Free GRE Exam Questions That Helps Candidates Pass

The claim attributes increased publications to the grants. The strongest way to undermine a causal inference is to show preexisting differences that explain the outcome—selection bias. If grant recipients were already on faster publication trajectories, then post-grant differences could reflect prior momentum, not grant impact. Option B states this directly, severing the causal link. Option A is true in general but non-specific; field variation doesn’t show that these grants failed to cause the rise. Option C is irrelevant; website upgrades have no plausible mechanism for boosting publications. Option D might even support the mechanism (more help → more output), not weaken it. On GRE Argument tasks, the decisive weakening evidence usually identifies a confound aligned temporally and substantively with the claimed effect; here, prior trends among selected labs are exactly that confound.

The sentence characterizes an apology that’s merely going through the motions: “vague platitudes” and no real ownership. “Perfunctory” means done as a routine duty with minimal effort or care—exactly what’s being criticized. “Contrite” conveys genuine remorse, the opposite of the described behavior. “Effulgent” means radiant or shining; it’s irrelevant to tone or sincerity. “Magnanimous” means generous, also off-target. On GRE Verbal, look for signal words indicating superficiality (“platitudes,” “without acknowledging”). The best answer should capture superficial compliance rather than true engagement—perfunctory does so precisely.

Clues: “avoids hagiography” and “acknowledging … achievements and flaws” point to even-handed treatment. “Balanced” means fair and impartial—exactly what the sentence describes. “Laudatory,” “sycophantic,” and “adulatory” all imply excessive praise, contradicting the claim of balance. GRE vocabulary questions often contrast extreme praise with fairness; the correct option must reflect moderation and impartiality. Substituting “balanced” creates a logical and coherent sentence.

The clue “reveling in visual gags” signals loud, boisterous energy. “Raucous” means boisterously disorderly—apt for a spirited satire. The opening clause “Contrary to its solemn title” underscores the surprise: the tone is the opposite of grave. “Lugubrious” means mournful; “ponderous” suggests heavy and laborious; “decorous” implies proper restraint. All three contradict the rambunctious comedic tone indicated. On GRE items, leverage adverbs like “Contrary” and descriptive clauses (“reveling in gags”) to triangulate tone. Paraphrase: “the film is a raucous satire” cleanly explains the juxtaposition between title and execution.

Causal efficacy is best supported by rigorous comparative evidence that isolates the intervention. Option B provides a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a concrete effect size on a common outcome measure (the same standardized test), establishing that the program caused higher scores relative to a valid counterfactual. Option A is anecdotal and subject to positivity bias; it does not measure learning. Option C indicates usage, not impact—attendance can be high without achievement gains. Option D is suggestive but confounded: districts differ in many ways, so cross-district comparisons aren’t causal. GRE Argument strengthening tasks reward (1) random assignment (to neutralize confounds), (2) objective outcome metrics aligned with the claim, and (3) a clear time frame. Option B satisfies all three, making it the strongest support for the board’s assertion.