GRE Verbal Sample Questions Set R

Categories: GRE (The Graduate Records Examination)

Questions 20-27 refer to the following passage.

                 Chlorine is a mainstay in most swimming pools in the United States, and is used to eradicate bacteria. A bacteria-free pool will usually ensure that swimmers won’t contract a serious illness if they spend time in, and possibly ingest, the water.

                 When chlorine is added to pool water, a chemical reaction occurs whereby the chlorine breaks down into a legion of chemicals that combine to kill bacteria that may be in the water. These chemicals, specifically hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion, eliminate bacteria by annihilating and then oxidizing the abhorrent cells. When this chemical reaction occurs, the bacteria are rendered essentially harmless. This chemical reaction doesn’t occur immediately – individual components within chlorine take varying amounts of time to interact with the bacteria, creating an almost time-release-type of kill in the pool water.

                 Chlorine must be regularly replenished. As they react, the hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion combine to create a particular acceptable pH level in the pool water. A pH is a measure of the alkalinity and acidity present; a pH value of 7 represents a neutral value, and 7.4 is the pH value of the human tear. The pH ratio must be regularly monitored to ensure a consistent optimum rate– one usually kept within the spectrum of 7 to 8 as measured by a reliable pH measuring kit.

            As the chemicals in chlorine complete their reactions, they break down and are no longer effective in keeping the pool water neutralized. Additional chlorine must be added to water at specific times. Outdoor pools that are in direct sunlight need to have water added more often because the chemical reaction time for chlorine is increased and its effectiveness is reduced in these conditions.

           Since the hypochlorite ion is an especially potent chemical capable of fading fabrics and paint, most people are meticulous about rinsing chlorine from potentially affected areas. Although chlorine is inexpensive and widely available, some people find the bleach smell to be repugnant and the distinct aroma present at many swimming pools to be overwhelming. These people may not be able to enjoy aquatic pursuits in those pools that employ chlorine as a cleansing agent. Other people may find that inhaling chlorine at the high levels present around some pools may be difficult to tolerate. Still others may experience skin irritation after swimming in a pool containing chlorine. Although there are other chemicals and compounds available to clean swimming pools, they may be prohibitively expensive or incapable of killing all types of bacteria present in the water.

Question.20. All of the following statements are true about chlorine EXCEPT:

A. Chlorine’s efficacy is affected by sunlight.

B. Chlorine is made up of two chemicals: hypochlorous acid and hypochlorine ion.

C. Chlorine is usually said to be malodorous.

D. Chlorine levels must be routinely assessed in pool water.

E. Chlorine affects the pH level of water. All of all of the following

Answer: (b)

Question.21. According to the passage, a stable pH value in pool water is dependent upon which of the following:

A. Ensuring that there is only a minimum amount of bacteria in the water

B. Monitoring and adding chlorine when warranted

C. Paying close attention to the reactions of chemicals in the pool water

D. Ensuring that water is protected from direct sunlight

E. Having a bacteria-free pool

Answer: (b)

Question.22. The author’s primary purpose is to:

A. offer an unbiased opinion of chlorine’s efficacy.

B. provide an argument for using chlorine.

C. discuss the chemical reaction taking place within a pool.

D. show how chlorine can keep pool water safe.

E. suggest alternatives to keeping a pool clean.

Answer: (d)

Question.23. In paragraph 5, line 3, repugnant most nearly means

A. bearable

B. offensive

C. extrinsic

D. pleasant

E. congenial

Answer: (b)

Question.24. Based on the passage, which statement is probably NOT true of chlorine?

A. It can be harmful if swallowed.

B. Occasional high levels in pool water are probably not harmful.

C. It can kill most common types of pool water bacteria.

D. A pool’s size will dictate the amount needed.

E. It won’t affect the color of the pool water.

Answer: (b)

Question.25. The author includes the information about the pH of human tears mainly to:

A. give the reader a base of reference.

B. provide a visual image for the reader.

C. personalize the passage to enhance interest.

D. answer the reader’s anticipated question.

E. summarize how pH is calculated.

Answer: (a)

Question.26. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following statements is true about keeping pool water neutralized?

I. Bacteria are kept at a tolerable level.

II. Chlorine is being added at regular intervals.

III. The pH level is being constantly monitored.

A. I only

B. II only

C. III only

D. I and II only

E. II and III only

Answer: (b)

Question.27. As used in paragraph 1, line 1, eradicate most nearly means:

A. exterminate

B. adulterate

C. vitiate

D. exacerbate

E. enervate

Answer: (a)

You should have an idea of the kinds of questions you might see on the GRE Verbal after reading these sample questions. To score better in the test, keep up your practise and familiarise yourself with a wide variety of vocabulary words.

Please note that these are simplified examples; actual GRE questions could be trickier and call for more in-depth solutions. For the most accurate simulation of the test, it's critical to become familiar with the GRE's structure and format and practise using approved GRE study materials.