The following text is adapted from a research methodology handbook. Dr. Martinez followed the same protocol each day: arrive at...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a research methodology handbook. Dr. Martinez followed the same protocol each day: arrive at 7 AM, review the same checklist, prepare the same equipment in the same order, collect data using identical procedures, record observations in the same format, and file reports using the same system. Her research assistants performed identical tasks at identical intervals, wore identical protective equipment, and followed identical safety protocols. Each experiment replicated the previous one exactly, and each day's work mirrored every other day's work completely.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To demonstrate the importance of safety protocols in laboratory research
To emphasize the systematic nature of both the procedures and the personnel
To explain the time management challenges faced by research teams
To argue that repetitive work leads to more accurate scientific results
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Martinez followed the same protocol each day: arrive at 7 AM, review the same checklist, prepare the same equipment in the same order, collect data using identical procedures, record observations in the same format, and file reports using the same system." |
|
| "Her research assistants performed identical tasks at identical intervals, wore identical protective equipment, and followed identical safety protocols." |
|
| "Each experiment replicated the previous one exactly, and each day's work mirrored every other day's work completely." |
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Main Point: The text demonstrates Dr. Martinez's completely systematic research approach where both procedures and personnel follow identical patterns.
Argument Flow: The passage begins with Dr. Martinez's personal systematic routine, then expands to show her assistants also follow identical patterns, and concludes by emphasizing complete replication.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main purpose of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A purpose statement capturing what the author intended
Any limiting keywords? "Main purpose" means overarching goal, not minor details
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should capture the passage's emphasis on systematic repetition and organization
- The text shows systematic procedures AND systematic personnel
- The passage demonstrates how systematic everything is in this research environment
To demonstrate the importance of safety protocols in laboratory research
- Focuses only on safety protocols mentioned briefly, misses main emphasis on comprehensive systematic approach
To emphasize the systematic nature of both the procedures and the personnel
- Captures both systematic procedures AND systematic personnel, matches our analysis
To explain the time management challenges faced by research teams
- Mentions time management challenges but passage presents no problems, just established routine
To argue that repetitive work leads to more accurate scientific results
- Claims text argues for accuracy benefits, but passage describes what happens without arguing outcomes