In a classic jazz trio, the keyboard, upright bass, and percussion establish a _______ base for spontaneous musical expression; the...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
In a classic jazz trio, the keyboard, upright bass, and percussion establish a _______ base for spontaneous musical expression; the keyboard creates chord progressions that direct melodic development, the upright bass secures the rhythmic structure while delivering harmonic reinforcement, and the percussion sustains the beat while adapting responsively to the musical expressions of the other instruments.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
sophisticated
superficial
predictable
isolated
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In a classic jazz trio, the keyboard, upright bass, and percussion establish a" |
|
| [MISSING WORD/PHRASE] |
|
| "base for spontaneous musical expression;" |
|
| "the keyboard creates chord progressions that direct melodic development," |
|
| "the upright bass secures the rhythmic structure while delivering harmonic reinforcement," |
|
| "and the percussion sustains the beat while adapting responsively to the musical expressions of the other instruments." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A jazz trio's three instruments work together to create a foundation that enables spontaneous musical creativity.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that three instruments collectively create some type of foundational base, then systematically explains how each instrument contributes specific but interconnected functions that together support creative musical expression.
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 missing word needs to describe what type of base the three instruments establish
- Each instrument has complex, interconnected roles: the keyboard provides harmonic direction, the bass delivers both rhythmic and harmonic support, and the percussion maintains steady rhythm while adapting responsively to the others
- This foundation enables spontaneous musical expression, suggesting the base itself must be refined and skillfully coordinated
- The right answer should describe a foundation that reflects complexity, skill, and refined coordination
sophisticated
Sophisticated
✓ Correct
- Perfectly captures the complex, multilayered nature of the foundation described
- Each instrument has nuanced, interconnected roles that require skill and coordination
superficial
Superficial
✗ Incorrect
- Means shallow or lacking depth, which contradicts the detailed explanation of each instrument's complex, interconnected functions
predictable
Predictable
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests routine patterns, which contradicts the goal of enabling spontaneous musical expression and the responsive, adaptive nature described
isolated
Isolated
✗ Incorrect
- Means separate or disconnected, which directly contradicts how the instruments work together as an interconnected system with coordination and mutual responsiveness