The following text is adapted from a 2020 study on migratory patterns of Arctic terns. Each autumn, these remarkable birds...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a 2020 study on migratory patterns of Arctic terns.
Each autumn, these remarkable birds begin an epic journey spanning thousands of miles across continents and oceans. After months of flight through changing weather and landscapes, the exhausted terns were finally reaching their destination in the Antarctic—travelers from the opposite pole, only now completing one of nature's longest migrations.
As used in the text, what does the word 'reaching' most nearly mean?
Grabbing onto
Stretching to
Arriving at
Running toward
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Each autumn, these remarkable birds begin an epic journey spanning thousands of miles across continents and oceans." |
|
| "After months of flight through changing weather and landscapes, the exhausted terns were finally reaching their destination in the Antarctic—" |
|
| "travelers from the opposite pole, only now completing one of nature's longest migrations." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Arctic terns complete one of nature's longest migrations by traveling thousands of miles from the Arctic to the Antarctic each year.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? This is a Words in Context question asking us to determine the meaning of "reaching" as it's used in the passage.
What type of answer do we need? We need to find which answer choice best captures how "reaching" functions in the specific sentence: "the exhausted terns were finally reaching their destination in the Antarctic."
Any limiting keywords? None
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at the context, we have exhausted birds who have been flying for months, and they are "finally reaching their destination"
- The word "finally" suggests completion or arrival after a long process
- The word "destination" indicates a specific place they were trying to get to
- So the right answer should convey the idea of arriving at or getting to their intended destination after their long journey
Grabbing onto
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests physically grasping something with their claws or beaks
- The passage isn't about the birds grabbing onto anything—it's about completing their journey to a location
Stretching to
✗ Incorrect
- This implies extending their bodies to touch something
- The birds aren't stretching their bodies; they're completing a journey
Arriving at
✓ Correct
- This perfectly matches our prethinking—completing their journey to their destination
- Works seamlessly with "finally" (after months of travel) and "destination" (the place they were trying to get to)
Running toward
✗ Incorrect
- Birds don't run—they fly, which the passage clearly states
- Also suggests they haven't arrived yet, when the context with "finally" indicates completion