In the Indigenous intercropping system known as the Three Sisters, maize, squash, and beans form an _______ web of relations:...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
In the Indigenous intercropping system known as the Three Sisters, maize, squash, and beans form an _______ web of relations: maize provides the structure on which the bean vines grow; the squash vines cover the soil, discouraging competition from weeds; and the beans aid their two 'sisters' by enriching the soil with essential nitrogen.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
indecipherable
ornamental
obscure
intricate
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In the Indigenous intercropping system known as the Three Sisters, maize, squash, and beans form an' |
|
| '[MISSING WORD]' |
|
| 'web of relations:' |
|
| 'maize provides the structure on which the bean vines grow;' |
|
| 'the squash vines cover the soil, discouraging competition from weeds;' |
|
| 'and the beans aid their two 'sisters' by enriching the soil with essential nitrogen.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Three Sisters agricultural system demonstrates how maize, squash, and beans form a complex network of mutually beneficial relationships.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces the Three Sisters system, then systematically describes how each plant contributes to the others' success, creating a complete cycle of interdependence where each plant both gives and receives benefits.
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 'web of relations' these three plants form
- Looking at our analysis, we see that each plant serves multiple functions - maize supports beans, squash blocks weeds, and beans enrich soil
- These aren't simple one-way relationships but rather multiple interconnected functions happening simultaneously
- The word should capture that this system has many detailed, interconnected parts working together
indecipherable
✗ Incorrect
- This means 'impossible to understand or interpret'
- The passage actually explains the relationships clearly - we can easily understand how each plant helps the others
- Contradicts the detailed explanations that follow
ornamental
✗ Incorrect
- This means 'decorative' or 'for appearance'
- The passage focuses on functional relationships (structure, weed control, soil enrichment), not aesthetic purposes
obscure
✗ Incorrect
- This means 'unclear' or 'hidden from view'
- Like choice A, this contradicts the fact that the passage clearly explains each relationship
- The relationships are explicitly detailed, not hidden
intricate
✓ Correct
- This means 'having many interconnected parts' or 'complex in detail'
- Perfectly captures the multiple, detailed relationships: structural support, ground coverage, soil enrichment
- Matches our prethinking about needing a word that describes complex, interconnected elements