GMAT Verbal Reasoning Practice Test 4

Administrators at Washington Memorial Hospital were concerned by the high rates of late employee arrivals each morning. As an intervention, the hospital implemented a new program that offers employees free breakfast every morning from 6-7 a.m. The breakfast program was meant to incentivize employees. After a month of the program, hospital administrators saw little change in the rate of late employee arrivals.

Which of the following, if true, best explains why the hospital administration saw little change in the rate of late employee arrivals?

Most trombone players in the orchestra utilize the school practice rooms but most of the oboe players do not. Hence, there must be more trombone players than oboe players in the orchestra.

Which of the following presents a flaw in the argument?

A school implemented a program to test whether physical activity improves student academic performance. 500 students were required to take a bi-weekly dance class in addition to their regular coursework while the other 500 students in the school had a free period. After eight weeks, the school did indeed see a significant improvement in the grades of students who took dance classes while there was no change in the grades of the students who had a free period. The school administration concluded that physical activity improves student academic performance.

The school’s conclusion assumes which of the following?

Biofeedback is a popular therapeutic technique that can train people to alter their predominantly unconscious physiological activities such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. This process involves using sensory feedback such as visual cues or sounds to learn how to relax one’s body and mind in order to improve functioning and overall health. One of the benefits of biofeedback is its versatility. Biofeedback can include a variety of interventions that target functions that are controlled by our automatic nervous system. For example, sensors placed on the body can alert a person to changes in heart rate variability (HRV); with time, the person can learn to have greater control over their HRV which has been shown to improve a number of conditions such as depression and asthma. Similarly, respiratory feedback can train people to have more control over their breathing, which can be beneficial to those suffering from anxiety. Many other forms of biofeedback exist, making it convenient both as a standalone therapy and as an addition to other types of treatment.

Biofeedback is safe and noninvasive. Despite its many benefits, biofeedback may not be for everyone; scientists are still uncovering the underlying mechanisms that make it work to better understand why it is more effective for some people than for others. In addition, this type of therapy requires a commitment of time and effort; it does not provide a quick fix for any ailment. Yet, with the support of a trained professional, biofeedback remains a useful therapeutic tool that has the potential to greatly improve the care of many mental and physical conditions.

Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?

Biofeedback is a popular therapeutic technique that can train people to alter their predominantly unconscious physiological activities such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. This process involves using sensory feedback such as visual cues or sounds to learn how to relax one’s body and mind in order to improve functioning and overall health. One of the benefits of biofeedback is its versatility. Biofeedback can include a variety of interventions that target functions that are controlled by our automatic nervous system. For example, sensors placed on the body can alert a person to changes in heart rate variability (HRV); with time, the person can learn to have greater control over their HRV which has been shown to improve a number of conditions such as depression and asthma. Similarly, respiratory feedback can train people to have more control over their breathing, which can be beneficial to those suffering from anxiety. Many other forms of biofeedback exist, making it convenient both as a standalone therapy and as an addition to other types of treatment.

Biofeedback is safe and noninvasive. Despite its many benefits, biofeedback may not be for everyone; scientists are still uncovering the underlying mechanisms that make it work to better understand why it is more effective for some people than for others. In addition, this type of therapy requires a commitment of time and effort; it does not provide a quick fix for any ailment. Yet, with the support of a trained professional, biofeedback remains a useful therapeutic tool that has the potential to greatly improve the care of many mental and physical conditions.

Based on the information in the passage, which of the following can be inferred about the automatic nervous system?

Biofeedback is a popular therapeutic technique that can train people to alter their predominantly unconscious physiological activities such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. This process involves using sensory feedback such as visual cues or sounds to learn how to relax one’s body and mind in order to improve functioning and overall health. One of the benefits of biofeedback is its versatility. Biofeedback can include a variety of interventions that target functions that are controlled by our automatic nervous system. For example, sensors placed on the body can alert a person to changes in heart rate variability (HRV); with time, the person can learn to have greater control over their HRV which has been shown to improve a number of conditions such as depression and asthma. Similarly, respiratory feedback can train people to have more control over their breathing, which can be beneficial to those suffering from anxiety. Many other forms of biofeedback exist, making it convenient both as a standalone therapy and as an addition to other types of treatment.

Biofeedback is safe and noninvasive. Despite its many benefits, biofeedback may not be for everyone; scientists are still uncovering the underlying mechanisms that make it work to better understand why it is more effective for some people than for others. In addition, this type of therapy requires a commitment of time and effort; it does not provide a quick fix for any ailment. Yet, with the support of a trained professional, biofeedback remains a useful therapeutic tool that has the potential to greatly improve the care of many mental and physical conditions.

The author of the passage mentions the support of trained professionals in biofeedback most likely in order to

Jay, an amateur gardener, has decided to experiment with mixing his own nutrient-rich soil to use on all of his plants. His latest formula has shown no impact on the growth of his garden, where conditions of light, heat, and water are ideal, but he is sure that in less ideal conditions his formula helps plants thrive.

If true, which of the following best supports Jay’s conclusion about his soil mix?

The toxin levels in Merriam Lake have risen so much that many fish have been dangerously contaminated. According to an article in Merriam Lake Times, “Further policies are needed to investigate the fishing and distribution of fish caught at Merriam Lake.”

Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the argument?

Today, it is an indisputable fact that the Earth goes around the sun. Yet, before Nicolaus Copernicus posited this notion in his 1543 publication, “On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres,” the consensus among the astronomers of Europe was that Earth lay at the center of the universe. This heretical idea was not the only way Copernicus set himself apart from the astronomers of his time and earned himself, in the present day, the moniker, “Father of Modern Astronomy.” Copernicus also discerned the correct order of the contemporaneously known planets, attributed the seasons to a shift in the Earth’s axis, and determined that the Earth’s spin is responsible for a twenty-four-hour day.

Although Copernicus was a visionary, not all of his ideas were right. He not only placed the sun at the center of our solar system but claimed it was the center of the entire universe. He also mistakenly believed that planets orbit the sun in perfect circular patterns. Even though some of his ideas were later disproved, Copernicus’s defiance of the prominent philosophy and religion of his era took great bravery. His untimely death in 1543, the year his theory of heliocentrism was published, may have saved him from the harshest condemnation of his peers as his contributions would not become widely accepted for another hundred years. Today, Copernicus is regarded as a revolutionary who forever changed the way mankind looks at the heavens above. His critical thinking and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truths of our universe exemplify the very spirit of science and continue to inspire inquisitive minds to this day.

According to the passage, which of the following claims was Copernicus right about?

Today, it is an indisputable fact that the Earth goes around the sun. Yet, before Nicolaus Copernicus posited this notion in his 1543 publication, “On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres,” the consensus among the astronomers of Europe was that Earth lay at the center of the universe. This heretical idea was not the only way Copernicus set himself apart from the astronomers of his time and earned himself, in the present day, the moniker, “Father of Modern Astronomy.” Copernicus also discerned the correct order of the contemporaneously known planets, attributed the seasons to a shift in the Earth’s axis, and determined that the Earth’s spin is responsible for a twenty-four-hour day.

Although Copernicus was a visionary, not all of his ideas were right. He not only placed the sun at the center of our solar system but claimed it was the center of the entire universe. He also mistakenly believed that planets orbit the sun in perfect circular patterns. Even though some of his ideas were later disproved, Copernicus’s defiance of the prominent philosophy and religion of his era took great bravery. His untimely death in 1543, the year his theory of heliocentrism was published, may have saved him from the harshest condemnation of his peers as his contributions would not become widely accepted for another hundred years. Today, Copernicus is regarded as a revolutionary who forever changed the way mankind looks at the heavens above. His critical thinking and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truths of our universe exemplify the very spirit of science and continue to inspire inquisitive minds to this day.

The author of the passage implies which of the following about the heliocentric model?

Today, it is an indisputable fact that the Earth goes around the sun. Yet, before Nicolaus Copernicus posited this notion in his 1543 publication, “On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres,” the consensus among the astronomers of Europe was that Earth lay at the center of the universe. This heretical idea was not the only way Copernicus set himself apart from the astronomers of his time and earned himself, in the present day, the moniker, “Father of Modern Astronomy.” Copernicus also discerned the correct order of the contemporaneously known planets, attributed the seasons to a shift in the Earth’s axis, and determined that the Earth’s spin is responsible for a twenty-four-hour day.

Although Copernicus was a visionary, not all of his ideas were right. He not only placed the sun at the center of our solar system but claimed it was the center of the entire universe. He also mistakenly believed that planets orbit the sun in perfect circular patterns. Even though some of his ideas were later disproved, Copernicus’s defiance of the prominent philosophy and religion of his era took great bravery. His untimely death in 1543, the year his theory of heliocentrism was published, may have saved him from the harshest condemnation of his peers as his contributions would not become widely accepted for another hundred years. Today, Copernicus is regarded as a revolutionary who forever changed the way mankind looks at the heavens above. His critical thinking and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truths of our universe exemplify the very spirit of science and continue to inspire inquisitive minds to this day.

The passage is primarily concerned with

A professor collected anonymous student evaluations in a box. Of the sixty students 24 responded, 20 of the responses were positive and 4 were negative. This suggests that most students had good impressions of their professor.

This argument is most vulnerable to criticism on which of the following grounds?

A dog is trained to be an excellent truffle hunter. His trainer concludes that because he excels at such a complex job, he can’t be trained to be a successful service dog.

Which of the following must be assumed for the dog trainer’s conclusion to follow logically?

Teachers at a local school devised a program to help students meet up with college representatives. The teachers set up a networking event in which the students could introduce themselves to college representatives and ask them questions. Despite widespread advertising for the event, student turnout was low.

Which of the following if true best explains why many students did not attend the event?

Starting one’s own brand is exciting, but any new company can attest to the struggles of trying to sell an unproven product. New companies may be tempted to engage in unethical practices to acquire new customers and expand their sales. Some of these practices boil down to a lack of honesty and transparency; engaging in any one of them can undermine the integrity of a company.

One tactic some new companies use is to make overly optimistic promises to consumers about products, services, or future upgrades in order to make a sale or to upsell. A tech company, for example, may promise upgrades on an app knowing it isn’t likely to deliver. Though such a practice may earn customers in the short run, it won’t go unnoticed and will impact customer loyalty. Consumers may similarly be misled about promotions or financial commitments so that they owe more money than they may have expected. This practice doesn’t only damage customer retention, but can cause real harm to consumers.

Transparency is essential for consumer trust. While it’s important not to damage that trust with dishonest practices, it is equally important to foster it through good practices. Allowing consumers to sample products or services is a surefire way for a company to increase transparency. Trials help to promote products and also weed out potential unsatisfied customers, helping to keep a company’s image from attack. Ultimately, honesty and transparency are indispensable to the development of a new company and to the growth of its customer base.

The passage implies which of the following?

Starting one’s own brand is exciting, but any new company can attest to the struggles of trying to sell an unproven product. New companies may be tempted to engage in unethical practices to acquire new customers and expand their sales. Some of these practices boil down to a lack of honesty and transparency; engaging in any one of them can undermine the integrity of a company.

One tactic some new companies use is to make overly optimistic promises to consumers about products, services, or future upgrades in order to make a sale or to upsell. A tech company, for example, may promise upgrades on an app knowing it isn’t likely to deliver. Though such a practice may earn customers in the short run, it won’t go unnoticed and will impact customer loyalty. Consumers may similarly be misled about promotions or financial commitments so that they owe more money than they may have expected. This practice doesn’t only damage customer retention, but can cause real harm to consumers.

Transparency is essential for consumer trust. While it’s important not to damage that trust with dishonest practices, it is equally important to foster it through good practices. Allowing consumers to sample products or services is a surefire way for a company to increase transparency. Trials help to promote products and also weed out potential unsatisfied customers, helping to keep a company’s image from attack. Ultimately, honesty and transparency are indispensable to the development of a new company and to the growth of its customer base.

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a reason for companies to enforce honest and transparent policies?

Any food that’s fried in butter is delicious, and anything that’s delicious brings joy. So any butter-fried food brings joy.

The reasoning in which of the following arguments is most similar to that in the argument above?

A good friend must listen well and be able to respond with compassion. But anyone who can respond with compassion can listen well. Since Esperanza can respond with compassion, she must be a good friend.

This argument is flawed in which of the following ways?

As worldwide efforts to treat communicable diseases lead to improved life expectancy, healthcare professionals are seeing a shift in which types of disease most commonly make their way to a doctor’s office. According to the World Health Organization, noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD) are now the leading cause of death and disability around the globe. CVD impacts global economies due to a tremendous burden on healthcare and a decrease in productivity. This disproportionately affects communities that are of low- and middle-income, where the burden of disability and premature deaths from CVD is continuing to increase and contributing to cycles of poverty.  Social determinants, nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, offer an important avenue for tackling the problem of CVD. Nurses, who already work closely with patients, are in an opportune position to tackle one prominent social determinant of CVD: education.

In the United States, education is one of the most commonly used indicators for CVD outcomes.  Lower educational attainment levels are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, higher incidence of cardiovascular events, and higher cardiovascular mortality, independent of sociodemographic factors. Many Americans who have CVD have reported not knowing about the disease or how to reduce their risk of developing it. Due to low health literacy, many Americans are left in the dark about which behaviors contribute to CVD and what treatments are available. The highest prevalence of CVD is usually seen among groups most likely to have limited access to healthcare, such as those who live in rural areas, migrant workers, or others living in high-stress environments. This is why addressing health literacy is a practical intervention nurses can take to reduce the impacts of CVD.

Early education about risk factors, preventative strategies, and management of CVD has the potential to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates of this disease. Nurses’ proximity to patients puts them in the best position to provide individualized, social determinant-sensitive education as a form of early cardiovascular health intervention. Educating patients about managing their condition and preventing more complications by changing their lifestyles and habits is important. With this in mind, early education is key. School nurses can start teaching children about reading nutritional labels and about the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco; they can even incorporate short activities that can be done as a family. Education does not only pertain to individuals; it impacts community and public health as well. Healthcare workers like nurses must be responsible for public outreach to increase health literacy among those who can make the most difference: policymakers. Nurses have the potential to be the biggest advocates for upstream approaches such as these to help improve society’s quality of life and health outcomes.

Which of the following, if true, would weaken the conclusion of the article?

As worldwide efforts to treat communicable diseases lead to improved life expectancy, healthcare professionals are seeing a shift in which types of disease most commonly make their way to a doctor’s office. According to the World Health Organization, noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD) are now the leading cause of death and disability around the globe. CVD impacts global economies due to a tremendous burden on healthcare and a decrease in productivity. This disproportionately affects communities that are of low- and middle-income, where the burden of disability and premature deaths from CVD is continuing to increase and contributing to cycles of poverty.  Social determinants, nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, offer an important avenue for tackling the problem of CVD. Nurses, who already work closely with patients, are in an opportune position to tackle one prominent social determinant of CVD: education.

In the United States, education is one of the most commonly used indicators for CVD outcomes.  Lower educational attainment levels are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, higher incidence of cardiovascular events, and higher cardiovascular mortality, independent of sociodemographic factors. Many Americans who have CVD have reported not knowing about the disease or how to reduce their risk of developing it. Due to low health literacy, many Americans are left in the dark about which behaviors contribute to CVD and what treatments are available. The highest prevalence of CVD is usually seen among groups most likely to have limited access to healthcare, such as those who live in rural areas, migrant workers, or others living in high-stress environments. This is why addressing health literacy is a practical intervention nurses can take to reduce the impacts of CVD.

Early education about risk factors, preventative strategies, and management of CVD has the potential to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates of this disease. Nurses’ proximity to patients puts them in the best position to provide individualized, social determinant-sensitive education as a form of early cardiovascular health intervention. Educating patients about managing their condition and preventing more complications by changing their lifestyles and habits is important. With this in mind, early education is key. School nurses can start teaching children about reading nutritional labels and about the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco; they can even incorporate short activities that can be done as a family. Education does not only pertain to individuals; it impacts community and public health as well. Healthcare workers like nurses must be responsible for public outreach to increase health literacy among those who can make the most difference: policymakers. Nurses have the potential to be the biggest advocates for upstream approaches such as these to help improve society’s quality of life and health outcomes.

Based on the information provided in this article, which of the following is NOT a social determinant of health?

As worldwide efforts to treat communicable diseases lead to improved life expectancy, healthcare professionals are seeing a shift in which types of disease most commonly make their way to a doctor’s office. According to the World Health Organization, noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD) are now the leading cause of death and disability around the globe. CVD impacts global economies due to a tremendous burden on healthcare and a decrease in productivity. This disproportionately affects communities that are of low- and middle-income, where the burden of disability and premature deaths from CVD is continuing to increase and contributing to cycles of poverty.  Social determinants, nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, offer an important avenue for tackling the problem of CVD. Nurses, who already work closely with patients, are in an opportune position to tackle one prominent social determinant of CVD: education.

In the United States, education is one of the most commonly used indicators for CVD outcomes.  Lower educational attainment levels are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, higher incidence of cardiovascular events, and higher cardiovascular mortality, independent of sociodemographic factors. Many Americans who have CVD have reported not knowing about the disease or how to reduce their risk of developing it. Due to low health literacy, many Americans are left in the dark about which behaviors contribute to CVD and what treatments are available. The highest prevalence of CVD is usually seen among groups most likely to have limited access to healthcare, such as those who live in rural areas, migrant workers, or others living in high-stress environments. This is why addressing health literacy is a practical intervention nurses can take to reduce the impacts of CVD.

Early education about risk factors, preventative strategies, and management of CVD has the potential to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates of this disease. Nurses’ proximity to patients puts them in the best position to provide individualized, social determinant-sensitive education as a form of early cardiovascular health intervention. Educating patients about managing their condition and preventing more complications by changing their lifestyles and habits is important. With this in mind, early education is key. School nurses can start teaching children about reading nutritional labels and about the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco; they can even incorporate short activities that can be done as a family. Education does not only pertain to individuals; it impacts community and public health as well. Healthcare workers like nurses must be responsible for public outreach to increase health literacy among those who can make the most difference: policymakers. Nurses have the potential to be the biggest advocates for upstream approaches such as these to help improve society’s quality of life and health outcomes.

The author of this article is primarily concerned with?

As worldwide efforts to treat communicable diseases lead to improved life expectancy, healthcare professionals are seeing a shift in which types of disease most commonly make their way to a doctor’s office. According to the World Health Organization, noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD) are now the leading cause of death and disability around the globe. CVD impacts global economies due to a tremendous burden on healthcare and a decrease in productivity. This disproportionately affects communities that are of low- and middle-income, where the burden of disability and premature deaths from CVD is continuing to increase and contributing to cycles of poverty.  Social determinants, nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, offer an important avenue for tackling the problem of CVD. Nurses, who already work closely with patients, are in an opportune position to tackle one prominent social determinant of CVD: education.

In the United States, education is one of the most commonly used indicators for CVD outcomes.  Lower educational attainment levels are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, higher incidence of cardiovascular events, and higher cardiovascular mortality, independent of sociodemographic factors. Many Americans who have CVD have reported not knowing about the disease or how to reduce their risk of developing it. Due to low health literacy, many Americans are left in the dark about which behaviors contribute to CVD and what treatments are available. The highest prevalence of CVD is usually seen among groups most likely to have limited access to healthcare, such as those who live in rural areas, migrant workers, or others living in high-stress environments. This is why addressing health literacy is a practical intervention nurses can take to reduce the impacts of CVD.

Early education about risk factors, preventative strategies, and management of CVD has the potential to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates of this disease. Nurses’ proximity to patients puts them in the best position to provide individualized, social determinant-sensitive education as a form of early cardiovascular health intervention. Educating patients about managing their condition and preventing more complications by changing their lifestyles and habits is important. With this in mind, early education is key. School nurses can start teaching children about reading nutritional labels and about the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco; they can even incorporate short activities that can be done as a family. Education does not only pertain to individuals; it impacts community and public health as well. Healthcare workers like nurses must be responsible for public outreach to increase health literacy among those who can make the most difference: policymakers. Nurses have the potential to be the biggest advocates for upstream approaches such as these to help improve society’s quality of life and health outcomes.

Based on the information in this article, what does the author likely mean by the phrase upstream approaches in the underlined sentence?

When Opportunity, a Mars rover, relayed its first close-up images of the planet’s surface, scientists were fascinated by the appearance of recurring streaks in the landscape that indicated that water once flowed on Mars. The presence of water, believed by scientists to be a necessary factor in the early development of life, gives reason to believe that there was once life on Mars.

The claim that water once flowed on Mars plays what role in the argument?