GRE Practice Questions

Explanation: This is a “defining characteristic' analogy. A person who is CIRCUMSPECT (cautious, wary, guarded, or watchful) is by definition characterized by VIGILANCE (watchfulness); similarly, a person who is ardent (zealous or eager) is by definition characterized by enthusiasm.

Explanation: This is a “place or environment for' analogy. You dig a QUARRY, or excavation pit, where materials such as MARBLE are located for the purpose of extracting the materials. Similarly, you construct a well where oil is located for the purpose of extracting the oil.

Explanation: This is a “possible use of' analogy. A SNORKEL is an apparatus designed to aid in DIVING, but it is not essential for that activity; similarly, a blade is an apparatus designed to aid skating, but it is not essential for that activity.

Explanation: This is a “possible use of' analogy type. A weapon is a tool that’s often used to INTIMIDATE.

Similarly, an icebox is a tool that’s typically used to preserve (by means of freezing).

Explanation: This is a “necessary condition' analogy. GESTATION means “pregnancy'; NATAL means “pertaining to birth'. Thus, gestation is a necessary condition for and must precede a birth. Similarly, a premise is a necessary condition for and must precede a conclusion.

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

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

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

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

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