The following text is from Dr. Maria Santos's research journal, reflecting on her work in marine biology.Dr. Maria Santos finds...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from Dr. Maria Santos's research journal, reflecting on her work in marine biology.
Dr. Maria Santos finds deep personal meaning in her marine biology research. Discovery drives her forward through tedious data collection phases. Laboratory work often extends late into the night, bringing exhaustion, yet her curiosity remains energized by each possibility of breakthrough. Failed experiments and disappointing results cannot diminish her commitment—she returns to her research with renewed purpose, finding fulfillment in the journey itself.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To compare scientific research to other solitary professions
To demonstrate how engaging in research affects the scientist personally
To describe the specific experiments the scientist conducts
To illustrate the challenges of working in marine biology
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
The passage shows how Dr. Santos finds personal meaning in research, stays motivated through tedious work, maintains curiosity despite exhaustion, and remains committed after failures.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This question asks for the main purpose of the text.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
The text focuses on Dr. Santos's personal relationship with her research work, showing how it affects her emotionally and psychologically.
To compare scientific research to other solitary professions
Incorrect. The passage never mentions other professions or makes comparisons.
To demonstrate how engaging in research affects the scientist personally
Correct. This captures what the text does - showing how research affects Santos personally.
To describe the specific experiments the scientist conducts
Incorrect. The passage never describes specific experiments.
To illustrate the challenges of working in marine biology
Incorrect. While challenges are mentioned, the focus is on personal responses to them.