Charles Darwin is often characterized as someone who found reassurance in systematic observation and analysis of natural phenomena: _______
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Charles Darwin is often characterized as someone who found reassurance in systematic observation and analysis of natural phenomena: _______
Which excerpt from Darwin's personal writings most effectively illustrates this claim?
According to his journal, "The regularity I observe in geological formations provides me with profound satisfaction. When I trace these patterns across continents and through deep time, mapping their systematic relationships, I feel a deep sense of certainty about the fundamental order governing our world."
According to his correspondence, "I find myself wrestling with observations that challenge everything I believed. The evidence before me demands acceptance, yet I struggle against conclusions that seem to overturn the natural order I once found so comforting."
According to his field notes, "The extraordinary beauty of these tropical forests fills me with wonder beyond description. Standing among these towering trees, surrounded by creatures of impossible variety, I am moved to tears by the magnificence of creation."
According to his travel diary, "Today's expedition proved exhausting, requiring thirteen hours of climbing through dense vegetation to reach the fossil site, but the specimens we collected may provide crucial insights."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Charles Darwin is often characterized as someone who found reassurance in systematic observation and analysis of natural phenomena:" |
|
| [MISSING EVIDENCE] |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: [CLAIM ABOUT DARWIN] → [MISSING SUPPORTING EVIDENCE]
Main Point: The passage presents a characterization of Darwin as someone who found comfort in systematic study, but needs evidence to support this claim.
Argument Flow: The passage makes a claim about Darwin's character - that he found reassurance through systematic observation and analysis of nature. This claim is left incomplete and requires supporting evidence from Darwin's own writings.
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 show Darwin actually feeling reassured or comforted
- Connect this reassurance specifically to systematic observation and analysis
- Use Darwin's own words showing this connection
According to his journal, "The regularity I observe in geological formations provides me with profound satisfaction. When I trace these patterns across continents and through deep time, mapping their systematic relationships, I feel a deep sense of certainty about the fundamental order governing our world."
✓ Correct
- Shows Darwin finding profound satisfaction and deep sense of certainty through observing patterns and mapping relationships
- Directly connects systematic analysis with reassurance
According to his correspondence, "I find myself wrestling with observations that challenge everything I believed. The evidence before me demands acceptance, yet I struggle against conclusions that seem to overturn the natural order I once found so comforting."
✗ Incorrect
- Shows Darwin struggling and wrestling with challenging observations
- Describes him being unsettled rather than reassured
According to his field notes, "The extraordinary beauty of these tropical forests fills me with wonder beyond description. Standing among these towering trees, surrounded by creatures of impossible variety, I am moved to tears by the magnificence of creation."
✗ Incorrect
- Shows Darwin moved by beauty and wonder, not by systematic analysis
- Focuses on emotional response to magnificence rather than comfort from methodical study
According to his travel diary, "Today's expedition proved exhausting, requiring thirteen hours of climbing through dense vegetation to reach the fossil site, but the specimens we collected may provide crucial insights."
✗ Incorrect
- Describes the physical effort of collecting specimens but not the reassurance from analysis
- No evidence of reassurance or systematic analysis providing comfort