Dr. Sarah Chen had always been fascinated by marine biology and was determined to contribute meaningful research to the field,...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen had always been fascinated by marine biology and was determined to contribute meaningful research to the field, but she was ______ deep-sea exploration techniques. To address this gap, she enrolled in specialized diving certification programs and sought mentorship from experienced oceanographers.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
unfamiliar with
enthusiastic about
prepared for
knowledgeable about
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen had always been fascinated by marine biology and was determined to contribute meaningful research to the field, but she was" |
|
| "[MISSING WORD/PHRASE]" |
|
| "deep-sea exploration techniques." |
|
| "To address this gap, she enrolled in specialized diving certification programs and sought mentorship from experienced oceanographers." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen addressed her limitation with deep-sea exploration techniques by seeking proper training and mentorship.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Chen's passion and research goals, identifies some kind of gap or issue regarding deep-sea techniques, then shows how she took concrete steps to address that problem through education and mentorship.
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 key logic signal here is "To address this gap" in the following sentence. This tells us that whatever comes before must represent some kind of problem, deficiency, or limitation that needs addressing. Since Chen then enrolls in diving programs and seeks mentorship, we know she needs to learn something she doesn't currently know.
- The phrase "but she was _____ deep-sea exploration techniques" must set up a contrast with her passion and determination. While she's passionate and determined, she has some limitation regarding these techniques.
- So the right answer should indicate that Chen lacks knowledge, experience, or familiarity with deep-sea exploration techniques.
unfamiliar with
✓ Correct
- Perfectly sets up the contrast: passionate but lacking knowledge.
- Creates logical flow to "address this gap" by getting training and mentorship.
- Makes complete sense with the solution of enrolling in certification programs.
enthusiastic about
✗ Incorrect
- Doesn't create the needed contrast with her passion.
- Contradicts the phrase "address this gap" - enthusiasm isn't a gap to address.
prepared for
✗ Incorrect
- Contradicts the need to enroll in certification programs.
- If she were already prepared, there would be no gap to address.
knowledgeable about
✗ Incorrect
- Contradicts the entire logic of needing training.
- Creates the opposite meaning from what "address this gap" requires.