Cardiologist Dr. Sarah Chen asserts that examining a patient's family history of heart disease represents the most dependable approach for...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Cardiologist Dr. Sarah Chen asserts that examining a patient's family history of heart disease represents the most dependable approach for evaluating cardiovascular risk. Her research indicates that a patient's genetic background functions as the most precise _____ their probability of developing heart conditions.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
predictor of
concern about
treatment for
obstacle to
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Dr. Sarah Chen asserts that examining a patient's family history of heart disease represents the most dependable approach for evaluating cardiovascular risk. |
|
| Her research indicates that a patient's genetic background functions as the most precise |
|
| of their probability of developing heart conditions |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture and Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen believes family history and genetic background provide the most reliable way to assess a person's cardiovascular disease risk.
Argument Flow: Dr. Chen makes a claim about family history being the best evaluation method, then supports this with research showing genetic background serves a precise function in determining disease probability.
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
- Looking at our analysis, we need a word that describes the relationship between genetic background and probability of developing heart conditions
- Dr. Chen's research shows genetic background is the most precise something of disease probability
- The missing word needs to describe what genetic background does in relation to probability
- Since we're talking about using genetic background to evaluate cardiovascular risk, we need a word that describes how genetic background helps determine or forecast the likelihood of heart disease
predictor of
✓ Correct
- Predictor of fits perfectly as genetic background predicts the probability of developing heart conditions
- This matches our prethinking about needing something that forecasts or determines probability
concern about
✗ Incorrect
- Concern about doesn't work logically as genetic background isn't a worry about probability
- Creates an awkward, nonsensical meaning in context
treatment for
✗ Incorrect
- Treatment for makes no sense as genetic background cannot treat probability
- Completely illogical in the medical context presented
obstacle to
✗ Incorrect
- Obstacle to suggests genetic background blocks or prevents probability
- This contradicts the passage's point that genetic background helps with risk evaluation