Environmental scientist Rachel Carson gained recognition for her work in marine biology and nature writing, but Silent Spring, published in...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Environmental scientist Rachel Carson gained recognition for her work in marine biology and nature writing, but Silent Spring, published in 1962, stands as her most significant contribution. The book documented environmental damage from widespread pesticide use and broke new ground in environmental literature. Carson combined scientific research, investigative journalism, and lyrical prose in ways that were pioneering for the field. Credited with launching the modern environmental movement, her work fundamentally changed public understanding of humanity's relationship with nature.
Which choice best describes the main idea of the text?
Carson's background in marine biology provided her with the scientific expertise necessary to write Silent Spring.
Carson's pioneering book Silent Spring represents a significant contribution to environmental literature and public awareness.
Carson's book Silent Spring was controversial when it was published because it challenged the chemical industry.
Carson was a talented scientist whose research inspired many people to become more environmentally conscious.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Environmental scientist Rachel Carson gained recognition for her work in marine biology and nature writing,' |
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| 'but Silent Spring, published in 1962, stands as her most significant contribution.' |
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| 'The book documented environmental damage from widespread pesticide use and broke new ground in environmental literature.' |
|
| 'Carson combined scientific research, investigative journalism, and lyrical prose in ways that were pioneering for the field.' |
|
| 'Credited with launching the modern environmental movement, her work fundamentally changed public understanding of humanity's relationship with nature.' |
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Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Silent Spring represents Rachel Carson's most significant contribution because it pioneered environmental literature and fundamentally changed how people understand humanity's relationship with nature.
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 correct answer needs to capture that Silent Spring is Carson's most important work and explain why it's significant
- It should mention that the book made a major contribution to environmental literature and had a substantial impact on public awareness or understanding
Carson's background in marine biology provided her with the scientific expertise necessary to write Silent Spring.
- This focuses only on Carson's marine biology background providing expertise
- While the passage mentions her marine biology work, that's just background context
- The main idea isn't about her qualifications
Carson's pioneering book Silent Spring represents a significant contribution to environmental literature and public awareness.
- Identifies Silent Spring as pioneering and a significant contribution to environmental literature
- Includes the impact on public awareness
- Perfectly matches our analysis that the passage elevates Silent Spring as her most significant contribution
Carson's book Silent Spring was controversial when it was published because it challenged the chemical industry.
- Claims the book was controversial when published
- The passage never mentions controversy or challenges from the chemical industry
Carson was a talented scientist whose research inspired many people to become more environmentally conscious.
- Too general, focuses on Carson inspiring people rather than Silent Spring specifically
- Misses the passage's emphasis on Silent Spring as her most significant contribution