Despite extensive media coverage of major film festivals like Cannes and Sundance, cultural critics have noted a ________ serious analysis...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Despite extensive media coverage of major film festivals like Cannes and Sundance, cultural critics have noted a ________ serious analysis of smaller regional festivals that often showcase emerging filmmakers.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
dearth of
profusion of
controversy surrounding
admiration for
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Despite extensive media coverage of major film festivals like Cannes and Sundance,' |
|
| [MISSING WORD/PHRASE] |
|
| 'cultural critics have noted a _______ serious analysis of smaller regional festivals that often showcase emerging filmmakers.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: While major film festivals receive extensive media attention, there's a different situation regarding serious analysis of smaller regional festivals.
Argument Flow: The passage sets up a contrast between major festivals (which get lots of media coverage) and smaller regional festivals (where something different is happening with serious analysis).
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 sentence starts with 'Despite extensive media coverage of major film festivals,' which signals a contrast is coming
- Major festivals get lots of coverage, so we'd expect smaller festivals to have the opposite situation - less coverage or analysis
- The right answer should indicate a shortage or lack of serious analysis for smaller regional festivals
dearth of
✓ Correct
- 'Dearth of' means shortage or scarcity
- Creates perfect contrast: major festivals get extensive coverage BUT smaller festivals have a shortage of serious analysis
profusion of
✗ Incorrect
- 'Profusion of' means abundance
- Would mean smaller festivals have lots of serious analysis
- Doesn't create contrast
controversy surrounding
✗ Incorrect
- 'Controversy surrounding' means debate about
- Doesn't address quantity of analysis
- Doesn't create the contrast signaled by 'Despite'
admiration for
✗ Incorrect
- 'Admiration for' means respect
- Doesn't address whether there's more or less analysis
- Doesn't create the contrast