GRE Short Passages
The passages are meant to allow you practice the GRE words after learning them. They will help you recall the meaning.
Click the word to see its meaning
1.0.1 Segment 01
1.0.1.1 Passage 01
The speaker’s attempt to embellish the facts only served to confuse the audience, as he began to meander through irrelevant anecdotes. In contrast, his opponent’s argument was both cerebral and cogent, supported by data and a clear logical structure. The most compelling corollary to her reasoning was that effective policies must remain steadfast even in the face of political turbulence. Her dispassionate tone contrasted sharply with his tendency to belittle opposing views. In a move to preempt criticism, she addressed the weaknesses in her proposal openly, avoiding the kind of duplicity that had undermined earlier debates.
1.0.1.2 Passage 02
The museum’s new exhibit, curated by a renowned aesthete, was a cohesive blend of classical elegance and modern flair. While most attendees were genteel in their praise, one critic offered a sardonic take, calling the fusion “a tasteful train wreck.” Reactions were largely contingent on personal taste, but the artist, known for her whimsical style, remained unfazed. The choice to feature an anomalous piece—a digital sculpture made entirely of sound—was seen by some as an aberration. Yet, for others, it captured the very imponderable nature of art itself.
1.0.1.3 Passage 03
As the storm grew more inclement, officials moved quickly to avert disaster by evacuating the area. The mayor, usually expansive in demeanor, grew solemn, eventually forced to concede that their preparations had fallen short. Citizens, bereft of shelter and supplies, began to besiege local aid centers. Critics did not hesitate to censure the administration for the glaring inequity in resource distribution. News outlets sought to delineate the chain of failures that had led to this crisis, particularly the neglect of vulnerable neighborhoods—areas many accused the government of having desecrated through years of policy indifference.
1.0.1.4 Passage 04
His career had finally reached its summit, a pinnacle of achievement few in his field could rival. But success did not make him complacent. While others might indulge, he maintained a spartan lifestyle, eschewing luxury for discipline. A sudden scandal emerged, yet he remained untouched, his character long considered unimpeachable. In the face of public frenzy, where commentators maundered endlessly with little substance, he took quiet but firm action. Though the crisis was an anomaly in an otherwise smooth trajectory, his resolve never faltered. He worked to foment meaningful change rather than retaliation, an estimable quality that drew admiration—even from opponents. In contrast, his rival’s forlorn efforts to stir a melee of public opinion quickly fizzled, lacking the gravity or grace to match him.
1.0.2 Segment 02
1.0.2.1 Passage 01
She tried to equivocate during the interview, dodging questions about her controversial report, but the panel wasn’t fooled. The once effervescent scientist now appeared morose, her energy drained by months of criticism. The backlash had been excruciating, amplified by the media’s relentless desire to pillory anyone who defied consensus. Attempts to squelch the uproar had failed, and even her supporters grew disheartened. What was most poignant was the contrast between her current state and her past brilliance—when she made prodigious discoveries and carried herself with inspiring confidence. But over time, her once-bold stance softened into a complacent silence, worn down by a system that punished dissent.
1.0.2.2 Passage 02
Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope marked a revolutionary shift in astronomy, offering a level of detail previously thought unattainable. Despite initial setbacks—including an anemic start due to a flawed mirror—subsequent repairs transformed it into one of science’s most estimable tools. The fete surrounding its discoveries was well-deserved, from capturing distant galaxies to providing data that challenged cosmic expansion theories. Though occasionally disheartened by delays and budget cuts, the scientific community remained steadfast, recognizing that even minor discoveries could recrudesce dormant questions about our universe’s origins.
1.0.2.3 Passage 03
In the field of geography, a tyro may initially struggle with the complexities of spatial data and climate modeling, often overwhelmed by the depth of knowledge required. However, with time and guidance, even the most inarticulate students can develop the necessary skills, becoming more savvy in interpreting maps and understanding ecological patterns. A rapprochement between theory and practice is often seen as students dovetail their learning experiences with real-world applications. Though early lessons can sometimes feel soporific, the candidness of the instruction often makes students appreciate the importance of foundational knowledge, helping them avoid a jejune understanding of the subject. It’s not uncommon for a flippant attitude to emerge among beginners, but with time, this is replaced by more approbatory recognition of the discipline’s significance.
1.0.2.4 Passage 04
The Eiffel Tower, an iconic structure in Paris, is a conspicuous symbol of French ingenuity and engineering prowess, towering over the city. However, its original reception was less than amiable, with many critics confounding its design with disdain, calling it an eyesore. Despite these critiques, the tower has become so synonymous with Paris that it’s nearly impossible to differentiate the city from the monument itself. In its early years, some even considered the structure an apostate against traditional French architecture, marking a departure from classical styles. Yet, through the years, it has emerged as a sedulous testament to progress, overcoming early disparagements. Like a hound relentlessly pursuing its goal, the Eiffel Tower rose to prominence, its critics unable to arrogate its position as a cultural landmark. Today, it stands as a symbol of both martial precision and artistic elegance, despite being built during an era when many regarded it as an arrant folly. Yet, its towering presence is anything but phlegmatic, as it continues to inspire awe in visitors from around the world.
1.0.3 Segment 03
1.0.3.1 Passage 01
The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a vast and diverse ecosystem that spans across nine countries in South America. Its ecological importance is impregnable, playing a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. However, human activity, such as deforestation, continues to exasperate conservation efforts, as the forest’s delicate balance is being disrupted. To disabuse those who think that the Amazon is invulnerable, it is important to note that its survival is increasingly under threat. While some espouse the idea of economic development over environmental concerns, many environmentalists argue that the future of the Earth hinges on preserving this irreplaceable resource. The Amazon also has a forthcoming role in scientific discoveries, with ongoing research revealing new species and medicinal plants. Despite challenges, the Amazon remains a thoroughgoing testament to the Earth’s natural beauty and resilience, and efforts to protect it have been gaining momentum globally. The region’s indigenous peoples, although diffident about outsiders, have long been protectors of the forest, offering valuable knowledge on sustainable living. As the world faces environmental crises, the Amazon serves as a audacious reminder of nature’s grandeur and fragility. The devastation of parts of the forest would stultify any efforts to combat climate change. The increasing power of multinational corporations, sometimes acting as a junta in their impact on the region, poses a serious threat to the rainforest’s survival. Preserving the Amazon is nothing short of an apotheosis of global environmental efforts.
1.0.3.2 Passage 02
The journey of exploring new cultures can often be filled with both joy and tribulation. While the rewards of travel can be immense, travelers must also abrogate some of their preconceived notions and habits. In certain parts of the world, people may have a rakish appearance, with a confident air that might come off as hauteur to those unfamiliar with the culture. Still, if one can dispatch any fears quickly, the experience will be enriching. However, hampering circumstances such as language barriers or unfamiliar environments can sometimes make the journey languid and tiresome. Still, the effort is often worth it. As one becomes more accustomed, they might bristle at the notion of having to revert to their old, comfortable ways. Some interactions, however, can have invidious qualities, with undercurrents of jealousy or competition. Fortunately, many people remain guileless, welcoming others with genuine warmth. The intimate connections forged in such environments often begin with subtle intimations of shared understanding.
1.0.3.3 Passage 03
In the small town, the demeaning behavior of the local leader became a topic of much reproach, as many felt that he had fallen from the pinnacle of integrity. His actions seemed to galvanize the community, pushing them to take action and demand change. A once derelict and uninvolved group of citizens were now full of energy and purpose, though they were also unnerved by the unrest that had taken root. Some detractors called him a malingerer, accusing him of avoiding responsibility. In response, he offered admonitory statements, attempting to shift blame while trying to consecrate his legacy. Despite his efforts to tout his achievements, the community remained skeptical, and the ultimate denouement of the situation was yet to unfold.
1.0.3.4 Passage 04
The old town, once a vibrant hub, now looked lugubrious, with its antiquated buildings and fading architecture, leaving an impression of decay. It had reached its zenith decades ago, but now it seemed to hobble along, struggling with its old ways. The town’s leaders, often seen to badger one another over petty issues, failed to redress the mounting challenges. Still, one or two had an uncanny prescience of the future and knew that change was inevitable. Their scrupulous attention to detail in preserving the town’s best aspects stood in stark contrast to the others’ apathy. In moments of conversation, a few of the more urbane residents spoke with a nuance that reflected an understanding of both the past and the future, trying to keep the town’s spirit alive amidst the decline.
1.0.4 Segment 03
1.0.4.1 Passage 01
The discussion at the university symposium began as a casual powwow, but soon evolved into a spirited debate. An erudite professor of political philosophy presented a tendentious argument in favor of centralized governance, sparking strong reactions from the audience. His rhetoric was artful, weaving through tortuous lines of reasoning that required focused attention. A colleague attempted to admonish him gently, warning that such bias might alienate others. As the debate culminated in a round of open questions, a student stood up, her presence almost ethereal in her quiet confidence. She asked how, in a diverse society, one viewpoint could prevail without disseminating knowledge across perspectives. Her question drew applause, and the mood shifted to a more genial exchange of ideas.
1.0.4.2 Passage 02
The general’s downfall was not due to a lack of strategy but rather his own hubris, which led him to ignore the warnings of his advisors. His speeches were often filled with inanity, lacking substance but delivered with unwarranted confidence. When the campaign failed, the press was quick to upbraid him for his arrogance. His staff, many of them callow recruits, had simply echoed his dogmatic views. Though a victory was eventually declared, it was a pyrrhic one—won at too great a cost. In trying to justify his decisions, he attempted to beg the question rather than provide evidence. Critics would later extrapolate from his mistakes the broader flaws in the military’s leadership. Some reports even implicated senior officials in poor planning. Ultimately, the president had to countermand several directives to restore credibility.
1.0.4.3 Passage 03
The explorer’s journal chronicled her intrepid journey through remote mountain ranges, where the terrain was harsh and the risks high. Despite the dangers, her spirit remained ebullient, inspiring her crew with her unwavering enthusiasm. Along the way, they encountered locals with entrenched traditions, resistant to outside influence. One rival expedition, led by an imperious and insufferable commander, created unnecessary enmity through their arrogance. Meanwhile, the slow and plodding pace of their travel was lightened by a guide whose voice was as mellifluous as it was informative. At a local market, she was amused by the tawdry souvenirs sold to tourists and scoffed at the hackneyed phrases painted on signs—proof that even in remote places, clichés abound.
1.0.4.4 Passage 04
The once-quiet coastal town began to burgeon into a bustling port after the construction of a new harbor, a project designed to buttress the local economy. Despite the robust growth, not everyone welcomed the change. Longtime residents, some of whom grew dolorous at the loss of their peaceful routines, voiced their concerns at town meetings. The debates grew tempestuous, with opposing parties refusing to budge—especially one adamant council member who would not concede an inch. A few frivolous objections made by attention-seeking participants were quickly dismissed. But deeper issues remained, such as how to deal with an influx of outsiders, some of whom were miscreants causing trouble. In hindsight, the town’s leaders had to qualify their initial optimism; the benefits, though tangible, came with abysmal consequences they hadn’t foreseen.
1.0.5 Segment 04
1.0.5.1 Passage 01
The migratory patterns of birds present a fascinating conundrum for ornithologists, who strive to understand the concomitant effects of climate change, habitat loss, and navigation instincts. While some species are tractable enough to be tracked and studied, others defy easy observation, frustrating even the most seasoned researchers. In their quest, scientists have shown immense ingenuity, using satellite tags and AI models. However, they often face opposition from those who denigrate conservation efforts as overly idealistic. When migration routes suddenly change, conservationists don’t quail; instead, they adapt with persistence. Despite occasional rash policy changes that disrupt bird habitats, the work of such researchers is creditable and often deserves a public panegyric. Still, delays in protection laws tend to rile both scientists and environmentalists alike.
1.0.5.2 Passage 02
The construction of the Panama Canal was no simple engineering feat—it was a geopolitical ploy and technological marvel. Despite a raft of challenges, including disease and terrain, the project’s success marked an auspicious turn for global trade. Engineers had to contrive innovative methods to manage elevation and water flow, and only a stalwart workforce could endure the demands. Still, political discord between nations loomed large. While some documents and structures from that time remain extant, the legacy is equally philosophical—pitting intransigent national interests against global cooperation. Even the most saturnine critics had to admit the project was a monumental success, though many sought to check American influence thereafter.
1.0.5.3 Passage 03
The Solar System, a structured yet dynamic entity, has long captivated both scientists and sybarites alike—those who revel in cosmic beauty as much as luxury. The moment of its heliocentric realization was transformative in science. Yet, even in modern discourse, some hold anachronistic views, clinging to geocentric notions. Unlike the placid revolutions of Neptune, debates around Pluto’s planetary status continue to goad the scientific community. Some harangue NASA with fervor, demanding reclassification. It’s impertinent to dismiss these arguments, though many are artless in their logic. Theories often subsume smaller ideas into grand cosmological models, a process that can cow even experienced astronomers faced with the universe’s enormity.
1.0.5.4 Passage 04
The culinary world, once in its heyday of traditional techniques and handwritten recipes, has transformed into a domain defined by innovation and spectacle. Yet, this evolution has not been without critique. Many chefs castigate the new generation for their wanton disregard for authenticity, accusing them of indulging in showmanship over substance. The rise of social media “foodies” has brought with it a profuse stream of content—much of it lacking depth—turning thoughtful culinary discourse into endless palaver. Meanwhile, critics lament the turpitude behind food waste and labor exploitation in high-end kitchens. Still, amid these infelicitous realities, a new zeitgeist has emerged—one that favors sustainability and inclusivity, seeking a return to a more pristine form of culinary art. However, some critics argue the shift has also ushered in noisome trends that prioritize viral appeal over gastronomic excellence.
1.0.6 Segment 05
1.0.6.1 Passage 01
Here is a short GRE-style passage with your requested words, formatted as per your instructions:
The professor’s lecture on the plague, replete with macabre anecdotes, struck some students as indecorous for a morning session. Yet, her intention was not to shock but to challenge the class’s assumptions through empiricism rather than sanitized narratives. When a critic labeled her examples as “sensational,” she refused to retract her approach, insisting it was a deliberate pedagogical choice. Others, more obliging to convention, avoided controversial topics altogether, fearing departmental excoriateion. Still, she argued that avoiding discomfort allows minds to ossify, making growth elude both student and teacher. Petty objections about tone seemed picayune in comparison to the intellectual rigor she demanded.
1.0.6.2 Passage 02
Despite the vicissitudes of economic downturns and leadership changes, Maya remained a tenacious advocate for transparency in public office. She refused the subtle perquisites offered by lobbyists, aware that such privileges often denote deeper currents of venality. Her critics labeled her sanctimonious, scoffing at her moral rigor, while supporters viewed her as a rare percipient voice amid the noise. Unlike her more Pollyannaish peers, she did not downplay the system’s flaws, nor did she lack the gall to challenge entrenched powers. Her stance, though not always popular, had become a perennial thorn in the side of corruption.
1.0.7 The Fall of the Model Officer
Once a paragon of discipline and integrity, Lieutenant Harrow had grown increasingly besotted with the charms of a foreign dignitary’s daughter. His once-candid assessments were now clouded by loyalty to her father’s treacherous plans. Harrow had always been amenable to advice, but this time he allowed her to ingratiate herself so completely that he ceded control of classified protocols. His superiors, splenetic and stunned, assigned an agent to ferret out the source of the leaks. Harrow, under investigation, found a brief respite only in recalling the days before he’d let love cloud duty.
1.0.8 Shadows Beneath the Surface
The committee meeting began with a stern warning from the chair, who had vowed to censor any facetious remarks during the review of wartime broadcasts. But despite the grave atmosphere, one member’s tone remained surly, his contributions laced with contempt. When asked for a clear position, he became evasive, dodging accountability with rhetorical flourish. A recapitulation of events was requested, and a scrupulous secretary read from detailed minutes. Meanwhile, a junior assistant, anxious to grovel before superiors, insisted even the most innocuous jokes had damaging potential. It was, many agreed, a benighted hour for open discourse. In the end, the board’s final word was that humor, like history, must sometimes yield to policy.
1.0.10 The Tumultuous Rise of a Revolutionary
What began as the vision of a passionate dilettante quickly evolved into a full-blown movement led by a charismatic firebrand. Determined to supplant the staid leadership, he launched campaigns that seemed ineluctable in their momentum. His victories were vaunted across media outlets, and he managed to vanquish seasoned politicians. Yet, in a veritable twist of fate, his downfall brought a wave of schadenfreude among his rivals, leaving historians to derive lessons from his brief yet blazing career.
1.0.11 The Rise and Fall of a Revolutionary
Once a mere dilettante in political theory, Kamal quickly became a firebrand, challenging the staid traditions of governance with radical zeal. His rise was veritable and swift, his movement vaunted as the future. Yet, as history has often shown, attempts to supplant deeply rooted systems face ineluctable resistance. Though he momentarily vanquished his critics, a wave of schadenfreude swept the media when his policies faltered. In the end, he failed to derive lasting reform, outpaced by the very forces he once hoped to reshape.
1.0.12 The Puzzle of the Forgotten Manuscript
The historian’s findings were largely derivative of earlier works, and his lectures became increasingly discursive, leaving students baffled. One rainy evening, however, he experienced an epiphany that led him to a byzantine trail of documents. Though labeled a misanthrope due to his melancholy demeanor, he was enticed by the thrill of discovery. The artifact he unearthed antedated all known versions, breathing life into what had been dismissed as humdrum scholarship—until he made one fatal err in translation.
1.0.13 A Test of Loyalty
Bound by constraint and suspicion, the committee tried to impute blame for the failure on an inveterate skeptic among them. Their accusations, however, were based on specious arguments that lacked real credence. Despite his diminutive stature and initially irresolute speech, he proved to be a boon to the project. His magnanimous response to the false charges—and his thrifty management of resources—ultimately saved their work.
1.0.15 The Scholar’s Ascent
The student’s precipitous rise to academic fame was aided by a generous stipend and an impeccable work ethic. Although occasionally distracted by puerile amusements, he remained unstinting in his efforts. His initial muted enthusiasm gradually faded, but never enough to attenuate his achievements. Although some of his early essays were jejune, later professors would corroborate his potential, noting a becoming maturity in his thinking.
1.0.16 The Storm Within
During the long rainy season, emotions would wax and tensions rise. To assuage the growing restlessness, villagers tried to compound their distractions, engaging in games and debates. Yet even the limpid streams could not wash away the irritation that exacerbated under the gloomy skies. A few telling glances revealed deep-seated frustrations, which outsiders could only glean through oblique remarks. The banality of daily life, combined with a sullen atmosphere, made the season feel endless.
1.0.17 The Paradox of the Hermit
The ascetic life of the mountain hermit was antithetical to modern indulgence. His austere existence, devoid of comforts, deterred most from seeking wisdom at his feet. Yet his presence seemed to conciliate the curious few. He remained evasive when asked personal questions, his expression inscrutable. Though seemingly amorphous in ideology, he was not without conviction. If one dared to rankle him, forgiveness came easily—for his temperament made all but the most serious offenses feel venial.
1.0.18 The Forgotten Idealist
The ascetic monk, once revered, was now a figure fading into obscurity. Some ascribed his fall to a trusted aide—a quisling who betrayed his teachings. His imprudent trust in others, combined with his archaic ideals, rendered him ineffective in a pragmatic world. His warnings, once dismissed as superfluous, became prophecy. He had become an anathema to the very community he tried to save, leaving him crestfallen amidst a dearth of integrity and a flood of mendacity.
1.0.20 The Curious Scholar
The professor, a doughty defender of obscure ideas, offered a pithy critique of mainstream theories during a lecture filled with forthright remarks. His discussion of a recondite mathematical paradox stirred curiosity, though many in the audience had only a smattering of the background knowledge required. An incessant stream of questions followed, tempered by his efforts to mitigate confusion. Though some students gainsay his interpretations, his tone remained sentimental, and he gently warned against prolixity in scholarly debate.
1.0.21 The Benevolent Mentor
Dr. Langley, a edifying presence in the academic community, sought to placate the concerns of her anxious students with benign reassurance. She took care to enumerate each step of her reasoning, ensuring no one would misattribute her arguments to carelessness. Yet, her attempts to eradicate common misconceptions were often thwarted by stubborn resistance, leaving her with a sense of frustrate exhaustion. Despite her solicitude, she knew some efforts were futile—yet she persevered, believing even small progress was worth the struggle.
1.0.22 The Irascible Scholar
The professor’s derisive remarks about rudimentary concepts stood in stark contrast to his usual serene demeanor, revealing an underlying irascible temperament that even his reservation couldn’t conceal; though he possessed only a modicum of patience for such artlessness, he sought to mitigate his harshness and qualify his criticism with attempts to augment their understanding rather than dismiss their efforts entirely.
1.0.23 The Diplomat’s Dilemma
The fickle nature of political alliances made the ambassador’s position transitory, yet she refused to perpetuate the cycle of indifference that characterized her predecessors; though her deferential manner sometimes bordered on impudent when confronting officials who showed gall in negotiations, her provident planning and tact prevented what could have been a career-ending gaffe during the delicate peace talks.
1.0.25 The Investigative Journalist
The impecunious reporter, though often dismissed for his blinkered focus on municipal corruption, made copious notes about the graft pervading city hall; his vociferous denunciations at press conferences - often punctuated by a biting quip - sought to demonstrate how these practices were tantamount to theft, while critics would conflate his zeal with naivety, failing to see the analogous patterns in other cities or the appurtenant systems enabling such corruption.
1.0.26 The Reformist’s Challenge
The jingoist mayor launched into a tirade against the indigent protesters, his unscrupulous tactics laying bare the ignoble motives behind his policies; while civic leaders sought to defray the costs of the growing conflagration of dissent, the glut of empty promises did little to mollify the crowds, who saw the governor’s belated offer of clemency as too little, too late.
1.0.27 The Academic Debate
The young scholar’s inchoate theory about the endemic corruption in publishing drew immediate criticism from senior professors who assailed her methodology; while she attempted to posit a framework to explain how peer review might precipitate rather than prevent bias, her critics dismissed the argument as mere bromide. As she continued to peruse the convoluted guidelines that sanction current practices, she found unexpected support from a prominent proponent of academic reform who validated many of her concerns.
1.0.28 The Art World Controversy
The iconoclastic curator’s latest exhibition, drawn from rarefied private collections, provoked vituperative criticism from philistine local critics who called his aesthetic vision erratic and obtuse; his debonair demeanor at the opening belied the inflammable nature of the debate he’d ignited, while more chary observers worried the parochial response might discourage future avant-garde shows.
1.0.30 The Miser’s Downfall
The parsimonious merchant, though economical to a fault, found his wealth dissipate when bellicose rivals exploited his dilatory response to market changes. His lachrymose pleas for preemptive aid were met with maudlin indifference from those he’d once ostracized, proving even austere habits couldn’t elicit sympathy from the wronged.
1.0.31 The Salon’s Provocateur
The raconteur’s lascivious tales enervated the ravenous audience, who devoured his eclectic mix of iconoclast philosophy and catholic wisdom. When critics accused him of exemplifying decadence, he countered with a screed so trenchant it silenced even the insolent noblemen, proving panache could outmaneuver hostility.
1.0.32 The Reformer’s Trial
The proselytizing reformer, an exemplar of radical thought, watched her movement degrade as peripatetic followers dissipated under preemptive persecution. Her ponderous manifesto, meant to elicit solidarity, instead drew maudlin accusations of destitute idealism, while ostracized former allies mocked her maxims as hollow.
1.0.33 Segment 11
1.0.33.1 A Politician’s Predicament
The speaker’s inkling that the politician was being disingenuous grew stronger with every garrulous tangent. Rather than directly answering the questions, the politician would hail the accomplishments of their party, a tactic that felt both presumptuous and transparently evasive. The truth, much like a whispered secret, remained elusive. The entire press conference seemed to be a desperate attempt to create a façade, perhaps a symptom of some deeper collusion that the public had yet to uncover. When a journalist dared to ask a direct question about the politician’s alleged misogynist remarks, the politician chose to repudiate the claims as mere slander, a move that only solidified the public’s perception that their actions were ultimately detrimental to their own credibility.