The following text is from a business analyst's report on corporate culture. In the text, the author discusses workplace rituals....
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from a business analyst's report on corporate culture. In the text, the author discusses workplace rituals.
At our quarterly meetings, we always begin with the same routine: reviewing last quarter's achievements, acknowledging team contributions, and setting intentions for the months ahead. Even when time is short, we maintain this opening sequence. The ritual reminds us why we chose this work, connects us to our shared mission, and reinforces our commitment to collective success.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
It summarizes the meeting activities described earlier in the text.
It demonstrates that the routine provides value beyond mere procedural efficiency.
It clarifies that quarterly meetings require extensive time commitments.
It suggests that teams function effectively with or without formal rituals.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "At our quarterly meetings, we always begin with the same routine: reviewing last quarter's achievements, acknowledging team contributions, and setting intentions for the months ahead." |
|
| "Even when time is short, we maintain this opening sequence." |
|
| "The ritual reminds us why we chose this work, connects us to our shared mission, and reinforces our commitment to collective success." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Workplace rituals serve important purposes beyond mere procedure by connecting employees to deeper motivations and shared goals.
Argument Flow: The author establishes a workplace routine, emphasizes its consistent implementation, then reveals the deeper functions this ritual serves.
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 underlined portion shifts from describing what the routine is to explaining WHY it matters
- It reveals underlying psychological and social benefits rather than just procedural steps
- The right answer should recognize this sentence demonstrates deeper purpose beyond simple procedure
It summarizes the meeting activities described earlier in the text.
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests the sentence summarizes meeting activities
- But it explains psychological value, not activities
It demonstrates that the routine provides value beyond mere procedural efficiency.
✓ Correct
- Recognizes the sentence shows the ritual has deeper value beyond procedural efficiency
- Matching our analysis of its purpose-revealing function
It clarifies that quarterly meetings require extensive time commitments.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on time commitments
- But the sentence discusses psychological benefits
It suggests that teams function effectively with or without formal rituals.
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests rituals are optional
- But the sentence emphasizes their importance