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Question 1141Question →

Read the following passage from a treatise on cognitive psychology:

"In his analysis of executive function during high-complexity task switching, Dr. Vance observed that requiring subjects to continuously monitor multiple competing sensory channels would severely tax their finite attentional capacity, eventually precipitating a pronounced degradation in cognitive performance."

In the context of the passage, the word tax most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: strain or place heavy demands upon

Answer

strain or place heavy demands upon
In this context, 'tax' is used in its secondary sense as a verb meaning to strain, overburden, or make heavy demands on a limited resource. The passage explains that forcing subjects to monitor multiple sensory streams strains their limited attentional capacity, leading to degraded performance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context surrounding the target word.
The target word 'tax' acts as a verb taking 'their finite attentional capacity' as its direct object, within a scenario describing continuous monitoring of competing sensory channels.
Understanding the grammatical role and immediate context is essential to determine which meaning of a polysemous word applies.
2
Evaluate surrounding clue words for tone and semantic direction.
The phrase 'finite attentional capacity' paired with 'precipitating a pronounced degradation in cognitive performance' indicates a negative, burdening effect on mental capacity.
Contextual clues demonstrate that the action causes fatigue or overextension of finite resources.
3
Select the definition matching this secondary contextual usage.
'Strain or place heavy demands upon' accurately fits the meaning of overworking finite attentional resources.
In academic prose, 'tax' frequently means to overburden or strain rather than its primary financial meaning.

Key Concept

Secondary Word Meanings in Context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 1142Question →

While the protagonist in the novel initially appears to act out of sheer altruism, a closer reading of the text reveals that her motivations are fundamentally __________, driven primarily by self-preservation and personal gain. Which TWO of the following answer choices, when inserted into the blank, produce completed sentences that are equivalent in meaning?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: mercenary; self-serving

Answer

The correct options are 'mercenary' and 'self-serving', as both words describe motivations centered on personal advantage and self-interest.
The sentence relies on a contrast signaled by 'While', moving from apparent 'altruism' to actual motivations characterized as 'driven primarily by self-preservation and personal gain'. Both 'mercenary' and 'self-serving' precisely capture this focus on self-interest, producing two sentences that convey the exact same meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural signals and sentence context.
The opening transition word 'While' signals a contrast between the initial appearance ('sheer altruism') and the underlying reality described after the comma.
Identifying the contrast pivot dictates that the target word must mean the opposite of altruistic.
2
Determine the required contextual meaning for the blank.
The elaboration clause 'driven primarily by self-preservation and personal gain' defines the target meaning as self-interested or motivated by personal advantage.
The sentence explicitly explains the nature of the blank in the trailing modifier.
3
Evaluate choices to identify a contextual synonym pair.
'mercenary' and 'self-serving' both mean motivated by self-interest or personal gain, completing two sentences with identical meaning.
Sentence Equivalence requires both individual contextual fit and semantic equivalence between the completed sentences.

Key Concept

Sentence Equivalence: Contextual Synonym Pair Selection
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 1143Question →

In her reevaluation of early dendrochronological studies, climate historian Dr. Clara Vogel characterizes A. E. Douglass’s early twentieth-century attempts to correlate tree-ring width variations directly with decadal solar cycles not as visionary triumphs, but as "provincial" exercises in pattern-seeking. While acknowledging that Douglass laid the empirical groundwork for modern tree-ring analysis, Vogel emphasizes that his insistence on forcing terrestrial growth data into rigid astronomical periodicities reflected a misplaced confidence in cosmic determinism. Far from celebrating his cosmic hypotheses, Vogel views these early cyclical models as naive oversimplifications that temporarily obscured the complex, localized ecological factors governing arboreal growth.

Which of the following terms convey a negative connotation that aligns with the specific contextual meaning of "provincial" as used in the passage? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Parochial; Insular

Answer

The correct options are Parochial and Insular.
Both Parochial and Insular correctly convey the negative connotation of intellectual narrowness and restricted scope that Dr. Vogel attaches to Douglass's early models. In the passage, "provincial" is contrasted with "visionary triumphs" and elaborated upon as "naive oversimplifications" resulting from forcing data into rigid periodicities. Both Parochial and Insular encapsulate this idea of limited, circumscribed thinking.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural context and contrast signals surrounding the target word "provincial".
The text explicitly contrasts "visionary triumphs" with "provincial exercises in pattern-seeking," supported by subsequent descriptions of "naive oversimplifications" and "misplaced confidence in cosmic determinism."
Contrast signals like "not as... but as..." reveal that "provincial" is used in a negative, critical sense denoting intellectual narrowness rather than geographic location.
2
Determine the exact contextual tone and polarity of "provincial".
In this academic context, "provincial" carries a connotation of restricted scope, narrow-mindedness, and lack of sophistication in theoretical modeling.
The author criticizes Douglass for forcing complex data into rigid, limited periodicities, making his approach narrow and circumscribed.
3
Evaluate each candidate term against the identified contextual connotation.
Parochial (meaning narrow or limited in scope) and Insular (meaning restricted in outlook) both match the critical polarity and semantic nuance. Rustic reflects an irrelevant primary dictionary definition, Hostile overstates the emotional tone, and Visionary presents an explicit opposite polarity.
Only Parochial and Insular align with the passage's characterization of methodological narrowness.

Key Concept

Determining contextual tone, polarity, and secondary connotations of polysemous vocabulary using passage structural pivots.
Question 1144Question →

Read the sentence below and analyze the transition signal to determine the missing word. Which word best completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

Although the committee leader was expected to deliver an impassioned defense of the new regulations, his opening statement was surprisingly , offering only a mild and cautious summary of the proposal.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word 'subdued' (or a synonym like 'restrained' or 'tepid') correctly completes the blank based on the contrast signal 'Although' and the descriptive clue 'mild and cautious'.
The concession signal 'Although' creates a contrast between the expectation ('an impassioned defense') and the actual statement. The structural elaboration later in the sentence ('offering only a mild and cautious summary') confirms that the blank requires a word denoting restraint, lack of fervor, or moderation, such as 'subdued'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural transition signals and contrast clues in the sentence.
The word 'Although' at the beginning sets up a contrast between what was expected and what actually occurred.
Contrast signals indicate that the missing word must convey the opposite meaning of the expected behavior.
2
Analyze the expectation vs. reality set up by the context.
The expectation was 'an impassioned defense', so the actual statement must be unenthusiastic or restrained, reinforced by the elaboration 'mild and cautious'.
The structural clues directly point to a word meaning lacking force, intensity, or enthusiasm.
3
Select an appropriate vocabulary word that fits the context.
Words such as 'subdued', 'restrained', or 'tepid' precisely capture a tone that contrasts with 'impassioned' and aligns with 'mild'.
Filling the blank with 'subdued' maintains semantic coherence and logical consistency throughout the sentence.

Key Concept

Using contrast signals and structural elaboration clues to infer vocabulary meaning in context.
Question 1145Question →

Read the sentence below and fill in the blank with the most appropriate transition word or phrase that reflects the structural signal established in the text.

Fill in the blanks below

The paleobotanist's exhaustive analysis of fossilized pollen grains revealed an uninterrupted record of ecological stability spanning several millennia; , the research team concluded that the ancient canopy had remained resilient against minor climatic fluctuations.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct answer is a causal transition word such as 'consequently', 'accordingly', 'therefore', 'thus', 'hence', or 'as a result'.
The first part of the sentence provides evidence of uninterrupted ecological stability, and the second part presents the logical conclusion drawn by the research team. A causal transition such as 'consequently', 'accordingly', or 'therefore' accurately signals that the conclusion directly follows from the preceding evidence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural relationship between the two main clauses separated by the semicolon.
The first clause establishes a cause: an exhaustive analysis revealed an uninterrupted record of ecological stability.
Identifying the relationship between clauses is necessary to determine the appropriate transition type.
2
Determine the logical direction indicated by the context.
The second clause states the conclusion derived logically from that finding: the team concluded the ancient canopy remained resilient.
The second clause is a direct effect or logical consequence of the evidence presented in the first clause, requiring a causal structural signal.
3
Select a transition word that denotes a causal result or logical continuation.
Words such as 'consequently', 'accordingly', or 'therefore' express that the conclusion follows logically from the empirical finding.
Only causal continuation signals maintain sentence coherence and convey the exact cause-and-effect relationship.

Key Concept

Interpreting Continuation and Causal Structural Signals
Question 1146Question →

While the food critic claimed her review of the heritage restaurant was merely an objective assessment of its culinary merits, her prose was laced with a distinctly ________ bias, projecting an unmistakable hostility toward any deviation from traditional recipes. Which of the following words best completes the blank to maintain consistency with the sentence's contextual tone?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: vitriolic

Answer

The word 'vitriolic' correctly completes the sentence because it aligns with the negative emotional intensity and hostility expressed in the surrounding context.
The term 'vitriolic' means filled with bitter criticism or malice. The sentence structure sets up a contrast between the critic's claim of objectivity and her actual writing, which exhibits 'unmistakable hostility'. Selecting 'vitriolic' captures both the negative polarity and the severe, aggressive tone described in the passage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze structural pivot and context clues
The opening transition 'While' establishes a contrast between the critic's claim of being 'objective' and the actual tone of her review.
The sentence indicates that despite claims of neutrality, the prose reflects a strong personal bias.
2
Identify the target connotative valence
The elaboration clause 'projecting an unmistakable hostility' indicates that the blank requires a word with a strongly negative, bitter, and hostile connotation.
The blank modifies 'bias' and must match the explicit tone clue 'hostility'.
3
Evaluate option choices by tone and definition
'Vitriolic' means filled with bitter criticism or malice, which fits both the denotative definition and the negative emotional tone required.
Other options either carry positive/neutral connotations or misinterpret the contrast signal.

Key Concept

Tone and Connotation Matching
Question 1147Question →

Agricultural researchers monitored tomato farms in a semi-arid region that adopted satellite-guided automated drip irrigation systems. Over three harvest seasons, farms utilizing the automated system reported a 25 percent reduction in water usage alongside a 15 percent increase in crop yields compared to their previous yields under manual drip irrigation. The researchers concluded that the automated system's precise real-time adjustments to soil moisture levels were directly responsible for the increased crop yields.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the researchers' argument?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Tomato farms in the same region that maintained manual drip irrigation over the three harvest seasons saw no increase in crop yields despite experiencing identical weather patterns.

Answer

The argument is most strengthened by the finding that neighboring tomato farms retaining manual drip irrigation experienced no yield increase under identical weather conditions.
The correct answer provides a control comparison. By establishing that farms in the same region using manual irrigation under identical weather conditions saw no yield increase, it rules out external factors like favorable weather or climate shifts, thereby strongly supporting the claim that the automated system was the cause of the increased yields.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Deconstruct the argument into premise and conclusion.
Premise: Farms using satellite-guided automated drip irrigation reduced water use by 25% and increased yield by 15% relative to their past manual drip baseline. Conclusion: The automated system's real-time soil moisture adjustments directly caused the yield increase.
Identifying the explicit causal claim is necessary to determine what evidence is required to reinforce it.
2
Identify potential vulnerabilities in the causal reasoning.
The argument assumes that no unobserved external factors (such as favorable weather, fertilizer improvements, or pest reduction) were responsible for the yield increase during those three seasons.
Strengthening a causal argument frequently involves providing a control group or ruling out plausible alternative causes.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the statement that eliminates alternative causes.
The observation that regional farms keeping manual systems experienced no yield increase under identical weather confirms that regional environmental factors alone do not explain the yield gains, isolating the automated system as the key variable.
Providing counterfactual evidence strengthens the probability that the author's stated cause is correct.

Key Concept

Strengthening Causal Claims via Control Groups and Alternative Cause Elimination
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 1148Question →

Albeit acknowledging that the regional economy remained overall resilient, the central bank governor argued that localized agricultural downturns were far from _____, pointing to sharp spikes in rural loan defaults as evidence of mounting distress.

Which of the following two choices, when inserted into the blank, produce complete sentences that are logically equivalent in meaning?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: negligible; inconsequential

Answer

The two words that complete the sentence with equivalent meaning are 'negligible' and 'inconsequential'.
The introductory clause establishes a concession ('Albeit acknowledging that the regional economy remained overall resilient...'). The main clause introduces a contrast: despite overall resilience, the governor highlights mounting distress evidenced by loan defaults. Because the blank is preceded by 'far from', the required words must mean 'minor' or 'insignificant'. 'Negligible' and 'inconsequential' both mean trivial or minor; placing them after 'far from' communicates that the downturns are substantial and worthy of concern.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the concession signal and structural direction.
The opening concession 'Albeit acknowledging...' indicates a contrast between the general economy (resilient) and the localized agricultural sector (distressed).
Understanding the concession shift clarifies that the governor emphasizes the seriousness of the local downturns.
2
Analyze the sentence logic around the blank.
The governor points to 'sharp spikes in rural loan defaults' as evidence of distress, meaning the downturns cannot be dismissed as minor. The blank follows the phrase 'far from', so the missing word must mean 'minor' or 'unimportant' so that 'far from [minor]' equals 'serious'.
Account for negative/reversal modifiers like 'far from' to determine the required vocabulary valence.
3
Select the synonym pair that satisfies the target meaning.
'Negligible' and 'inconsequential' both mean minor or insignificant. Inserting either creates the coherent meaning that the downturns are far from minor.
Sentence Equivalence requires selecting two words that independently produce sentences with identical meaning.

Key Concept

Interpreting Concession Signals and Negating Modifiers
Question 1149Question →

Select the two answer choices that, when inserted into the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and yield complete sentences that are similar in meaning.

Much as the lead archivist attempted to present the newly uncovered diplomatic correspondence as strictly _____, subtle stylistic inconsistencies and anachronistic phrasing suggest that the documents were fabricated.

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: authentic; genuine

Answer

The correct choices are 'authentic' and 'genuine'. Both words convey that the archivist asserted the documents were real, creating the required contrast with the subsequent clause revealing that they were actually fabricated.
The opening transition 'Much as' creates a contrast between the archivist's defense of the correspondence and the evidence showing the documents were fabricated. Therefore, the blank requires words that mean real, legitimate, or true. The terms 'authentic' and 'genuine' both mean real and produce sentences with identical meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural signals and overall sentence logic.
The opening concession signal 'Much as' establishes a contrast between what the archivist attempted to present and what the evidence ('stylistic inconsistencies and anachronistic phrasing') actually reveals ('the documents were fabricated').
Concession signals flip the expectation between the dependent concession clause and the main clause.
2
Determine the required target meaning for the blank.
Because the main clause indicates the documents were fake/fabricated, the concession clause must express the opposite idea—that the archivist claimed they were real or legitimate.
The archivist's claim must oppose the reality of fabrication to satisfy the concession shift.
3
Evaluate option pairs for semantic equivalence and contextual fit.
'authentic' and 'genuine' both mean legitimate/real and create equivalent, logically coherent sentences. The pair 'spurious' and 'apocryphal' represents the opposite polarity (fake), failing to account for the concession signal.
Only words meaning legitimate fulfill both the contrast requirement and the GRE Sentence Equivalence condition of identical sentence meaning.

Key Concept

Interpreting Concession Signals in Sentence Equivalence
Question 1150Question →

Complete the passage below by entering the appropriate word or idiomatic phrase into each blank to satisfy standard academic English collocation and structural coherence.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the neuroscientist's groundbreaking findings were initially thought to be classical cognitive theories, meticulous peer reviews confirmed that her observations were actually established neurological principles.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

Blank 1 requires an idiomatic phrase signaling conflict or opposition such as 'at odds with' or 'inimical to', while Blank 2 requires a collocation signaling agreement or harmony such as 'in keeping with' or 'congruent with'.
The structural contrast signaled by 'Although' and 'actually' requires Blank 1 to express opposition to classical theories (such as 'at odds with' or 'inimical to') and Blank 2 to express alignment with established principles (such as 'in keeping with' or 'congruent with'). Both expressions satisfy standard academic English prepositional collocation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify structural contrast signals in the sentence.
The concession signal 'Although' paired with the pivot 'actually' indicates a reversal between the initial assumption about the findings and the ultimate peer-reviewed reality.
Recognizing structural transitions determines the semantic polarity required for each blank.
2
Determine the idiomatic requirements for Blank 1.
Blank 1 describes how the findings initially appeared incompatible with classical theories, requiring a phrase indicating opposition paired with its correct preposition (e.g., 'at odds with' or 'inimical to').
The initial clause requires an expression of conflict that satisfies standard English prepositional complementation.
3
Determine the idiomatic requirements for Blank 2.
Blank 2 describes the reality confirmed by peer review, requiring an expression of alignment paired with its correct preposition (e.g., 'in keeping with' or 'congruent with').
The contrast introduced by 'actually' demands a phrase indicating harmony and proper prepositional fit.

Key Concept

Collocation and Idiomatic Fit
Question 1151Question →

Which words best complete the passage below to maintain cross-sentence contextual coherence?

Fill in the blanks below

Dr. Aris's initial publication on urban economics was considered by her colleagues, who cited a lack of quantitative backing. However, her subsequent multi-year study provided such compelling empirical evidence that critics were ultimately forced to their former skepticism.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

For Blank 1, a word meaning unconvincing or inadequately supported (such as 'unpersuasive') is required. For Blank 2, a word meaning to give up or take back (such as 'recant' or 'abandon') is required.
The initial publication is described as lacking quantitative backing, requiring a word for the first blank that signifies doubt or unconvincing quality (such as 'unpersuasive'). The second sentence introduces a contrast via 'However' and highlights 'compelling empirical evidence', logically forcing critics to reverse or give up their position (such as 'recant' or 'abandon').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze cross-sentence context and structural signals for Blank 1.
The clause 'who cited a lack of quantitative backing' directly explains why colleagues viewed the initial publication critically or skeptically.
Local contextual clues in the first sentence mandate a negative evaluation term.
2
Analyze the discourse transition and cross-sentence relationship for Blank 2.
The contrast signal 'However' combined with 'compelling empirical evidence' shows a shift from initial skepticism to forced acceptance.
The sentence relationship requires a verb indicating that critics withdrew or gave up their prior doubtful stance.

Key Concept

Cross-Sentence Contextual Coherence in Multi-Blank Text Completion
Question 1152Question →

Which of the following integers is divisible by both 33 and 44?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 7272

Answer

7272
For an integer to be divisible by both 33 and 44, it must satisfy the rules for both divisors. For 7272, the sum of the digits is 7+2=97 + 2 = 9, which is divisible by 33. Additionally, 72÷4=1872 \div 4 = 18, which is an integer. Thus, 7272 is divisible by both 33 and 44.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the divisibility rule for 3
An integer is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
This allows quick evaluation of divisibility by 3.
2
Recall the divisibility rule for 4
An integer is divisible by 4 if its last two digits form a number divisible by 4.
This allows quick evaluation of divisibility by 4.
3
Test 7272 against both divisibility rules
Sum of digits of 7272 is 7+2=97 + 2 = 9, which is divisible by 33. Also, 72÷4=1872 \div 4 = 18, which is an integer.
7272 meets both required criteria.

Key Concept

Divisibility Rules for 3 and 4
Estimated Time:45s
Question 1153Question →

Although the lead archivist asserted that the newly unearthed correspondence would radically challenge existing accounts of the diplomatic summit, the documents are in fact entirely ______ prevailing historical consensus. Which of the following options best completes the blank to satisfy standard academic English collocation and idiomatic fit?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: consonant with

Answer

The phrase 'consonant with' correctly completes the sentence logically and idiomatically.
The phrase 'consonant with' is the standard academic idiom meaning in agreement or harmony with. Rhetorically, the sentence uses the concession marker 'Although' alongside 'in fact' to set up a contrast between what the archivist asserted (that the letters would challenge consensus) and reality. Thus, the blank must express that the documents agree with existing consensus, and 'consonant with' satisfies both the semantic requirement and standard prepositional collocation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze structural contrast clues in the sentence stem.
The opening concession 'Although...' signals a contrast between the archivist's claim (that the documents would 'radically challenge' consensus) and the empirical reality ('in fact...').
The sentence requires a phrase denoting agreement or harmony with 'prevailing historical consensus'.
2
Evaluate candidate words for semantic fit.
Phrases meaning 'in agreement with' or 'consistent with' fit the logical context.
To complete the contrast with 'radically challenge', the actual documents must align with existing historical accounts.
3
Verify standard prepositional complementation and idiomatic usage.
'Consonant' correctly pairs with the preposition 'with' ('consonant with'). Phrases like 'at variance to', 'alien from', and 'beholden of' use incorrect prepositional complements.
Standard academic English requires precise prepositional collocations.

Key Concept

Collocation and Idiomatic Fit
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 1154Question →

Complete the passage by filling in the blanks with words that precisely reflect the contextual tone, polarity, and connotation indicated by the structural clues.

Fill in the blanks below

In his reexamination of nineteenth-century botanical classification, historian Dr. Lucian Pryce refutes the assumption that early taxonomists were entirely objective in their cataloging of flora. Pryce demonstrates that behind the apparent neutrality of Latinate nomenclature lay a distinctly impulse; naturalists frequently named newly documented species after wealthy patrons to secure research funding, thereby embedding commercial subservience within scientific prose. Consequently, Pryce characterizes the tone of these early botanical treatises not as disinterested academic discourse, but as fundamentally , calculated to flatter aristocratic benefactors while maintaining a facade of scholarly detachment.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank is correctly filled by 'transactional' (or 'mercenary'), and the second blank is correctly filled by 'sycophantic' (or 'obsequious').
The passage contrasts an initial perception of scientific detachment with hidden self-interest. The first blank requires a word like 'transactional' or 'mercenary' to capture the commercial motivation behind naming flora after donors. The second blank requires a word like 'sycophantic' or 'obsequious' to reflect the tone of calculated flattery aimed at securing patronage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural pivot in the first sentence to determine the required polarity for the first blank.
The phrase 'behind the apparent neutrality... lay a distinctly [blank_1] impulse' establishes a contrast with scientific objectivity. The subsequent clause explaining that species were named after patrons to secure funding signals a profit-driven, commercial motivation.
Contrast signals contrasting with 'neutrality' demand a word of negative or self-interested polarity, such as 'transactional' or 'mercenary'.
2
Analyze the structural contrast and elaboration for the second blank.
The text states the tone was 'not as disinterested academic discourse, but as fundamentally [blank_2]', followed by 'calculated to flatter aristocratic benefactors'. This explicitly requires a word describing servile flattery.
The explicit negation of 'disinterested' combined with 'calculated to flatter' narrows the contextual meaning to terms denoting obsequiousness or sycophancy.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Tone, Polarity, and Connotation
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 1155Question →

Read the excerpt from an analysis of nineteenth-century diplomatic history:

"In her monograph on European diplomacy, Dr. Sterling observes that the ambassador did not intend to escalate hostilities during the crisis; rather, by dispatching a special envoy, he sought merely to tender an official statement of terms to the opposing cabinet, thereby inviting diplomatic dialogue before hostilities could commence."

Which of the following best defines the word "tender" as it is used in the excerpt?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Proffer or present formally for consideration

Answer

Proffer or present formally for consideration
In the excerpt, 'tender' acts as a formal verb meaning to present, proffer, or submit officially for consideration (as in tendering a resignation or tendering terms). The ambassador is using a special envoy to deliver a statement of terms to initiate negotiations, making 'proffer or present formally for consideration' the correct definition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the part of speech and structural position of the target word.
The word 'tender' follows the infinitive marker 'to' in the clause 'to tender an official statement of terms', indicating it functions as a transitive verb.
Identifying the part of speech immediately rules out definitions associated with 'tender' as an adjective (e.g., gentle, delicate).
2
Analyze surrounding contextual clues in the excerpt.
The subject ('the ambassador') dispatches an envoy to deliver a 'statement of terms' to an opposing cabinet to invite dialogue.
The surrounding action indicates an official act of presenting or extending an offer/proposal to another party.
3
Select the secondary meaning of the target word that satisfies the context.
The verb 'tender' secondary definition means 'to offer or present formally for acceptance or consideration', matching the context perfectly.
This secondary meaning fulfills the logical requirements of diplomatic negotiation.

Key Concept

Secondary verb usage of polysemous words in formal and academic contexts
Question 1156Question →

Read the sentence below and identify the single word that best completes the blank, using its secondary meaning to ensure precise contextual coherence.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the lead prosecutor's insistence on pursuing maximum penalties, the senior Magistrate chose to the harsher sentencing recommendations, citing significant mitigating personal circumstances and a complete lack of prior criminal history.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

temper
In this context, the verb 'temper' means to moderate, soften, or qualify by adding a counterbalancing element. The Magistrate moderates (tempers) the harsh sentencing recommendations in light of mitigating circumstances.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual tone and relationship established by the sentence structure.
The sentence sets up a contrast between the lead prosecutor's push for 'maximum penalties' and the senior Magistrate's decision influenced by 'mitigating personal circumstances'.
The contrast word 'Despite' indicates that the Magistrate's action counteracted or softened the prosecutor's aggressive demand.
2
Identify the target meaning required for the blank.
The blank requires a verb meaning to moderate, soften, tone down, or make less extreme.
Applying mitigating circumstances to harsher recommendations serves to lessen their severity.
3
Evaluate high-frequency vocabulary for secondary definitions that match the required meaning.
While 'temper' commonly functions as a noun referring to a state of mind or tendency toward anger, its secondary verb meaning is to serve as a neutralizing or moderating force (to moderate or soften).
Using 'temper' in this context precisely conveys the softening of harsh penal recommendations.

Key Concept

Secondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 1157Question →

Read the passage below regarding environmental history and resource governance. Which single word best completes the sentence based on its contextually appropriate secondary meaning?

Fill in the blanks below

In her analysis of nineteenth-century industrial water rights, Dr. Linnea Sterling observed that upstream agricultural consortiums would routinely shared river currents for private irrigation, effectively seizing exclusive control of the natural flow before downstream communities could mount a legal challenge.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

appropriate
The word 'appropriate' correctly completes the sentence. In this context, it functions as a transitive verb meaning to take possession of something for one's own use, particularly without permission or legal authority. This meaning directly aligns with the contextual clue of 'seizing exclusive control'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual structural clues in the sentence.
The elaboration clause 'effectively seizing exclusive control of the natural flow before downstream communities could mount a legal challenge' signals an action involving taking or commandeering a resource without prior authorization.
Context dictates that the missing word must function as a transitive verb indicating taking possession of something for private use.
2
Identify the word whose secondary definition fits the syntactic and semantic context.
The word 'appropriate', when used as a verb, means to take possession of something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission or without proper right.
Although test-takers primarily recognize 'appropriate' as an adjective meaning 'suitable' or 'proper', its secondary verbal definition precisely matches the action of taking or setting aside resources.

Key Concept

Secondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings
Question 1158Question →

Despite the lead investigator's reputation for extreme thoroughness, her final report on the project was surprisingly __________, containing several unverified assertions and careless omissions. Which two of the following options, when inserted into the blank, produce completed sentences that are equivalent in meaning?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: slipshod; lax

Answer

The options 'slipshod' and 'lax' both fit the blank to create sentences with equivalent meanings, conveying that the report was careless and lacked thoroughness.
The sentence relies on the contrast signal 'Despite' to shift from the investigator's usual 'thoroughness' to a report characterized by 'careless omissions'. Selecting 'slipshod' and 'lax' produces two sentences with identical meaning, indicating that the report was surprisingly careless and lacking in rigor.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze structural clues and sentence polarity
The pivot word 'Despite' establishes a contrast between the investigator's reputation for 'thoroughness' and the actual nature of the report, which contains 'unverified assertions and careless omissions'.
The target word must mean careless, negligent, or lacking in rigor.
2
Identify word pairs among the options
The choices yield two main synonym groupings: 'slipshod' / 'lax' (meaning careless/negligent) and 'meticulous' / 'fastidious' (meaning painstaking/thorough).
GRE Sentence Equivalence requires selecting two words that produce equivalent sentence meanings.
3
Select the contextual pair matching the sentence context
The words 'slipshod' and 'lax' fit the negative contrast required by the sentence.
Both words complete the sentence coherently while maintaining identical overall meaning.

Key Concept

Sentence Equivalence: Contextual Synonym Pair Selection
Question 1159Question →

If xx and yy are positive integers such that 3x+5y=1013x + 5y = 101 and xx is a prime number, what is the maximum possible value of the product xyxy?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 170

Answer

170
The equation 3x+5y=1013x + 5y = 101 requires 101−3x101 - 3x to be a multiple of 5. For positive integers xx and yy, xx must be less than 34 and leave a remainder of 2 when divided by 5 (meaning xx ends in 2 or 7). Testing the primes meeting this condition yields three valid pairs: (2,19)(2, 19) with product 38, (7,16)(7, 16) with product 112, and (17,10)(17, 10) with product 170. Thus, 170 is the maximum product.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Isolate 5y5y and analyze modular divisibility by 5.
5y=101−3x5y = 101 - 3x. For yy to be an integer, 101−3x101 - 3x must be divisible by 5. Since 101≡1(mod5)101 \equiv 1 \pmod 5, we require 3x≡1(mod5)3x \equiv 1 \pmod 5, which simplifies to x≡2(mod5)x \equiv 2 \pmod 5.
Properties of modular arithmetic determine which values of xx yield integer values for yy.
2
Determine the boundary constraints and prime condition for xx.
Since yy is a positive integer (y≥1y \ge 1), 3x<101  ⟹  x≤333x < 101 \implies x \le 33. The prime numbers x≤33x \le 33 that satisfy x≡2(mod5)x \equiv 2 \pmod 5 (or end in 2 or 7) are x=2x = 2, x=7x = 7, and x=17x = 17.
Only primes satisfying both the inequality bound and divisibility criteria need to be tested.
3
Calculate the corresponding values of yy and products xyxy for each prime candidate.
For x=2x = 2: 5y=101−6=95  ⟹  y=195y = 101 - 6 = 95 \implies y = 19, product xy=2×19=38xy = 2 \times 19 = 38.
For x=7x = 7: 5y=101−21=80  ⟹  y=165y = 101 - 21 = 80 \implies y = 16, product xy=7×16=112xy = 7 \times 16 = 112.
For x=17x = 17: 5y=101−51=50  ⟹  y=105y = 101 - 51 = 50 \implies y = 10, product xy=17×10=170xy = 17 \times 10 = 170.
Evaluating all valid candidate pairs allows identifying the absolute maximum product.
4
Identify the maximum product.
The maximum possible value of xyxy is 170.
Comparing 38, 112, and 170 confirms that 170 is the greatest value.

Key Concept

Linear Diophantine equations with prime integer constraints
Question 1160Question →

If kk is a positive integer less than 100100 such that kk is divisible by 66 but not divisible by 88, what is the greatest possible value of kk?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 90

Answer

90
The positive multiples of 6 less than 100 in descending order are 96, 90, 84, etc. The largest candidate, 96, is divisible by 8 (96=8×1296 = 8 \times 12), so it is excluded by the conditions. The next largest candidate, 90, is divisible by 6 (90=6×1590 = 6 \times 15) but leaves a remainder of 2 when divided by 8 (90=8×11+290 = 8 \times 11 + 2). Thus, 90 is the greatest integer satisfying all conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the largest multiples of 6 that are less than 100.
The multiples of 6 less than 100 in descending order are 96, 90, 84, 78, ...
Finding the greatest possible value requires testing candidates starting from the largest possible multiple of 6 below 100.
2
Test 96 against the constraint of not being divisible by 8.
96 / 8 = 12, so 96 is divisible by 8.
The question specifies that k must NOT be divisible by 8, ruling out 96.
3
Test the next candidate, 90, against the constraint.
90 / 8 = 11 R 2, so 90 is not divisible by 8.
90 meets all specified criteria: it is a positive integer less than 100, divisible by 6, and not divisible by 8.

Key Concept

Properties of Multiples and Divisibility Constraints
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