During severe windstorms, many tree branches break off, with the outermost twigs typically suffering the most damage. This pattern occurs...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
During severe windstorms, many tree branches break off, with the outermost twigs typically suffering the most damage. This pattern occurs since the outermost twigs are the most ______ parts of the tree's structure. They are thin and flexible, extending far from the trunk where wind forces are most concentrated.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
vulnerable
visible
numerous
essential
I'll solve this Words in Context question following the systematic approach, focusing on the logical relationship the missing word must create.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "During severe windstorms, many tree branches break off," |
|
| "with the outermost twigs typically suffering the most damage." |
|
| "This pattern occurs since the outermost twigs are the most _______ parts of the tree's structure." |
|
| "They are thin and flexible," |
|
| "extending far from the trunk where wind forces are most concentrated." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Outermost twigs suffer the most wind damage because of their physical characteristics and exposed position.
Argument Flow: The passage presents an observation about wind damage patterns, then explains this pattern by describing why the outermost parts are most susceptible.
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 missing word needs to describe why outermost twigs break most easily during windstorms
- From our analysis, we know the explanation involves them being "thin and flexible" and located "where wind forces are most concentrated"
- This suggests they're easily damaged or harmed
- The word must logically connect the cause to the effect of suffering the most damage
vulnerable
✓ Correct
- "Vulnerable" means easily damaged or susceptible to harm
- Perfectly matches our prethinking - twigs that are thin, flexible, and exposed to maximum wind forces would indeed be most vulnerable
- Creates clear logical connection between their physical traits/position and the damage pattern
visible
✗ Incorrect
- "Visible" refers to being easily seen
- While outer twigs might be more visible, this doesn't explain why they break during windstorms
- This is a trap for students who confuse being noticeable with being breakable
numerous
✗ Incorrect
- "Numerous" means existing in large quantities
- Even if outer twigs are more numerous, this doesn't explain their increased damage rate
- The passage is about damage susceptibility, not quantity
essential
✗ Incorrect
- "Essential" means absolutely necessary or extremely important
- This contradicts the logic - if outer twigs were the most essential parts, trees would protect them better
- This traps students who think "most damaged" means "most important"