GRE General Test flashcards

The process of converting a real-world scenario described in words into mathematical equations using variables to represent unknown quantities.

• Assign variables to unknown quantities.
• Translate keywords into mathematical operations (e.g., 'twice as long' means 2x, 'less than' means subtraction).
• Formulate equations based on the relationships given in the problem.
• Solve the equations to find the values of the variables.

Memory trick: Read, Define, Formulate, Solve, Check: the algebraic quest.

A ratio compares two quantities, while a proportion states that two ratios are equal, often used to find an unknown quantity.

• Ratios can be written as a:b, a/b, or 'a to b'.
• A proportion is an equation that sets two ratios equal.
• Cross-multiplication is a common method to solve proportions.

Memory trick: Ratios are like recipes, keep the ingredients proportional.

Compound annual growth refers to the growth of a quantity over time, where the growth rate is applied to the accumulated amount from previous periods, leading to exponential increase.

• Formula: Future Value = Present Value * (1 + Rate)^Periods.
• The 'rate' must be annual if 'periods' are years.
• Differs from simple interest, which only applies to the initial principal.

Memory trick: Compounding grows like a snowball, adding more to its own mass.

Percentage change describes the relative difference between an old value and a new value, expressed as a percentage of the old value.

• Increase: New Value = Old Value * (1 + percentage increase).
• Decrease: New Value = Old Value * (1 - percentage decrease).
• Percentage changes are applied sequentially, not to the original value if there are multiple changes.

Memory trick: Apply changes one by one, like building blocks on the last result.

Exponential growth occurs when a quantity increases at a rate proportional to its current value, often characterized by doubling periods.

• Formula: N(t) = N0 * b^(t/T), where N0 is initial amount, b is growth factor, t is total time, T is doubling/halving period.
• For doubling, the base 'b' is 2.
• Common in population growth, compound interest, and radioactive decay (halving).

Memory trick: Growth is like a chain reaction: each step multiplies the last.

Nested percentages involve calculating a percentage of a subset that was itself determined by a percentage of a larger group.

• Work from the largest group down to the specific subset.
• Each percentage is applied to the result of the previous step, not the original total.
• Carefully identify the 'base' for each percentage calculation.

Memory trick: Peel the percentage onion layer by layer.

The circumference of a circle is the total distance around its boundary, analogous to the perimeter of a polygon.

• Formula: C = 2 * π * r or C = π * d (where d is diameter).
• π (pi) is a mathematical constant, approximately 3.14159 or 22/7.
• Units of circumference are linear (e.g., feet, meters).

Memory trick: Circumference is the 'circle's perimeter', then multiply by the 'price tag'.

A process of evaluating different options or suppliers by calculating their total costs, including base prices, discounts, and additional fees, to determine the most economical choice.

• Calculate the full cost for each option individually.
• Ensure all discounts are applied correctly.
• Add all additional fees (e.g., shipping, taxes).
• Compare the final total costs to find the lowest.

Memory trick: Calculate each path to the finish line, then pick the cheapest.

Identifying statements with which the author of a passage would concur, based on the explicit and implicit information presented in the text.

• Requires careful reading of the author's arguments and conclusions.
• Look for statements that are directly supported or implied by the passage.
• Avoid options that introduce new information or contradict the author's stance.

Memory trick: The 'Agree-ment' is about what the author's voice would say.

Drawing a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning, rather than explicit statements in the text.

• Inferences must be supported by the text, not just personal knowledge.
• Look for subtle clues, implications, and logical connections.
• Avoid making assumptions that go beyond what the passage suggests.

Memory trick: Inferencing is Reading Between the Lines with Logic.

These questions require applying the author's reasoning, principles, or approach from the passage to a new, analogous situation or scenario.

• Do not seek a direct answer in the text; instead, infer the underlying logic.
• Often use phrases like 'Which of the following best exemplifies,' 'Which situation is most analogous to,' or 'The author's argument could be applied to.'
• Requires abstracting the core method or principle used in the passage.

Memory trick: Take the author's puzzle pieces and see which new empty board they fit best.

A relationship where one event (the cause) leads to another event (the effect).

• Identified by signal words like 'because,' 'since,' 'therefore,' 'as a result,' 'leads to.'
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for comprehending logical connections in text.
• Often forms the basis of scientific and historical explanations.

Memory trick: One thing makes another thing happen, like dominoes falling.

Identifying a word that describes an idea or characteristic that has changed in meaning or perception over time, often signaled by words indicating contrast or re-evaluation.

• Look for temporal markers (e.g., 'for many years,' 'recently').
• Identify the initial perception versus the current perception.
• The blank will often describe the initial, now-changed, perception.

Memory trick: Perception Shifts like Sands, Revealing New Views.

Denotation is the literal meaning of a word, while connotation refers to the emotional associations and implications evoked by a word, which can be positive, negative, or neutral.

• Denotation is the dictionary definition.
• Connotation adds layers of meaning beyond the literal.
• Understanding both is crucial for selecting words that fit the nuance of a sentence.

Memory trick: Don't just denote, connote the precise fit for the context's plot.

A pattern where the stated or apparent purpose of an action or policy differs significantly from its actual results.

• Often signaled by words like 'ostensibly,' 'purportedly,' 'designed to,' contrasted with 'but,' 'however,' 'in practice,' 'instead of.'
• The blank typically describes the actual, often negative, outcome.
• Requires careful reading to distinguish between stated goals and observed realities.

Memory trick: Good intentions can hit a snag, when outcomes cause a real drag.

Choosing a word that describes findings or evidence that are inconsistent, ambiguous, or lead to multiple interpretations.

• Look for phrases indicating conflicting data or conclusions.
• The blank often describes the *nature* of the results.
• Avoid words that imply clarity or uniformity when the text suggests otherwise.

Memory trick: Findings can be Clear, Conflicting, or Confusing.

The central point or message the author is trying to convey in a passage.

• Often found in the introduction or conclusion, or summarized by the overall argument.
• Must be broad enough to encompass the entire passage but specific enough to be accurate.
• Requires synthesizing information from across the text rather than isolated details.

Memory trick: Find the trunk of the tree, not just the leaves; it holds the whole thing up.

Identifying two words that, when inserted into a blank, create sentences with similar meanings, often signaled by contrast indicators.

• Look for words that oppose a previously stated idea.
• Both chosen words must convey a similar nuance.
• Context clues are crucial for determining the relationship.

Memory trick: Find the twin words that tell the same story!

Questions that ask you to identify information that would undermine or cast doubt on an author's conclusion or reasoning.

• Look for options that introduce new evidence contradicting a premise or assumption.
• The correct answer will directly challenge the link between evidence and conclusion.
• Avoid options that are irrelevant or merely suggest alternative solutions.

Memory trick: Find the fact that makes their argument crumble!

Understanding and selecting words or phrases that enhance meaning through non-literal comparisons or established expressions within the context of the sentence.

• Idioms have a meaning that cannot be deduced from individual words.
• Figurative language (metaphor, simile) creates vivid imagery.
• Context is essential to interpret the intended non-literal meaning.

Memory trick: Figurative Language Paints Pictures with Words.

Words or phrases that connect ideas by showing a difference or opposition between them.

• They signal a shift from one idea to a contrary or qualifying idea.
• Examples include 'however,' 'nevertheless,' 'but,' 'although,' 'despite.'
• Crucial for understanding complex relationships between sentences or clauses.

Memory trick: Transitions pave the path, guiding thought's aftermath.

These questions ask about specific facts or explicit information stated directly in the passage.

• Answers are found by locating the relevant sentence(s) in the text.
• Often begin with 'According to the passage,' 'The passage states that,' or 'Which of the following is true...'
• Requires careful reading and identification of specific information.

Memory trick: Find the exact words, match them to the answer, no guessing allowed!

Words or phrases that explicitly signal an opposing idea or condition, often leading to a direct antonym.

• Signals include 'while', 'although', 'but', 'however', 'despite'.
• The blank will usually be the direct opposite of a concept presented elsewhere.
• Helps in quickly identifying the relationship between sentence parts.

Memory trick: Direct opposition is like a dartboard: aim right at the opposite.

Identifying a word that is the opposite in meaning to another word or concept presented in the text, often signaled by contrast indicators.

• Requires understanding the nuances of word meanings.
• Contextual clues are vital for determining the specific antonym needed.
• Often used in Text Completion questions to create a logical opposition.

Memory trick: Opposing concepts are like two sides of a coin, showing different values.

A text completion pattern that highlights a difference in characteristics between short-term and long-term phenomena, often related to stability or changeability.

• Key phrases include 'short-term vs. long-term,' 'while...often,' 'can be...but exhibit.'
• The blank typically describes the short-term characteristic as variable or unpredictable.
• The contrasting long-term characteristic is usually stability or predictability.

Memory trick: Short bursts of chaos, long stretches of calm, time's contrast keeps us from harm.

Understanding how antonyms function within a sentence, especially when contrast words like 'despite' or 'although' are present, is crucial for selecting the correct word.

• Look for contrast indicators (e.g., despite, although, however).
• Identify the core meaning of the surrounding text.
• Choose a word that provides the opposite meaning of what was expected or attempted.

Memory trick: Opposite ideas often hide near contrast words.

This concept involves identifying a word that describes a missing or lacking quality based on the negative effects or descriptions provided in the sentence.

• Look for phrases indicating a negative outcome (e.g., 'suffered from', 'failed to', 'leaving readers with').
• Identify the specific consequence or feeling described (e.g., 'sense of incompleteness').
• Choose a word that names the absence of the quality whose lack caused the negative outcome.

Memory trick: What's not there defines the void.

A type of text completion where a blank is filled by a word that is the direct opposite of a stated idea, with supporting evidence for this opposition.

• Look for phrases like 'far from being,' 'contrary to,' 'not,' or 'instead of.'
• The evidence provided explicitly supports the contrasting idea.
• The correct answer will be an antonym or a concept diametrically opposed to the initial idea.

Memory trick: Opposite views with proof in tow, guide the right word's logical flow.

Words or phrases that signal a contrast or opposition to a previously stated idea, often introducing an alternative perspective.

• Signals a shift in argument.
• Helps identify the relationship between parts of a sentence.
• Examples include 'despite', 'although', 'however', 'nevertheless'.

Memory trick: Connect the dots, but watch for the flip!

A Text Completion strategy where both blanks must be filled by words that logically complete the sentence, often requiring an understanding of how the two chosen words relate to each other and the overall context.

• Analyze each blank separately first, then together.
• Look for relationships between the blanks (e.g., cause/effect, contrast, synonym).
• Ensure both words in the chosen option fit the sentence's meaning and tone.

Memory trick: Two blanks, two clues, make sure both words are true.

The author's attitude toward the subject matter or audience, conveyed through word choice and writing style.

• Inferred from specific word choices and phrases.
• Can be positive, negative, neutral, or mixed.
• Reflects the author's emotional stance.

Memory trick: Listen to the words, feel the tone, and know the author's stance.

Using surrounding words, phrases, and sentences to infer the meaning of an unknown word or to choose the best word to fill a blank.

• Look for synonyms, antonyms, and explanations within the text.
• Consider the overall tone and direction of the passage.
• Ensure the chosen word creates a logical and grammatically correct sentence.

Memory trick: Context is King when Choosing the Right Word.

A form of contrast where the opposing idea is not explicitly stated with a direct antonym but is strongly suggested by the surrounding context or described behaviors.

• Requires careful reading to infer the unstated opposing concept.
• Often involves contrasting stated beliefs/desires with observed actions.
• Look for discrepancies between different parts of the sentence.

Memory trick: Inferring contrast is like being a detective, finding the hidden opposite.

This concept involves identifying a word that describes a mixed or diverse approach, especially when contrasted with a singular or pure approach.

• Look for contrast indicators (e.g., 'while', 'others were more').
• Identify the characteristics of the contrasting group (e.g., 'incorporating mystical beliefs and spiritual interpretations alongside empirical observation').
• Choose a word that encapsulates the idea of combining varied elements.

Memory trick: Mixing many methods makes a mosaic of meaning.

Words or phrases that define, explain, or elaborate on another part of the sentence, often setting up the meaning for a blank.

• Examples: 'that is,' 'in other words,' 'because it,' 'which means.'
• The clarifying information directly helps determine the meaning of the unknown word.
• Can appear before or after the blank.

Memory trick: The blank is a puzzle piece, and the sentence gives you the picture to match it perfectly.

Identifying the causal relationships between events or ideas within a sentence to choose words that logically connect the cause to its stated effect.

• Look for signal words like 'led to,' 'resulted in,' 'because,' 'consequently.'
• Ensure the chosen words align with the positive or negative nature of the cause and its effect.
• Often involves understanding how an action (cause) produces a specific outcome (effect).

Memory trick: The cause sets the stage, the effect turns the page, pick words that match their rage (or calm).

This concept involves identifying a word that is the direct opposite or provides a strong contrast to a previously stated characteristic, especially when new evidence reverses an old assumption.

• Look for indicators of reversal or contrast (e.g., 'previously thought to be', 'indicating a far more... than assumed').
• Identify the original characteristic (e.g., 'isolated').
• Find a word that describes the opposite of the original characteristic, supported by new evidence.

Memory trick: New evidence opens up old closed cases.

This concept distinguishes between quick, intuitive problem-solving methods (heuristics) and slower, more thorough analytical processes, often presented as a contrast.

• Look for contrast indicators (e.g., 'rather than', 'as opposed to').
• Identify characteristics of both contrasting approaches (e.g., 'snap judgments based on limited information' vs. 'exhaustive, step-by-step logical analysis').
• Choose a word that accurately describes the 'shortcut' method.

Memory trick: Fast thoughts fly, slow thoughts scrutinize.

Words or phrases in a sentence that provide hints about the meaning of an unknown word by presenting an opposing idea.

• Look for signal words like 'however', 'but', 'although'.
• The unknown word will be the opposite or different from the known idea.
• Helps infer meaning without needing a dictionary.

Memory trick: Be a word detective, the sentence leaves clues!

Questions that ask about the organization, purpose, or function of specific paragraphs or sections within a passage.

• Focus on the 'why' and 'how' of paragraph placement and content.
• Requires understanding the overall logical flow of the text.
• Often uses terms like 'function,' 'purpose,' 'relationship,' 'organization.'

Memory trick: Each paragraph is a brick in the wall; what job does this specific brick do for the whole structure?

The reason an author writes a text, often to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain.

• Look for clues in word choice and tone.
• Consider what action or understanding the author wants from the reader.
• Distinguish from the main idea, which is *what* the author says, not *why*.

Memory trick: The Author's Purpose is their Bullseye for the Reader.

Understanding the meaning of a word as it is used in a specific sentence or passage, often by using surrounding words as clues.

• Words can have multiple meanings; context clarifies which one is intended.
• Look for synonyms, antonyms, and explanatory phrases.
• Consider the overall tone and subject matter of the passage.

Memory trick: Context Clues Clearly Lead to Correct Lexicon.

This concept involves identifying a word that describes an outward appearance of unchangingness or equilibrium, which is then contrasted with a deeper, continuous process of subtle alteration.

• Look for contrast indicators (e.g., 'while', 'albeit').
• Identify two levels or types of observation (e.g., 'physical traits' vs. 'molecular level').
• Characterize the superficial observation (e.g., 'remarkable ______ for extended periods').
• Choose a word that denotes apparent lack of change or equilibrium.

Memory trick: Still waters hide deep currents.

Identifying words that indicate a change, reversal, or modification of a previously held belief, opinion, or situation within the context of a sentence.

• Often signaled by contrast words ('yet,' 'but,' 'however').
• Look for a shift from one state or opinion to another.
• Requires words that denote alteration, retraction, or evolution.

Memory trick: When the narrative shifts, the word must reflect the change it gifts.

This concept involves identifying terms that describe societal breakdown, normlessness, or disorientation resulting from rapid change or institutional failure to adapt.

• Look for descriptions of societal struggle, adaptation failure, or negative social outcomes.
• Identify words suggesting a lack of norms, guidance, or stability.
• Choose a word that reflects a state of social disarray or disorientation.

Memory trick: Fast change can fracture social fabric.

A literary flaw where elements of a story (plot, theme, character, emotion) do not logically or emotionally connect to form a unified, understandable whole.

• Often contrasted with positive aspects like 'stylistic innovations' or 'intellectual stimulation.'
• Clues include phrases like 'lacked,' 'disjointed,' 'unfocused,' 'disconnected.'
• The blank typically identifies the missing quality that would unify the narrative.

Memory trick: A tale's true power, when whole it is, not just scattered artistic bliss.

Situations where different pieces of information or research findings present conflicting or opposing conclusions, making a clear interpretation difficult.

• Often signaled by contrast words like 'however,' 'while,' 'but.'
• Implies a lack of consensus or definitive answers.
• Requires words that convey ambiguity, inconsistency, or mixed results.

Memory trick: When evidence conflicts, the answer reflects the ambiguity it inflicts.

Contrast indicators signal that the blank will express an idea opposite or different from a previously mentioned concept, highlighting a key distinction.

• Words like 'despite', 'however', 'although' signal contrast.
• The blank often emphasizes the significance of the contrasting idea.
• Helps to understand nuanced relationships in sentences.

Memory trick: Opposite ideas, but one shouts louder!

Words or phrases that signal a shift or opposition in ideas within a sentence or paragraph.

• Examples: 'although,' 'however,' 'despite,' 'but,' 'nevertheless,' 'whereas.'
• These words introduce information that goes against expectations or previous statements.
• Crucial for understanding the logical flow and relationships between clauses.

Memory trick: Contrast words are like a 'BUT' signal, telling you to expect the opposite.

Words carry either a positive, negative, or neutral emotional association, which is crucial for selecting the correct word in context.

• Context clues often indicate the required emotional tone.
• Positive words suggest benefits, advantages, or approval.
• Negative words suggest drawbacks, harm, or disapproval.

Memory trick: Match the blank's mood, for the sentence to be understood.

Applying the logical structure or principle of an argument from a given passage to a new, different scenario to find the most parallel situation.

• Focus on the underlying pattern of causation, comparison, or relationship.
• Ignore irrelevant details of the new scenario; concentrate on structural similarity.
• Look for matches in the number of causes, their nature (single vs. multiple, sudden vs. protracted), and their effect.

Memory trick: Match the argument's blueprint, not just its paint.

Understanding why a specific detail or phrase is included in a passage, particularly how it contributes to the overall organization, argument, or explanation of the text.

• Focus on the function of the detail within the passage's structure.
• Consider what the detail helps the author achieve or explain.
• Distinguish between description, critique, recommendation, and emphasis.

Memory trick: Every detail has a job, to build the passage's hob-nob.

Choosing an abstract noun that accurately describes a complex relationship, concept, or state of being presented in the sentence.

• Abstract nouns represent ideas, qualities, or concepts.
• Context is crucial for distinguishing subtle differences between similar abstract nouns.
• Consider the overall theme and implications of the sentence.

Memory trick: Abstract Nouns Define the Invisible Dynamics.

Referring to words or concepts that have fallen out of common use or whose meanings have become outdated over time.

• Often signaled by phrases like 'once common,' 'over time,' 'now obscure.'
• Requires understanding vocabulary related to age, currency, and relevance.
• Distinguish between words that are merely old and those that are no longer understood.

Memory trick: Time's relentless march makes some words fade, into obscurity's deep shade.

Words or phrases in a sentence that define or explain an unknown word, often through restatement or descriptive phrases.

• Look for commas, dashes, or phrases like 'that is', 'which means'.
• The blank will be a synonym or descriptive term for the explained concept.
• Helps to understand new vocabulary through context.

Memory trick: The sentence is like a dictionary, defining the blank!

This concept tests understanding of how a negative phrasing ('not a...') combined with a conditional clause ('without the latter...') impacts the cause-and-effect relationship between ideas.

• Look for explicit negation (e.g., 'not a', 'no').
• Identify the conditional clause (e.g., 'without X', 'if not for Y').
• Determine what effect is being stated as absent or insufficient, implying a complete solution is lacking.

Memory trick: No X, No Y, means X isn't the only way.

For double-blank Text Completion questions, analyze each blank independently while considering the overall sentence structure and logical connections, especially signal words like contrast or cause-effect.

• Often one blank is easier to fill first.
• Signal words are crucial for establishing relationships between the blanks.
• Ensure both words create a coherent and logical sentence.

Memory trick: Two blanks are like two locks; find the key for one, then the key for the other, making sure they open the same door.

Words or phrases that signal a shift or opposition between ideas in a sentence, often leading to a blank that requires a word with a contrasting meaning.

• Common indicators include 'while,' 'although,' 'but,' 'however,' 'despite,' 'in contrast.'
• The blank will usually present an idea that runs counter to a previously stated idea.
• Understanding the direction of the contrast is key to selecting the correct word.

Memory trick: When words oppose, the blank must show the contrast it knows.

Using explicit contrast words to infer a word that is the opposite of a described concept.

• Look for phrases like 'not X but rather Y'.
• The blank will be the opposite of X.
• Helps to clarify meaning through negation.

Memory trick: Mirror, mirror, what's my exact opposite, given the 'not X but Y' clue?

A text completion strategy where the blank is filled with a word that expresses an idea opposite to one already presented in the sentence, often signaled by contrast words.

• Look for words like 'however', 'but', 'clashes with'.
• The blank will complete the contrasting idea.
• Helps distinguish between abstract and practical concepts.

Memory trick: When 'but' or 'however' appears, expect a flip!