Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership during World War II has been analyzed extensively by historians. In their assessments, scholars often characterize...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership during World War II has been analyzed extensively by historians. In their assessments, scholars often characterize Roosevelt as both a decisive wartime leader and an overly secretive decision-maker, as is evident when a contemporary observer noted ______
Which quotation from a contemporary observer most effectively illustrates the claim?
"Roosevelt possesses an extraordinary ability to make swift, crucial decisions when national security is at stake, yet his compartmentalized approach to information often leaves even his closest advisors guessing about his broader strategic intentions."
"The President's charm and political acumen are undeniable, making him perhaps the most skilled communicator to occupy the White House in our lifetime."
"While Roosevelt demonstrates great leadership in mobilizing our war effort, his economic policies remain questionable given the enormous deficit spending required."
"Roosevelt's understanding of global politics surpasses that of any leader of his generation, and his vision for post-war international cooperation shows remarkable foresight."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership during World War II has been analyzed extensively by historians." |
|
| "In their assessments, scholars often characterize Roosevelt as both a decisive wartime leader and an overly secretive decision-maker, as is evident when a contemporary observer noted ______" |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Historians view Roosevelt as simultaneously a decisive wartime leader and an overly secretive decision-maker.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that FDR's wartime leadership has been extensively studied by historians, then presents the specific dual characterization that emerges from this scholarship—seeing him as both decisive and secretive—and sets up the need for a contemporary quote that demonstrates both qualities.
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 quotation must demonstrate both sides of the characterization we just mapped out
- It should show Roosevelt making decisive wartime decisions or demonstrating strong leadership, while also revealing his secretive or compartmentalized approach to information sharing
- The ideal quote would capture both qualities in a single observation, showing how someone from that era could see both the decisiveness and the secrecy simultaneously
"Roosevelt possesses an extraordinary ability to make swift, crucial decisions when national security is at stake, yet his compartmentalized approach to information often leaves even his closest advisors guessing about his broader strategic intentions."
- Shows decisive leadership: "extraordinary ability to make swift, crucial decisions when national security is at stake"
- Shows secretive behavior: "compartmentalized approach to information often leaves even his closest advisors guessing about his broader strategic intentions"
- Perfectly captures both aspects from our passage analysis—the decisiveness and the secrecy
"The President's charm and political acumen are undeniable, making him perhaps the most skilled communicator to occupy the White House in our lifetime."
- Focuses only on "charm and political acumen" and communication skills
- Completely ignores both the decisiveness in wartime and the secretive decision-making
- What trap this represents: Students might choose this because it's positive about Roosevelt, but it addresses neither aspect of the dual characterization
"While Roosevelt demonstrates great leadership in mobilizing our war effort, his economic policies remain questionable given the enormous deficit spending required."
- Shows "great leadership in mobilizing our war effort" but shifts focus to economic policies and deficit spending
- Doesn't demonstrate the secretive decision-making behavior at all
- What trap this represents: Partially matches by showing wartime leadership, which might tempt students who focus on only half the characterization
"Roosevelt's understanding of global politics surpasses that of any leader of his generation, and his vision for post-war international cooperation shows remarkable foresight."
- Focuses on "understanding of global politics" and "vision for post-war international cooperation"
- Addresses neither decisive wartime leadership nor secretive decision-making behavior
- This choice is about knowledge and foresight rather than the leadership style described in the passage