GMAT Verbal

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Verbal Section

This question presents a sentence, part of which or all of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of rephrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose
option A, else pick one of the others.

1. John and Tim went to the bank and he made a deposit.


A. he

B. they

C. it

D. their

E. you


2. Although the average Girl Scout joins the organization at age 14, they have
already been Brownies for several years.

A. they have already been Brownies

B. they were Brownies

C. she has already been a Brownie

D. she had already been a Brownie

E. she was in the Brownies


3. In 1980, the Netherlands agreed to limit fishing in certain Atlantic Ocean beds,
but in 1981, they terminated the agreement.

A. they terminated the agreement.

B. they decided to terminate the agreement.

C. it terminated the agreement.

D. it was terminated.

E. it decided the agreement was terminated.


4. While brokers, as a rule, are not permitted to know executive access codes, in
many instances they are widely known.

A. they are widely known

B. they are widely known to be

C. they are widely known by many

D. the codes are able to be widely known

E. the codes are widely known


5. Despite seeming tame and intelligent, the state troopers had no choice but to shoot
the loose Gorilla.

A. Despite seeming tame and intelligent

B. Despite a tame and intelligent appearance

C. Although appearing to be tame and intelligent

D. Although it seemed tame and intelligent

E. However tame and intelligent in appearance


6 . The number of workers have increased steadily each year.

A. have increased steadily

B. steadily have increased

C. have been increasing steadily

D. has increased steadily

E. has steadily been going through an increase


7. The commercial airliner flew too close to the military base, an act that the army
saw as a violation of its air space.

A.as

B. as if it was

C. to be

D. that it was

E. for




The questions in this group are based on the content of a passage. After reading
the passage, choose the best answer to each question. Answer all questions
following the passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.


8. For the past five years, US consumption of eggs has decreased. The National
Egg Council plans to reverse this trend by launching an advertising campaign
extolling the healthful benefits of eggs.
Which one of the following, if true, will provide the strongest support for the
National Egg Council’s plan?

A. Eggs are a good source of protein.

B. Many former egg eaters now make omelets using egg
substitutes.
C. Most people stopped eating eggs because they thought eggs

were unhealthy.

D. Eggs contain unhealthy levels of cholesterol.

E. Eggs substitute makers launched an extensive marketing
campaign six years ago.


9. In an effort to reduce the amount of fat and the number of calories that they
consume, many citizens of the United States are making significant changes in
their diets. For them staying in shape and looking fit now take precedence over
eating foods that are filling and that taste good. It is likely that if they maintain
these new priorities with consistent regard for other health issues, the length and
quality of their lives will increase significantly.
Which one of the following is an assumption upon which the argument is based?

A. Eating foods that are filling and tastes good is inconsistent with
staying in shape and looking fit.

B. Controlling the quality of one’s life requires more than mere
dietary adjustments.

C. A combination of diet and exercise is necessary if one wishes to
stay in shape and look fit.

D. Many citizens of the United States have only recently discovered
the importance of diet to living a longer, healthier life.

E. Staying in shape and looking good are current goals for most
citizens of the United States.


10. Singing in the Rain Umbrella Corp. plans to institute a marketing campaign in
which it sells umbrellas at the exits of subway stations during rainy weather. The
umbrellas will be sold at a price that is slightly higher than normal. The company
thinks the sales of these higher – priced umbrellas will be greater than normal
sales of umbrellas, because the purchasers of these umbrellas will be forced to
buy them if they do not want to get wet.
The author assumes which of the following about the purchasers of the umbrellas
in predicting the sales of the umbrellas?

A. Customers who do not feel immediate pressure to purchase will
not do so.

B. Normally priced umbrellas are not profitable for singing in the
Rain Umbrellas Corp.

C. Very few people buy Singing in the Rain’s normally priced
umbrellas.

D. Singing in the Rain Umbrellas Corp. will have to stop selling
normally priced umbrellas when it starts selling higher priced
umbrellas.

E. Most potential customers of Singing in the Rain’s higher priced
umbrellas will not have acquired an umbrella previously.


11. A leading cement manufacture has been having problems processing manufacturing
and delivery records since it expanded its operations. To solve this problem it plans to
install a new platform on its central computing system which will run its tracking program
five times faster than the current system does.
Which one of the following castes the most serious doubt on the manufacture’s
plan?

A. Not all computer platforms can make the company’s tracking programs
run more quickly

B. The cost of the new computer platform will require the cement
manufacture to raise prices for its products.

C. The cement company’s computer system does not have the capability to
run the new platform and cannot be updated.

D. The company has been increasing the sales of cement by 1.5 percent a
month for the past 18 months.

E. A completely new computer system could make the program run 6 times
faster than it does currently.


12. Critics insist that government regulation of business has made it more difficult for
American businesses to operate profitably and has destroyed their ability to compete
with foreign producers of consumer goods. This argument is not compelling.
Government regulation of business was never as active in this nation as it was between
the years 1975 and 1985, and in those years the average net worth of American family
increased more than it had in any previous decade.
The author’s argument would be most seriously weakened if it were true that

A. 80 percent of all businesses started during the decade 1975-1985 lost
money in their first year.

B. More businesses declared bankruptcy during the period 1975-1985 than
in any previous decade.

C. During the decade 1975-1985, America imported more consumer goods
than it exported.

D. The increase in net worth of average American families during the years
1975-1985 was largely due to an increase in the value of residential
homes.

E. The average interest rate charged on business and home mortgage loans
was higher during the decade 1975-1985 than it had been in any previous
decade.


13. A recession is not caused by any economic force other than nation wide loss of
confidence. If the economy is perceived as being unstable, banks are
conservative in lending money, investors take fewer risks and hence economic
growth is slowed.
Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument above.

A. A recession is getting effected by the response of the Federal Reserve’s
setting of interest rates.

B. A recession can be brought on by the failure of a major bank that had been
loaning money.

C. Slowed economic growth is not the only result of a recession.

D. When investors begin taking greater risks it is enough to stimulate economic
growth.

E. It is a fallacy to assume that economic growth is necessary for economic
stability.


14. In an effort to increase revenues, Sky Air recently partnered with several airlines
to create a joint frequent-flier program. In the new program, miles earned on all
partner airlines can be combined for reward tickets valid on any airline in the
partnership. Sky Air’s CEO cites a recent increase in the number of passengers
on all the partner airlines as evidence that the new frequent-flier program is
having the desired effect. Industry analysts doubt the CEO’s claim.
Which of the following, if true, best supports the analysts’ positions?

A. Air travel tends to be seasonal, with more passengers traveling during
warmer months and holiday periods.

B. The recent increase in passenger rates for all the partner airlines was
predicted by the lowest rates of air travel in the last decade.

C. Many travelers achieved reward tickets more quickly under the new
frequent-flier program and redeemed them recently for free travel.

D. Travelers redeemed frequent-flier rewards on Sky Air’s partners more
frequently than on Sky Air.

E. A study of frequent-flier programs showed that they generally result in
increased long-term airline revenues.




This question presents a sentence, part of which or all of which is underlined.
Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of rephrasing the underlined part.
The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the
original is best, choose option A, else pick one of the others


15. Neither my mother nor my father, both of whom are English professors, agree
with my contention that James Joyce’s novel Ulysses is overrated.

A. Both of whom are English professors, agree with my contention that
James Joyce’s novel Ulysses is overrated.

B. Both of whom are English professors, agrees with my contention that
James Joyce’s novel Ulysses is overrated.

C. Both of whom are English professors, agree with my contention that
Ulysses, a novel by James Joyce is overrated.

D. Each of whom is an English professor, agree with my contention that
James Joyce’s novel Ulysses is overrated.

E. English professors the both of them agrees with my contention that
James Joyce’s novel Ulysses is overrated.


16. A number of military personnel who served in Operation Desert Storm has
encountered a series of unexplainable symptoms that were attributed to Gulf War
syndrome.

A. has encountered a series of unexplainable symptoms that were attributed
to

B. has unexplainably encountered a series of symptoms that have been
attributed as

C. have encountered a series of unexplained symptoms that have been
attributed as

D. have encountered a series of unexplainable symptoms that have been
attributed to

E. have encountered unexplainably a series of symptoms that were
attributed as


17. Although Smith once championed the charity, he changed his mind after journalist
linked its origin to a corrupt individual.

A. once championed the charity

B had once championed the charity

C has once championed the charity

D was a champion of the charity

E championed the charity at one time


18. A swarm of desert honeybees, a phenomenon seen by few of the select scientists
and entomologists, occur when a portion of the colony leave the current nest to find a
new home.

A. few of the select scientists and entomologists, occur when a portion of the
colony leave

B. a select few scientists and entomologists, only occurs when portions of the
colony leaves

C very few selected scientists and entomologists, occur when portions of the
colony leave

D. only very few selected scientists and entomologists, occurs when a portion of
the colony leaves

E. only a select few scientists and entomologists, occurs when a portion of the
colony leaves


19. During the State of the Union address every February the president announced the
amount of the new programs the administration planned to create and the amounts of
money it invested in each one.

A. announced the amount of the new programs the administration planned to
create and the amounts of money it invested in each one

B. announced the amount of the new programs the administration had created
and the amount of money that was invested in each one

C. announces the number of the new programs the administration plans to create
and the amount of money to be invested in each one

D. announces the amount of the new programs created by the administration and
the amount of money invested in them

E. had announced the administration’s plans for a number of new programs and
the amounts of money that were to be invested in them


20.Of the numerous decisions facing the Supreme Court this term, the question of an
individual’s right to die is for certain the more perplexing.

A. the question of an individual’s right to die is for certain the more perplexing

B. it seems certain that the more perplexing is the question of an individual’s right
to die

C. the question of an individual’s right to die is certainly the most perplexing

D. it seems certain the question of an individual’s right to die is the most
perplexing

E. the question of an individual’s right to die is certainly the more perplexing


21. In response to losing a significant part of its market share to a competitor, the soft
drink company has cut costs by withholding executive bonuses, changed their
advertising agency, and have redesigned the company logo.

A. changed their advertising agency, and have

B. changing their advertising agency, as well as

C. has changed its advertising agency, and

D. and changed its advertising agency, and has

E. changed its advertising agency, and


22. Now even directors of off- Broadway productions, desperate for actors who are
talented, charismatic, and aspiring more to a solid career in the theater than to the
lucrative rewards and stardom proffered by movie moguls and studios, are turning to
independent casting directors for guidance in assembling their casts.

A. are talented, charismatic, and aspiring

B. are talented, who have charisma, and who are aspiring

C. have talent and are charismatic and aspire

D. are talented and have charisma, and whose aspirations are

E. are talented and charismatic, and who aspire


23. The Supreme Court can effectively rule on a case in two ways, either by
deciding to hear the case and handling down its judgment, or rather to simplify
refuse to hear the case at all.

A. either by deciding to hear the case and handing down its judgment, or
rather to simplify refuse

B. either by deciding to hear the case and handing down its judgment, or
by simplify refusing

C. by either deciding to hear the case and hand down its judgment or to
simplify refuse

D. to hear a case and to hand down its judgment, or to refuse simply

E. either by deciding to hear the case and hand down its judgment, or the
simple refuse


24. The establishment of land trusts in New England has been praised not
because of its restricting overdevelopment but because it allows the inheritance by
future generations of the property.

A. not because of its restricting overdevelopment but because it allows the
inheritance by future generations of

B. because of not only is restricting overdevelopment and also allows the
inheritance by future generations of

C. because it does not only restrict overdevelopment, it also allows future
generations for inheriting

D. because of not only the restrictions on over development but also
because future generations can inherit

E. Not only because it restricts overdevelopment but also because it
allows future generations to inherit


25. Some students of literary criticism consider the theories of Blaine to be a huge
advance in modern critical thinking and question the need to study the discounted
theories of Rauthe and Wilson.

A. to be a huge advance in modern critical thinking and question

B. as a huge advance in modern critical thinking and question

C. as being a huge advance in modern critical thinking and questioned

D. a huge advance in modern critical thinking and question

E. are a huge advance in modern critical thinking and questioned


26. One of the possible results of the further depletion of the ozone in the atmosphere
would be a sharp increase in the demand for sunscreens. Many of the ingredients in
sunscreens are natural, and the demand for these products will require strict
conservation laws. This will represent the victory for those who desire greater protection
for the environment.
Which one of the following best states the conclusion in the passage above?

A. Industries that produce ozone-depleting chemicals should be encouraged to
continue doing so.

B. Regulation of ozone-depleting chemicals should be handled on a federal level.

C. The natural ingredients in sunscreen products should be replaced by synthetic
substitutes.

D. The effects of ozone depletion on the environment are not categorically negative.

E. The few positive effects of ozone depletion are far outweighed by the myriad
negative effects.


27. The American division of the Acme running shoe company should begin
marketing running shoes with double-thick soles. Acme’s Swedish division is
selling a large number of these items, and is enjoying its most profitable quarter
ever.
Which of the following is an assumption made by the author of the argument
above?

A. Acme’s Brazilian division is also selling a large number of
running shoes with double-thick soles.

B. Swedes and Americans have similar tastes in music.

C. Acme is the only running shoe company that manufacturers
double-thick soles.

D. The running shoe market in America tends to follow the same
trends as does the market in Sweden.

E. Acme has experienced financial troubles in the last three
quarters.


28. Currently about 70 percent of all urban households recycle some portion of their
garbage, 25 percent more than did ten years ago. This increase can be
attributed , in part , to the fact that a larger portion of the population is now under
the age of 47.
Of the following, which can be most properly inferred from the passage
above?

A. Of those who currently recycle, at least 70 percent recycle less than 25
percent of what is potentially recyclable.

B. Younger people are generally more conscientious about waste disposal
than are older people.

C. People under the age of 47 are more likely to recycle than are their older
counterparts.

D. The overall population has risen by at least 25 percent in the past ten
years.

E. People currently over the age of 47 recycled more often ten years ago.


29. State colleges have lower tuitions than do private colleges because many of
their operating costs are covered by federal and state funds.
Which of the following inferences is best supported by the statement made
above?

A. Private colleges have higher operating costs than do state
colleges.

B. Many more people matriculate at state colleges than do at
private colleges.

C. Tuition fees and operating costs are directly related.

D. the cost of attending state college is always more than the cost
of

attending private college.

E. If private colleges are to lower their tuitions , they must receive
outside support.


30. Many people feel that hard work deserves a reward. However, this is not true.
Hard work should be its own reward, because such work intrinsically gives the
worker satisfaction when it is performed satisfactorily.
The author of the argument draws his or her conclusion by

A. Claiming than what is commonly believed is false for that very
reason.

B. Pointing out the inconsistencies in a counterargument.

C. Challenging the definition of the word “reward” as something
extrinsic to a task.

D. Repeating a premise that was previously stated.

E. Allowing a counterclaim to weaken his or her argument.


31 . If we reduce the salaries of our employees, then profits will increase by 35 percent.
Because we must increase our profits, it is clear that employee salaries must be
reduced.
Which of the following most closely parallels the reasoning used in the argument
above?

A. If I eat less food, I will lose weight. Since I started skipping breakfast, I
have lost ten pounds.

B. If I work four more hours each week, I will earn enough money to afford
a new hobby. Because I would like a new hobby, I will collect coins.

C. If god does not exist, then there is no basis for morality. Because some
actions are morally wrong, God must exist.

D. If there is an economic recession, then salaries will be reduced.
Because salaries are not decreasing, there is not an economic
recession.

E. If there were more commercials, the number of television watchers
would decline. Because the number of television watchers should be
reduced, the number of commercials should be increased.




This question presents a sentence, part of which or all of which is underlined.
Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of rephrasing the underlined part.
The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think
the original is best, choose option A, else pick one of the others


32. As we traveled the back roads of Arkansas, each of us were equipped with a
canteen, a knife, and a compass.

A. Each of us were equipped

B. Equipping ourselves

C. Every one of were equipped

D. Each of us was equipped

E. Equipped as we are


33. The best labor negotiators are the ones that have the ability of settling even the
most irreconcilable stalemates.

A. The ones that have the ability of settling even

B. Them that are able even to settle

C. Those who have the ability to settle even

D. Those that are able to even settle

E. The ones who have the ability of even settling


34. Many small companies expand their client bases not so much by aggressive
marketing as by networking and word of mouth.

A. So much by aggressive marketing as by

B. As much with marketing aggressively as with

C. Much by aggressive marketing that instead by

D. So aggressively with marketing but with

E. In marketing aggressively but rather in