The following text is adapted from a 2019 research study on forest ecosystem recovery. Following the controlled burn, researchers observed...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a 2019 research study on forest ecosystem recovery.
Following the controlled burn, researchers observed the forest floor during the initial weeks of the growing season. The understory had been cleared completely, leaving behind what the team described as a sterile expanse. This barren landscape stretched between the surviving mature trees and the emerging seedlings, creating a biological gap where new growth had not yet established itself but where nutrients remained abundant in the ash-enriched soil.
As used in the text, what does the word "barren" most nearly mean?
An unproductive
A harsh
A damaged
A forgotten
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Following the controlled burn, researchers observed the forest floor during the initial weeks of the growing season." |
|
| "The understory had been cleared completely, leaving behind what the team described as a sterile expanse." |
|
| "This barren landscape stretched between the surviving mature trees and the emerging seedlings, creating a biological gap where new growth had not yet established itself but where nutrients remained abundant in the ash-enriched soil." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A controlled forest burn created a temporarily empty but nutrient-rich space between established and new trees.
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
- From our analysis, we can see that "barren" describes a landscape that currently lacks vegetation growth, but the passage is very specific about the context
- The area is described as having "no new growth had not yet established itself" but "nutrients remained abundant in the ash-enriched soil"
- So we're looking for a word that captures the current lack of productive growth, but doesn't suggest permanent damage or harshness—since the soil is actually fertile and ready to support future growth
An unproductive
✓ Correct
- "Unproductive" perfectly captures what the passage describes—an area that currently isn't producing plant growth
- Matches our analysis that "new growth had not yet established itself" and doesn't carry negative connotations about soil quality
A harsh
✗ Incorrect
- "Harsh" suggests difficult or hostile conditions and contradicts the passage's emphasis that the soil has "abundant nutrients" making it actually favorable for future growth
A damaged
✗ Incorrect
- "Damaged" implies something harmful has occurred
- The controlled burn was intentional and beneficial, leaving nutrient-rich soil
A forgotten
✗ Incorrect
- "Forgotten" has no connection to the context
- Researchers are actively observing this area, so it's clearly not forgotten