The following text is from a 1923 scientific journal describing preparations for an astronomical observation.Dr. Hartwell adjusted the telescope's foc...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from a 1923 scientific journal describing preparations for an astronomical observation.
Dr. Hartwell adjusted the telescope's focusing mechanism one final time, while her assistants checked the photographic equipment arranged on tables throughout the observatory. The instruments had been calibrated with meticulous care over the past month. Outside, the sky was darkening to the perfect clarity needed for observation. Research teams from three universities had traveled here specifically for this event. Tonight's lunar eclipse promised to provide the data they had been seeking for their studies of celestial mechanics.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To explain the technical difficulties of astronomical research
To portray the scientific team's preparation for a significant observation
To contrast different universities' research methodologies
To describe the historical development of astronomical instruments
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Hartwell adjusted the telescope's focusing mechanism one final time, while her assistants checked the photographic equipment arranged on tables throughout the observatory.' |
|
| 'The instruments had been calibrated with meticulous care over the past month.' |
|
| 'Outside, the sky was darkening to the perfect clarity needed for observation.' |
|
| 'Research teams from three universities had traveled here specifically for this event.' |
|
| 'Tonight's lunar eclipse promised to provide the data they had been seeking for their studies of celestial mechanics.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage describes scientists making final preparations for an important astronomical observation of a lunar eclipse.
Argument Flow: The passage opens by showing scientists making last-minute preparations, then provides context about their careful month-long preparation process. It establishes that conditions are perfect and demonstrates the significance through multiple university involvement. Finally, it reveals the specific scientific purpose gathering data from tonight's lunar eclipse for celestial mechanics research.
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
- Every single detail in this passage supports one central theme: scientists getting ready for an important astronomical event
- We see the final adjustments, the careful month-long preparation, the perfect conditions, multiple universities involved, and the specific research goal
- The passage isn't about problems or difficulties everything is going smoothly
- The right answer should capture this preparation theme and indicate that this is a significant scientific observation they're preparing for
To explain the technical difficulties of astronomical research
- Focuses on 'technical difficulties' of research
- The passage shows everything going smoothly perfect conditions, successful calibration, ready equipment
- Completely misses the main focus on preparation activities
To portray the scientific team's preparation for a significant observation
- Perfectly captures 'preparation' which drives the entire passage
- 'Scientific team' accurately describes Dr. Hartwell, her assistants, and the university research teams
- 'Significant observation' matches the important lunar eclipse that brought multiple universities together
- Aligns exactly with our prethinking about preparation for an important event
To contrast different universities' research methodologies
- Suggests the passage contrasts different universities' research methods
- The passage mentions multiple universities but shows them working together, not comparing their approaches
- Misses the central focus on preparation activities
To describe the historical development of astronomical instruments
- Would describe the historical development and evolution of astronomical instruments over time
- The passage focuses on current preparation for tonight's specific event, not historical development
- Students might be confused by mentions of 'instruments' and 'calibrated,' but the passage is about using instruments for current research, not their historical development