Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a marine biologist specializing in coral reef ecosystems, employs innovative imaging techniques to document changes in reef...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a marine biologist specializing in coral reef ecosystems, employs innovative imaging techniques to document changes in reef health over time. For her recent study of the Great Barrier Reef's northern section, Rodriguez developed a specialized underwater photography system that captures both visible light and fluorescent patterns emitted by living coral polyps. This imaging approach allows her research team to identify stressed coral colonies before they show visible signs of bleaching, enabling early intervention strategies. The fluorescent imaging technique has proven particularly effective in detecting temperature-related stress, which Rodriguez's team identified as the primary threat to coral survival in warming ocean waters.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It explains Rodriguez's research findings, then discusses their implications for coral conservation.
It describes a method used by Rodriguez, then provides evidence supporting that method's effectiveness.
It compares traditional and innovative approaches to marine biology research.
It outlines the challenges facing coral reefs, then describes Rodriguez's response to those challenges.
Student-Facing Solution
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a marine biologist specializing in coral reef ecosystems, employs innovative imaging techniques to document changes in reef health over time.' |
|
| 'For her recent study of the Great Barrier Reef's northern section, Rodriguez developed a specialized underwater photography system that captures both visible light and fluorescent patterns emitted by living coral polyps.' |
|
| 'This imaging approach allows her research team to identify stressed coral colonies before they show visible signs of bleaching, enabling early intervention strategies.' |
|
| 'The fluorescent imaging technique has proven particularly effective in detecting temperature-related stress, which Rodriguez's team identified as the primary threat to coral survival in warming ocean waters.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Rodriguez developed an innovative underwater imaging system that can detect coral stress early, and this method has proven particularly effective for identifying temperature-related threats.
Argument Flow: The passage first introduces Rodriguez as a marine biologist using innovative techniques. It then describes her specific underwater photography method that captures both visible and fluorescent light. Next, it explains the practical benefits this system provides (early stress detection and intervention possibilities). Finally, it offers concrete evidence of the method's effectiveness, specifically for detecting temperature-related stress.
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 passage starts by describing Rodriguez's imaging method in detail, then moves to explaining what this method can do and providing evidence that it works effectively
- The correct answer should describe how the passage presents Rodriguez's imaging method and then demonstrates or supports its effectiveness
It explains Rodriguez's research findings, then discusses their implications for coral conservation.
- Claims the passage explains research findings then discusses conservation implications
- The passage doesn't present specific research findings or results from studies; it focuses on the method itself
It describes a method used by Rodriguez, then provides evidence supporting that method's effectiveness.
- Accurately captures that the passage describes Rodriguez's imaging method and then provides evidence supporting the method's effectiveness
- This matches our structural analysis perfectly
It compares traditional and innovative approaches to marine biology research.
- Suggests the passage compares traditional versus innovative approaches
- The passage only discusses Rodriguez's innovative method; no traditional approaches are mentioned
It outlines the challenges facing coral reefs, then describes Rodriguez's response to those challenges.
- Claims the passage outlines coral reef challenges then describes Rodriguez's response
- While temperature stress is mentioned as a threat, the passage doesn't begin by outlining reef challenges