The following text is adapted from a 1952 biography of marine biologist Rachel Carson. Carson worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service while pursuing her writing career.

Though Carson maintained a demanding schedule at the Fish and Wildlife Service, she remained committed to her independent research on marine ecosystems. Her colleagues often found her intensity puzzling, as she would frequently work late into the evening analyzing water samples and studying microscopic organisms. During her lunch breaks, rather than socializing with other staff members, Carson would walk to nearby Chesapeake Bay, where she collected specimens in glass jars, carefully noting the locations where she found each organism, knowing that these small discoveries might contribute to larger patterns that could reshape scientific understanding of ocean life.

Question

The following text is adapted from a 1952 biography of marine biologist Rachel Carson. Carson worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service while pursuing her writing career.

Though Carson maintained a demanding schedule at the Fish and Wildlife Service, she remained committed to her independent research on marine ecosystems. Her colleagues often found her intensity puzzling, as she would frequently work late into the evening analyzing water samples and studying microscopic organisms. During her lunch breaks, rather than socializing with other staff members, Carson would walk to nearby Chesapeake Bay, where she collected specimens in glass jars, carefully noting the locations where she found each organism, knowing that these small discoveries might contribute to larger patterns that could reshape scientific understanding of ocean life.

Accepted Answer

It reveals that Carson's research was driven by a vision of contributing to broader scientific knowledge.

Answer

It provides specific details about Carson's scientific methodology and data collection practices.

Answer

It explains why Carson's colleagues were confused by her dedication to independent research.

Answer

It illustrates the practical challenges Carson faced while balancing multiple professional responsibilities.

Text from Passage	Analysis
"Though Carson maintained a demanding schedule at the Fish and Wildlife Service, she remained committed to her independent research on marine ecosystems."	What it says: Carson = busy at FWS + still did own marine research What it does: Introduces Carson's dual commitment to her job and personal research What it is: Opening context
"Her colleagues often found her intensity puzzling, as she would frequently work late into the evening analyzing water samples and studying microscopic organisms."	What it says: Coworkers confused by her intensity → worked late on samples/organisms What it does: Explains how others viewed Carson's dedication and provides evidence of her intense work habits What it is: Evidence of intensity
"During her lunch breaks, rather than socializing with other staff members, Carson would walk to nearby Chesapeake Bay, where she collected specimens in glass jars, carefully noting the locations where she found each organism,"	What it says: Lunch = Bay trips (not socializing) → collect specimens in jars + note locations What it does: Provides specific examples of Carson's research behavior during work time What it is: Concrete example
"knowing that these small discoveries might contribute to larger patterns that could reshape scientific understanding of ocean life."	What it says: She knew small finds → bigger patterns → change ocean science understanding What it does: Reveals Carson's underlying motivation and vision for her meticulous work What it is: Motivation/purpose explanation

The following text is adapted from a 1952 biography of marine biologist Rachel Carson. Carson worked for the U.S. Fish...

GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions

Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage

Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table

Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements

Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely

Step 3: Prethink the Answer