Critical Reasoning Paradox Mock Tests

13 questions available

Critical Reasoning Paradox Mock Test 1

Questions: 13

Sample Questions

GRE Verbal Reasoning

The company announced record profits for the third consecutive quarter, yet its stock price fell sharply on the news. Which of the following, if true, most helps to resolve this apparent paradox?

A The company's CEO resigned unexpectedly on the same day as the announcement.

B Investors had anticipated even higher profits, and the results, while record-breaking, fell short of market expectations.

C Competitor companies also reported strong profits during the same quarter.

D The stock price had risen significantly during the previous quarter, and the fall was simply a return to normal levels.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning

A city installed cameras at all intersections to detect red-light running. After six months, the number of red-light violations decreased by 40%. However, the number of accidents at intersections increased by 10%. Traffic safety experts suggest that drivers who slow down to check for the camera may be more likely to cause rear-end collisions when stopped suddenly. Which of the following, if true, would most help resolve the apparent paradox presented in the passage?

A The cameras were installed at intersections that had the highest number of red-light violations before installation, meaning these intersections were not necessarily the safest to begin with.

B The 10% increase in accidents occurred primarily in minor rear-end collisions, while the 40% decrease in violations prevented what would have been more severe T-bone and head-on crashes.

C Some drivers who were caught running red lights received hefty fines, which motivated them to be more cautious at intersections.

D The city plans to expand the camera system to additional intersections based on the reduction in red-light violations.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning

In the city of Riverton, the number of bicycle commuters increased by 40% after the city installed protected bike lanes throughout the downtown area. However, during the same period, the number of bicycle-related accidents also increased by 35%. City officials claim that the bike lanes have made cycling safer, despite the rise in accidents. Which of the following, if true, best resolves the apparent paradox presented above?

A The total number of cyclists on the roads has increased significantly, so even with a lower accident rate per cyclist, the absolute number of accidents could rise.

B Many of the accidents that increased were minor fender-benders that did not result in injuries to any cyclists.

C The city of Riverton has one of the highest accident rates for all types of vehicles in the country.

D Some cyclists have reported feeling more confident riding in the bike lanes, which has led them to ride at higher speeds.

GRE Verbal Reasoning

The word "paradox" is best illustrated by which of the following scenarios?

A A scientist who studies climate change has a carbon footprint larger than the national average.

B A library that contains more books than any other in the country runs out of funding.

C A city that promotes walking and cycling has the highest rate of car ownership in the region.

D A teacher who advocates for less homework assigns difficult assignments every night.

GRE Verbal Reasoning

In the city of Meridian, neighborhoods with the highest number of walkable coffee shops per capita also have the lowest average rates of obesity. Yet a three-year longitudinal study found that individuals who began walking to coffee shops did not experience any significant weight loss compared to those who did not. Which of the following, if true, best explains the apparent discrepancy?

A Residents of neighborhoods with many coffee shops tend to have higher incomes, which correlates with access to gyms and healthy food options.

B The coffee shops in Meridian serve primarily decaffeinated beverages, which have negligible caloric content.

C The study measured only walking to coffee shops and did not account for other forms of physical activity such as cycling or jogging.

D Residents who walk to coffee shops tend to order high-calorie pastries and specialty drinks with added sugar.

GMAT Verbal Reasoning

In the city of Riverton, the number of bicycle-related accidents increased by 40% after the city installed dedicated bike lanes on major roads. At the same time, the total number of bicycle commuters in Riverton tripled. Which of the following, if true, best explains the apparent paradox that bike lanes coincided with more accidents despite being designed to improve safety?

A The increase in accidents was concentrated in intersections where bike lanes merge with turning vehicle traffic.

B Most bicycle commuters in Riverton are inexperienced riders who recently switched from driving cars.

C The police department reported accidents more diligently after the bike lanes were installed than they had previously.

D The number of pedestrian accidents in Riverton decreased by 15% during the same period.

GRE Verbal Reasoning

The word "serendipity" is best illustrated by which of the following scenarios?

A A scientist spends ten years studying a hypothesis and finally proves it.

B A researcher looking into one problem accidentally discovers the solution to a completely different problem.

C A student studies diligently and earns the highest grade in the class.

D A programmer follows a detailed plan and completes the software project on schedule.

GRE Verbal Reasoning

Read the passage and answer the question. Volcanic eruptions can have both warming and cooling effects on global climate. When a volcano erupts, it releases carbon dioxide — a greenhouse gas that traps heat — which would tend to warm the planet. However, it also releases sulfur dioxide, which reacts with water vapor to form tiny sulfate aerosols that reflect sunlight back into space. In the case of large, explosive eruptions, the cooling effect of the aerosols typically overwhelms the warming effect of the carbon dioxide. The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, for example, lowered global temperatures by approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius for about two years. Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the passage?

A All volcanic eruptions produce sufficient sulfur dioxide to cause measurable cooling.

B The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo released more carbon dioxide than sulfur dioxide.

C Small volcanic eruptions are more likely to have a net warming effect than a net cooling effect.

D Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas produced by volcanic eruptions.

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