GRE Question of the Day (October 11th)

Verbal

For hot desert locations with access to seawater, a new greenhouse design generates freshwater and cool air. Oriented to the prevailing wind, the front wall of perforated cardboard, moistened and cooled by a trickle of seawater pumped in, cools and moistens hot air blowing in. This cool, humidified air accelerates plant growth; little water evaporates from leaves. Though greenhouses normally capture the heat of sunlight, a double-layered roof, the inner layer coated to reflect infrared light outward, allows visible sunlight in but traps solar heat between the two layers. This heated air, drawn down from the roof, then mixes with the greenhouse air as it reaches a second seawater-moistened cardboard wall at the back of the greenhouse. There the air absorbs more moisture, which then condenses on a metal wall cooled by seawater, and thus distilled water for irrigating the plants collects.

3. It can be inferred that the process described in the passage makes use of which of
the following?

A The tendency of hot air to rise
B The directional movement of wind
C The temperature differential between the sea and the desert

Correct Answer - B & C - (click and drag your mouse to see the answer)

4. It can be inferred that the greenhouse roof is designed to allow for which of the following?

A The avoidance of intense solar heat inside the greenhouse
B The entry of sunlight into the greenhouse to make the plants grow
C The mixture of heated air with greenhouse air to enhance the collection of moisture

Correct Answer - A, B, C - (click and drag your mouse to see the answer)

Question Discussion & Explanation