Free GRE sample questions

Correct answer: spectrum : color

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.

Correct answer: boat : wake

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.

Correct answer: lock : theft

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.

Correct answer: slumber : dream

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.

Correct answer: appointment : tryst

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.

Correct answer: brow : creased

Explanation: This is a type of “symptom or manifestation' analogy. A HAND may become GNARLED (knotted and twisted) with age, just as a brow may become creased (wrinkled or ridged) with age. Gnarls and creases are each a manifestation of gradual deterioration. Since a tire goes flat abruptly and for one of many possible reasons, choice (E) is not as strong an analogy as choice (D).

Correct answer: travel : automobile

Explanation: This is an “inherent function' analogy. A PENDULUM is designed to OSCILLATE (move back and forth); similarly, an automobile is designed to travel.

Correct answer: traitor : disloyal

Explanation: This is as “ideal characteristic' analogy. Ideally, an ARCHITECT is CREATIVE; similarly, an ideal soldier is one who is obedient; that is, one who obeys the orders of a superior officer. Choice (B) is incorrect because disloyalty is not just an ideal characteristic of a traitor; it is the defining characteristic.

Correct answer: circumstance : predicament

Explanation: This is a “negative form of' analogy. A STIGMA (mark or sign of disgrace) is an unwanted DESIGNATION. Similarly, a predicament (difficult situation) is an unwanted circumstance.

Correct answer: guard : protection

Explanation: This is an “inherent function' analogy. The function of a TEACHER is to provide INSTRUCTION for another; similarly, the function of a guard is to provide protection for another. As for choice (D), although the “function' of a student might be said to learn, it is not to provide learning for another. So choice (E) is not as strong an analogy as choice (D).