The following text is adapted from a 1920 research journal entry by marine biologist Rachel Carson during her early career...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The following text is adapted from a 1920 research journal entry by marine biologist Rachel Carson during her early career studying ocean ecosystems.
After long hours collecting specimens along the rocky coastline, I returned to the laboratory exhausted, my body aching from the day's demanding fieldwork. I had anticipated the welcome relief of simply organizing my materials and preparing for rest. However, as I began to examine the samples under the microscope, my mind became intensely focused on the intricate patterns I observed. The cellular structures revealed unexpected complexity that demanded immediate analysis, and I found myself working late into the evening, driven by scientific curiosity despite my physical fatigue.
What is the main idea of the text?
The researcher continues analyzing specimens despite physical exhaustion due to scientific fascination.
The researcher is too tired from fieldwork to properly examine the collected samples.
The researcher discovers that marine specimens require more complex laboratory equipment.
The researcher plans to postpone the specimen analysis until after getting adequate rest.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "After long hours collecting specimens along the rocky coastline, I returned to the laboratory exhausted, my body aching from the day's demanding fieldwork." |
|
| "I had anticipated the welcome relief of simply organizing my materials and preparing for rest." |
|
| "However, as I began to examine the samples under the microscope, my mind became intensely focused on the intricate patterns I observed." |
|
| "The cellular structures revealed unexpected complexity that demanded immediate analysis, and I found myself working late into the evening, driven by scientific curiosity despite my physical fatigue." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A marine biologist continues analyzing specimens late into the evening despite physical exhaustion because scientific curiosity overrides her fatigue.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Carson's exhausted state after fieldwork and her expectation to rest. However, when she examines her specimens, the unexpected complexity she discovers captivates her scientific mind, leading her to work late despite her physical tiredness.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should capture the central conflict between Carson's physical exhaustion and her scientific curiosity
- It should show that despite being tired, she continues working because of what she discovers
- It should emphasize that scientific fascination overcomes physical fatigue
The researcher continues analyzing specimens despite physical exhaustion due to scientific fascination.
✓ Correct
- This captures the central dynamic of continuing work despite exhaustion due to scientific fascination
- Matches our prethinking by showing the contrast between physical state and intellectual drive
The researcher is too tired from fieldwork to properly examine the collected samples.
✗ Incorrect
- Says she's too tired to properly examine samples
- This contradicts what actually happens - she does examine them and becomes fascinated
The researcher discovers that marine specimens require more complex laboratory equipment.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims she discovers specimens need more complex equipment
- The passage mentions complexity in the specimens themselves, not equipment limitations
The researcher plans to postpone the specimen analysis until after getting adequate rest.
✗ Incorrect
- Says she plans to postpone analysis until after rest
- This is the opposite of what happens - she works late into the evening