of the relevant literature. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of the understandable need for “briefness”.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying a sense of “briefness” or “directness”.

A. Correct. This answer choice, “brevity”, meaning “the quality of being concise”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey a sense of “briefness” or “directness”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

B. This answer choice, “wordiness”, meaning “the quality of using an excessive number of words”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey a sense of “briefness” or “directness”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. This answer choice, “compunction”, meaning “feeling of great regret”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey a sense of “briefness” or “directness”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

D. This answer choice, “qualm”, meaning “uneasiness about the fitness of an action”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey a sense of “briefness” or “directness”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. Correct. This answer choice, “succinctness”, meaning “the ability to express in minimum words”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey a sense of “briefness” or “directness”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

F. This answer choice, “redundancy”, meaning “unnecessary repetition or duplication”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey a sense of “briefness” or “directness”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, A and E are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That even those sympathetic to the cause were put off by the senseless protest, which seemed deliberately hostile toward most of the public.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the cause-effect relationship expressed in the usage “EVEN those SYMPATHETIC to the cause…PUT OFF by…INANE…protest…DELIBERATELY _____ most of the public”, which implies a certain factor leading to a negative consequence; this causal connection suggests that the sentence intends to convey that even those sympathetic to the cause were put off due to the loud and senseless rhetoric of the protest, which almost seemed to be intentionally hostile toward most of the public. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of the rhetoric of the protest being deliberately “hostile toward” most of the public.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of being “hostile toward”.

A. Trap. Although this answer choice, “indifferent toward”, meaning “showing no interest or concern”, leads to a logical completion of the sentence, this cannot be the correct answer choice because none of the other five answer choices leads to a similar meaning of the sentence.

B. This answer choice, “amicable to”, meaning “characterized by friendship and goodwill”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “hostile toward”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. Correct. This answer choice, “alienating toward”, meaning “creating distance or hostility in a relationship”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “hostile toward”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

D. Correct. This answer choice, “unpalatable to”, meaning “not pleasant or acceptable to the taste or mind”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “hostile toward”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

E. This answer choice, “daunting for”, meaning “discouraging through fear”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “hostile toward”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. This answer choice, “intimidating for”, meaning “having a frightening or threatening effect”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “hostile toward”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, C and D are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That to avoid a recession, we must turn our attention to several seemingly minor but urgent issues in our economy.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “…experts…WARNED…IF we are to AVOID a RECESSION…attention to…seemingly MINOR BUT _____ predicaments in…”, which implies a difference between the perceived importance and the actual significance of certain predicaments; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that economists and policy experts have recommended focussing on several seemingly minor but urgent issues in our economy to prevent a recession. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of seemingly minor but “urgent” predicaments.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of being “urgent” or “important”.

A. This answer choice, “copious”, meaning “large in number”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “urgent” or “important”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. This answer choice, “abundant”, meaning “present in great quantity”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “urgent” or “important”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

C. Correct. This answer choice, “exigent”, meaning “demanding attention”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “urgent” or “important”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

D. This answer choice, “trivial”, meaning “small and of little importance”, is opposite to our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “urgent” or “important”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice, “benign”, meaning “harmless”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “urgent” or “important”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. Correct. This answer choice, “pressing”, meaning “requiring immediate action”, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “urgent” or “important”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

Thus, C and F are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That to the prosecutor’s former colleagues, his real crime was not his actions but being caught doing them.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the continuation of thought in the usage “To the LONG-SINCE DISMISSED prosecutor’s _____ colleagues…real crime was NOT…that he MANIPULATED court procedures…THAT he was caught…”, which elaborates on the perception of the prosecutor’s past actions; this continuation of thought suggests that the sentence intends to convey that to the long-since dismissed prosecutor’s former colleagues, his real crime was not his actions but being caught doing them. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of the dismissed prosecutor’s “former” colleagues.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of being “former” or “previous”.

A. Trap. Although this answer choice, “indignant”, meaning “angry” and “resentful”, leads to a logical completion of the sentence, this cannot be the correct answer choice because none of the other five answer choices leads to a similar meaning of the sentence. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. Correct. This answer choice, “erstwhile”, meaning “former” or “in the past“, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “former” or “previous”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

C. This answer choice, “apathetic”, meaning “marked by lack of interest”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “former” or “previous”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

D. This answer choice, “devious”, meaning “characterized by insincerity”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “former” or “previous”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

E. This answer choice, “nonchalant”, meaning “marked by unconcern”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “former” or “previous”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. Correct. This answer choice, “past”, meaning “belonging to a previous time or era“, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “former” or “previous”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

Thus, B and F are the correct answer choices.

Written Explanation
 
The intended core meaning of the sentence: That even though the institute has not found ultimate proof of alien life, it has made several enlightening discoveries, including advancements in astronomy.

Reasoning around the blank space: The catch for filling the blank in this sentence lies in identifying the contrast in the usage “…Institute has made several _____ DISCOVERIES; THOUGH NONE…research has found…proof of alien…MUCH…led to…ADVANCEMENTS in…”, which implies a difference between the accomplishments and the limitations of the research; this contrast suggests that the sentence intends to convey that since its founding in 1984, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute has made many enlightening discoveries, as even though the institute has not found ultimate proof of alien life, much of its research has led to considerable advancements in the field of astronomy. Hence, for the blank, we need a word that conveys the idea of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute having made several “enlightening” discoveries.

Broad expectation from the correct answer choices: A pair of words conveying the idea of being “enlightening” and “insightful”.

A. This answer choice, “desultory”, meaning “lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “enlightening” and “insightful”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

B. Correct. This answer choice, “illuminating”, meaning “providing insight, clarity, or understanding“, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “enlightening” and “insightful”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

C. This answer choice, “moribund”, meaning “stagnant” or “dying”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “enlightening” and “insightful”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

D. Correct. This answer choice, “edifying”, meaning “providing moral or intellectual instruction“, matches our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “enlightening” and “insightful”. Hence, this answer choice is correct.

E. This answer choice, “farcical”, meaning “humorous” or “ridiculous”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “enlightening” and “insightful”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

F. This answer choice, “preposterous”, meaning “absurd” or “unreasonable”, does not match our broad expectation from the correct answer choice, which is to convey the idea of being “enlightening” and “insightful”. Hence, this answer choice is incorrect.

Thus, B and D are the correct answer choices.