'How lifelike are they?' Many computer animators prioritize this question as they strive to create ever more realistic environments and...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
'How lifelike are they?' Many computer animators prioritize this question as they strive to create ever more realistic environments and lighting. Generally, while characters in computer-animated films appear highly exaggerated, environments and lighting are carefully engineered to mimic reality. But some animators, such as Pixar's Sanjay Patel, are focused on a different question. Rather than asking first whether the environments and lighting they're creating are convincingly lifelike, Patel and others are asking whether these elements reflect their films' unique stories.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined question in the text as a whole?
It reflects a primary goal that many computer animators have for certain components of the animations they produce.
It represents a concern of computer animators who are more interested in creating unique backgrounds and lighting effects than realistic ones.
It conveys the uncertainty among many computer animators about how to create realistic animations using current technology.
It illustrates a reaction that audiences typically have to the appearance of characters created by computer animators.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'How lifelike are they?' Many computer animators prioritize this question as they strive to create ever more realistic environments and lighting. |
|
| Generally, while characters in computer-animated films appear highly exaggerated, environments and lighting are carefully engineered to mimic reality. |
|
| But some animators, such as Pixar's Sanjay Patel, are focused on a different question. |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Computer animators are divided between those who prioritize creating lifelike environments and lighting versus those who focus on whether these elements serve their films' unique stories.
Argument Flow: The passage opens with the traditional animator mindset focused on realism, explains how this typically works in practice, then introduces a contrasting philosophy that some animators like Patel follow, which prioritizes story reflection over pure realism.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function of the underlined question ("How lifelike are they?") in the text as a whole.
What type of answer do we need? The role or purpose this specific question serves within the passage's overall structure and argument.
Any limiting keywords? "function" and "in the text as a whole" - we need to consider how this question works within the entire passage context, not just locally.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Based on our analysis, the underlined question represents the driving concern of many computer animators - it's what they ask themselves when working on environments and lighting
- The passage tells us this question is something "many computer animators prioritize" as they work toward realism
- So the right answer should identify this as a key goal or priority that many animators have, specifically related to making their work lifelike
It reflects a primary goal that many computer animators have for certain components of the animations they produce.
✓ Correct
- Matches exactly what the passage tells us - "Many computer animators prioritize this question"
- Correctly identifies it as a "primary goal" that drives their work
- Accurately specifies "certain components" (environments and lighting, not characters)
It represents a concern of computer animators who are more interested in creating unique backgrounds and lighting effects than realistic ones.
✗ Incorrect
- Completely backwards - the question represents animators focused on realism, not uniqueness
- The passage shows this question is asked by those who want realistic effects, not unique ones
It conveys the uncertainty among many computer animators about how to create realistic animations using current technology.
✗ Incorrect
- Nothing in the passage suggests uncertainty or technological limitations
- The question shows confidence in pursuing realism, not uncertainty about achieving it
It illustrates a reaction that audiences typically have to the appearance of characters created by computer animators.
✗ Incorrect
- The question is asked by animators, not audiences
- Passage clearly states "computer animators prioritize this question"