The following text is adapted from a 2021 research study on climate change mitigation strategies. The interdisciplinary team had exhausted...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a 2021 research study on climate change mitigation strategies. The interdisciplinary team had exhausted traditional approaches to carbon sequestration. Every viable method for large-scale atmospheric carbon removal had been tested in preliminary trials, yet breakthrough results remained elusive across all experimental conditions.
As used in the text, what does the word "viable" most nearly mean?
Practical
Obvious
Immediate
Conventional
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The following text is adapted from a 2021 research study on climate change mitigation strategies." |
|
| "The interdisciplinary team had exhausted traditional approaches to carbon sequestration." |
|
| "Every viable method for large-scale atmospheric carbon removal had been tested in preliminary trials," |
|
| "yet breakthrough results remained elusive across all experimental conditions." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Despite testing every workable method for removing carbon from the atmosphere, researchers still haven't achieved the breakthrough results they need.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? This is a Words in Context question asking us to choose the best meaning for "viable."
What type of answer do we need? The answer must fit the specific way the word is used in this passage context.
Any limiting keywords? None specified.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at how "viable" is used here, we see it describes methods that were actually tested in preliminary trials
- The context suggests these weren't just any random methods - they were methods worth testing, methods that seemed like they could actually work
- So the right answer should capture the idea that these methods were practical, workable, or feasible enough to be worth testing
Practical
✓ Correct
- This perfectly captures how "viable" is used here - the methods were practical enough to be worth testing
- Fits the context that researchers would only test methods that seemed feasible and workable
Obvious
✗ Incorrect
- This would mean the methods were clearly apparent or evident
- Doesn't fit the context - the passage isn't about whether methods were easy to see, but whether they were worth testing
Immediate
✗ Incorrect
- This would mean the methods provided instant results
- Contradicts the passage, which mentions "preliminary trials" suggesting a process
Conventional
✗ Incorrect
- While this could describe some methods, it's too narrow for what "viable" means here
- The passage already mentions "traditional approaches" were exhausted, so "viable" methods likely include both conventional and unconventional options