GMAT Verbal Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GMAT measures how well you can analyse written material, assess arguments, and correct written text. It tests the core skills needed for success in a business or management environment. It focuses on clear communication, logical thinking, and the ability to make decisions based on evidence.

This section consists of a variety of question types, including Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning, each requiring a different approach. Mastering these questions demands a strong understanding of language, attention to detail, and consistent practise. In the following sections, we will explore examples of Verbal Reasoning questions in GMAT to help you familiarise yourself with their structure and develop strategies for tackling them effectively.

Key Highlights:

• GMAT’s Verbal Reasoning section tests analysis and argument assessment for business success.
• It includes Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning (CR) with distinct approaches.
• GMAT’s Reading Comprehension evaluates passage comprehension; CR focuses on logical reasoning and argument skills.
• Reading Comprehension (RC) questions focus on main idea, inference, tone, and details, testing your ability to understand and interpret passages and draw logical conclusions.
• Critical Reasoning (CR) questions include types like strengthen, weaken, assumption, flaw, and conclusion, assessing your ability to evaluate arguments and identify logical gaps.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section has 23 questions you need to attempt in 45 minutes. It checks your ability to comprehend written material, evaluate arguments critically, and identify linguistic precision. It plays a significant role in determining your overall GMAT score, testing both your analytical skills and command of the English language. In this section, you'll encounter two question types: Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning (CR). 

For targeted practise and expert insights, use Yocket Prep to strengthen your verbal reasoning skills.

Reading Comprehension (RC)

The Reading Comprehension (RC) segment evaluates your ability to read and understand passages that reflect the complexity and language used in graduate-level studies. The passages typically span a variety of topics, including science, history, business, and humanities. Here are the question types covered under RC:

1. Main Idea/Primary Purpose

Question:

The rise of social media has had a profound effect on the way people communicate. In the past, communication was predominantly face-to-face, via telephone, or through written letters. Today, however, platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users to interact instantly across vast distances, leading to a radical shift in how individuals communicate. Social media enables people to express their opinions, share information, and connect with others in ways that were previously unimaginable.

One of the most significant impacts of social media is its ability to bring together people from all corners of the world. This connectivity has created opportunities for people to participate in discussions and share ideas with a global audience. Political movements, social causes, and personal conversations now take place on platforms like Twitter, where users can engage in real-time debates or express support for a cause. This instantaneous interaction has heightened people's awareness of global events and encouraged the exchange of diverse viewpoints.

However, social media has also been criticised for its detrimental effects on communication skills. Detractors argue that the ease of online communication reduces face-to-face interaction, which may hinder the development of interpersonal skills. Additionally, the brevity of posts, such as Twitter’s 280-character limit, often leads to fragmented, superficial communication. This shift toward shorter, less nuanced conversations may affect how effectively individuals express themselves and how deeply they engage with one another.

What is the main purpose of the passage?

A) To show how social media has completely replaced face-to-face communication.

B) To argue that social media is the primary cause of communication breakdowns.

C) To discuss the positive and negative effects of social media on communication.

D) To advocate for stricter regulation of social media platforms.

Answer: C) To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of technology in education.
Explanation: The passage examines both the pros and cons, which suggests the main purpose is to explore the balanced use of technology in education.

2. Inference

Question:

In today’s world, social media has become an integral part of communication. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow people to share their thoughts, ideas, and personal experiences instantly with a vast audience. Social media has also opened new avenues for discussions, where individuals can join conversations on a global scale. Unlike traditional face-to-face communication, social media encourages users to engage with a wide range of topics, from politics to entertainment. While critics argue that social media is causing a decline in personal interactions, many find that it enhances their ability to connect with others and engage more deeply in discussions than ever before.

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about the impact of social media on communication?

A) Social media has completely replaced face-to-face communication.

B) Social media encourages people to engage more actively in discussions.

C) Social media has no effect on communication skills.

D) Social media has led to a decline in traditional forms of communication.

Answer: B) Social media encourages people to engage more actively in discussions.
Explanation: The passage suggests that social media facilitates increased communication and participation in discussions, though it doesn’t claim it has completely replaced traditional communication.

3. Supporting Ideas

Question:

Technology has radically transformed how people access information. With the advent of smartphones, people now have the ability to search for information anywhere and anytime, eliminating the need for traditional methods of accessing knowledge, such as libraries or textbooks. Online platforms like Google and Wikipedia make it possible for users to gather information quickly and efficiently, often in real-time. The rise of educational apps and online courses has furthered this transformation, enabling students to access learning resources that were once limited to physical classrooms. This new way of accessing knowledge has revolutionised not only education but the way people learn in general, providing greater flexibility and accessibility than ever before.

According to the passage, which of the following best supports the author's claim that technology has transformed the way people access knowledge?

A) The widespread use of smartphones has made information accessible at any time.

B) People now prefer attending in-person classes over online courses.

C) The traditional method of education focused heavily on textbooks and lectures.

D) Older generations have struggled to adapt to the rapid pace of technological change.

Answer: A) The widespread use of smartphones has made information accessible at any time.
Explanation: This directly supports the claim that technology has revolutionised access to knowledge by making it readily available via smartphones, anytime and anywhere.

4. Organisation and Function

Question:

The role of technology in education has sparked considerable debate over the past few decades. On one hand, advocates argue that technology opens new avenues for personalised learning, making it possible for students to engage with materials at their own pace. Interactive apps, online courses, and digital textbooks have changed the learning environment, providing both teachers and students with a variety of tools that enhance the educational experience.

However, critics of this technological shift contend that an over-reliance on technology can lead to issues such as decreased attention spans, a decline in face-to-face social interactions, and a greater divide between students who have access to technology and those who do not. While these concerns are valid, proponents maintain that technology, when used properly, can supplement traditional learning methods, promoting creativity, collaboration, and deeper understanding. In this view, technology does not replace the teacher but enhances their ability to guide students in ways that were not previously possible.

How does the second paragraph primarily function in the passage?

A) It presents a counterargument to the idea that technology enhances education.

B) It elaborates on the negative consequences of technology in education.

C) It provides evidence supporting the main argument about technology's impact.

D) It discusses how educators have adapted to technological changes.

Answer: C) It provides evidence supporting the main argument about technology's impact.
Explanation: The second paragraph explains how technology helps improve accessibility to education, thereby supporting the main argument that technology can enhance learning.

5. Evaluation

Question:

While the use of technology in the classroom has undeniably opened up new opportunities for both students and teachers, it also comes with a set of challenges. On the one hand, digital tools and online resources can make learning more accessible and engaging. Students can interact with multimedia content, collaborate with peers globally, and access a wealth of information at the touch of a button. However, excessive screen time has raised concerns among experts, who warn that it can lead to negative outcomes, such as eye strain, sleep disruption, and decreased face-to-face interactions. Moreover, the overuse of technology may undermine critical thinking skills, as students rely more on digital tools rather than engaging in independent thought processes. Despite these concerns, many agree that when used effectively, technology can complement traditional learning methods and enhance the educational experience.

Which of the following best evaluates the author’s argument about the role of technology in the classroom?

A) The author effectively argues that technology should be used with caution but overlooks the potential long-term effects of excessive screen time.

B) The author presents a strong case for the widespread use of technology, disregarding concerns about students' well-being.

C) The author provides a balanced view, acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of technology in education.

D) The author focuses exclusively on the benefits of technology and ignores the negative consequences.

Answer: C) The author provides a balanced view, acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of technology in education.
Explanation: The passage provides a nuanced perspective, highlighting both the advantages and challenges of integrating technology into education.

Critical Reasoning (CR)

The Critical Reasoning (CR) section of GMAT Verbal Reasoning measures how you evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and draw logical conclusions. Each question presents a short argument followed by a question that challenges your analytical and reasoning skills. Have a look at the following table for a simpler understanding of what’s in store for you:

1. Strengthen the Argument

These questions require you to select the answer that most helps to strengthen the argument made in the passage.

Question:
A company claims that introducing a four-day workweek will improve employee productivity, based on a study conducted in another country. Which of the following would most strengthen the company’s argument?

A) The study was conducted in a country with similar work culture and productivity standards.

B) The study only tracked employees working in the IT sector.

C) A separate study in the same country showed that employees preferred a longer weekend, irrespective of the number of workdays.

D) The company has successfully implemented a flexible work schedule in its other branches.

Answer: A) The study was conducted in a country with similar work culture and productivity standards.
Explanation: The answer supports the claim that the study in another country is relevant, as both work culture and productivity standards are similar.

2. Weaken the Argument

These questions ask you to select the option that most weakens the argument presented in the passage.

Question:
A hospital claims that its new telemedicine program has significantly reduced patient wait times. Which of the following would most weaken the hospital’s claim?

A) The program is available only for follow-up appointments, which require less time than initial consultations.

B) Patient feedback about the program has been overwhelmingly positive.

C) The hospital added more staff to reduce in-person wait times.

D) The program has only been implemented in one department, not across the entire hospital.

Answer: C) The hospital added more staff to reduce in-person wait times.
Explanation: This undermines the claim that telemedicine specifically is responsible for reduced wait times, suggesting that increased staffing might have contributed to the improvements.

3. Assumption

These questions ask you to identify an unstated assumption that the argument relies upon.

Question:
A city council argues that building more parks in urban areas will reduce crime rates. Which of the following is an assumption underlying the city council’s argument?

A) People will use the new parks regularly and in large numbers.

B) The crime rate is currently high in areas with few public parks.

C) Urban crime is caused primarily by a lack of recreational spaces.

D) Parks are the most cost-effective solution to crime reduction.

Answer: C) Urban crime is caused primarily by a lack of recreational spaces.
Explanation: The council’s argument assumes that the main cause of crime in urban areas is a lack of parks. If this assumption is not true, then the argument fails.

4. Flaw

These questions test your ability to identify a logical flaw in the argument.

Question:
An environmental group claims that reducing the use of plastic bags will lead to a cleaner environment. Which of the following is the most likely flaw in this argument?

A) The group overlooks the environmental impact of alternative bagging options, like paper bags.

B) The group’s claim is based solely on research from a single country.

C) The group fails to consider the potential for biodegradable plastic alternatives.

D) The group doesn’t factor in the contribution of other sources of pollution in the environment.

Answer: A) The group overlooks the environmental impact of alternative bagging options, like paper bags.
Explanation: The flaw is assuming that reducing plastic bags will automatically result in an environmental benefit without considering the environmental cost of alternatives like paper.

5. Conclusion

These questions test your ability to identify the main conclusion of the argument.

Question:
Which of the following is the main conclusion of the passage?
The city is considering building a new public transportation system to reduce traffic congestion. Proponents of the project argue that it will save time and reduce pollution. However, critics point out that the system’s cost could be prohibitive, and that other measures, such as increasing road capacity or encouraging carpooling, could be more effective.

A) A new public transportation system will reduce pollution.

B) Critics believe that increasing road capacity will be more effective than building a new transportation system.

C) The cost of a new public transportation system could outweigh its benefits.

D) A new public transportation system will reduce traffic congestion.

Answer: C) The cost of a new public transportation system could outweigh its benefits.
Explanation: The main conclusion is that the cost of building the system might not justify the benefits, as suggested by the critics.

How to Prepare for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning Section?

To prepare effectively for the GMAT Verbal Reasoning section, focus on understanding question types, enhancing language skills, and practising consistently. These steps will ensure you are familiar with the format, develop strong analytical skills, and approach the exam with confidence.

• Understand the Question Types: Explore the two Verbal Reasoning categories—Reading Comprehension (RC) and Critical Reasoning (CR). Each requires a specific approach and skill set.
• Build Your Reading Skills: Read newspapers, journals, and articles to identify main ideas, arguments, and tones. Regular reading sharpens comprehension and focus.
• Practise Critical Thinking: Work on CR questions to analyse assumptions, evaluate evidence, and detect flaws in reasoning. Logical thinking is key here.
• Master Grammar and Style: Learn grammar rules like subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and parallelism. Regular SC practise helps spot and fix errors quickly.
• Develop a Time Strategy: Distribute time evenly, aiming for about 2 minutes per question. Timed practise sessions help maintain speed and accuracy.
• Use Official Materials: Study from GMAT guides and practise tests for authentic questions and reliable insights. These resources mirror test conditions.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify problem topics and devote extra time to improving them. Addressing gaps boosts confidence and performance.

From the Desk of Yocket

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section is more than just reading and answering questions. It's about understanding, analysing, and applying critical thinking skills. To succeed, it’s necessary to practise regularly and acquaint yourself with the structure of different question types. Whether it’s dissecting complex Reading Comprehension passages or evaluating assumptions in Critical Reasoning, understanding these will set you apart in your GMAT journey.

Yocket Prep offers a comprehensive platform with practise tests, tips, and strategies that will help you strengthen your verbal reasoning skills. Our expert-led resources will not only guide you through the most challenging question types but also help you develop a time management strategy to boost accuracy and confidence on test day. Get ready to attempt the GMAT using Yocket Prep.