In the early 2000s, Miguel Santos revolutionized sustainable farming in his region of Brazil, though his methods contrasted sharply with...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In the early 2000s, Miguel Santos revolutionized sustainable farming in his region of Brazil, though his methods contrasted sharply with conventional agriculture. Traditional farmers in the area used synthetic fertilizers, planted single crops across large fields, and relied heavily on mechanized equipment for harvesting. Santos, however, developed an integrated approach that combined natural composting, diverse crop rotation across smaller plots, and manual harvesting techniques that preserved soil structure. His unconventional methods initially drew skepticism from neighboring farms, but his yields consistently exceeded regional averages while using significantly less water than standard irrigation practices.
According to the text, what is one way that Santos differed from traditional farmers?
He used synthetic fertilizers extensively.
He combined natural composting with diverse crop rotation.
He planted single crops across large fields.
He relied heavily on mechanized harvesting equipment.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In the early 2000s, Miguel Santos revolutionized sustainable farming in his region of Brazil" |
|
| "though his methods contrasted sharply with conventional agriculture." |
|
| "Traditional farmers in the area used synthetic fertilizers, planted single crops across large fields, and relied heavily on mechanized equipment for harvesting." |
|
| "Santos, however, developed an integrated approach that combined natural composting, diverse crop rotation across smaller plots, and manual harvesting techniques that preserved soil structure." |
|
| "His unconventional methods initially drew skepticism from neighboring farms" |
|
| "but his yields consistently exceeded regional averages while using significantly less water than standard irrigation practices." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Miguel Santos revolutionized sustainable farming by using methods that contrasted with conventional agriculture but proved more successful.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Santos as a revolutionary farmer, then systematically contrasts his integrated, natural approach with traditional synthetic, mechanized methods. Despite initial skepticism, his unconventional techniques proved superior in both yield and water efficiency.
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 see clear contrasts between Santos and traditional farmers
- Santos used natural composting while traditional farmers used synthetic fertilizers
- Santos planted diverse crops across smaller plots while traditional farmers planted single crops across large fields
- Santos used manual harvesting while traditional farmers relied on mechanized equipment
- The correct answer should identify one of these specific contrasting practices - something Santos actually did that was different from what traditional farmers did
He used synthetic fertilizers extensively.
- Claims Santos used synthetic fertilizers extensively
- This is backwards - the passage says traditional farmers used synthetic fertilizers, while Santos used natural composting
- What trap this represents: Confusing Santos's methods with traditional methods
He combined natural composting with diverse crop rotation.
- States that Santos combined natural composting with diverse crop rotation
- This matches exactly what the passage tells us about Santos's integrated approach
- Contrasts perfectly with traditional farmers who used synthetic fertilizers and planted single crops
He planted single crops across large fields.
- Claims Santos planted single crops across large fields
- This describes what traditional farmers did, not Santos
- Santos used diverse crop rotation across smaller plots
- What trap this represents: Mixing up Santos's practices with conventional ones
He relied heavily on mechanized harvesting equipment.
- Says Santos relied heavily on mechanized harvesting equipment
- Again, this describes traditional farmers, not Santos
- Santos used manual harvesting techniques