In her groundbreaking 2019 study, marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen _____ a revolutionary methodology for tracking ocean microplastics by combining...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
In her groundbreaking 2019 study, marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen _____ a revolutionary methodology for tracking ocean microplastics by combining traditional water sampling techniques with advanced spectroscopic analysis. Her approach built upon decades of previous research but incorporated cutting-edge laser technology, allowing scientists to detect plastic particles smaller than ever before documented.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
developed
questioned
refined
validated
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In her groundbreaking 2019 study, marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen' |
|
| '[MISSING WORD]' |
|
| 'a revolutionary methodology for tracking ocean microplastics by combining traditional water sampling techniques with advanced spectroscopic analysis.' |
|
| 'Her approach built upon decades of previous research but incorporated cutting-edge laser technology,' |
|
| 'allowing scientists to detect plastic particles smaller than ever before documented.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen created a revolutionary methodology that combines traditional and cutting-edge techniques to detect the smallest ocean microplastics ever documented.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces Chen's significant 2019 study, describes her creation of a revolutionary tracking methodology, explains how this methodology balances established research with innovative technology, and concludes with the breakthrough results this approach achieved.
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
- We need a verb that shows Chen's relationship to 'a revolutionary methodology.'
- The context clues tell us the methodology is described as 'revolutionary' and it combines 'traditional' techniques with 'advanced' analysis.
- Her approach 'built upon decades of previous research but incorporated cutting-edge laser technology.'
- The word should indicate that Chen created or brought into existence something new.
developed
✓ Correct
- 'Developed' means to create or bring into existence through effort and innovation.
- This perfectly matches the context of Chen creating a 'revolutionary methodology' that combines existing and new techniques.
questioned
✗ Incorrect
- 'Questioned' means to doubt or challenge something.
- This makes no sense since Chen didn't doubt a methodology - she created one.
refined
✗ Incorrect
- 'Refined' suggests improving something that already existed.
- While Chen built on previous research, calling her methodology 'revolutionary' indicates something fundamentally new rather than just an improvement.
validated
✗ Incorrect
- 'Validated' means to confirm or prove the worth of something existing.
- Chen didn't prove an existing methodology worked - she created a new one.