The following text is from a 2019 research report on wildlife behavior. During the experiment, researchers observed that the elk...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from a 2019 research report on wildlife behavior. During the experiment, researchers observed that the elk charged across the meadow when they detected the presence of predators, moving at speeds exceeding 35 miles per hour to reach the safety of the forest edge.
As used in the text, what does the word "charged" most nearly mean?
Accused
Rushed
Powered
Billed
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The following text is from a 2019 research report on wildlife behavior." |
|
| "During the experiment, researchers observed that the elk charged across the meadow when they detected the presence of predators," |
|
| "moving at speeds exceeding 35 miles per hour to reach the safety of the forest edge." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: During an experiment, researchers observed elk rapidly moving across meadows at high speeds when they sensed predators nearby.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the research context, then presents the core behavioral observation (elk charging when threatened), and concludes with specific details about their speed and destination during this escape behavior.
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
- Looking at our passage analysis, we can see that "charged" describes what the elk did when they detected predators - they moved across the meadow at speeds over 35 mph to reach safety
- The context suggests rapid, urgent movement in response to danger
- The word needs to capture the idea of moving quickly and decisively
- So the right answer should describe rapid, urgent movement - essentially "rushed" or "moved quickly"
Accused
✗ Incorrect
- "Accused" refers to blaming someone for wrongdoing
- This meaning of "charge" makes no sense in the context of animal movement
Rushed
✓ Correct
- "Rushed" perfectly captures the rapid, urgent movement described in the passage
- Matches the context of elk moving at high speeds (\(\gt 35\) mph) to escape danger
Powered
✗ Incorrect
- "Powered" suggests mechanical or electrical energy
- While elk do use physical power to move, this doesn't capture the specific meaning of "charged" in this context
Billed
✗ Incorrect
- "Billed" refers to sending an invoice or using a beak
- Neither meaning makes sense for elk movement across a meadow