The following text is adapted from a 2020 corporate efficiency report.The IT department configured the new customer database so that...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a 2020 corporate efficiency report.
The IT department configured the new customer database so that client information would automatically populate relevant fields across all service platforms. This systematic integration streamlined operations considerably, reducing data entry errors and improving response times. The unified approach became a model for other technological implementations throughout the company.
As used in the text, what does the word 'configured' most nearly mean?
Programmed
Purchased
Set up
Analyzed
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The IT department configured the new customer database so that client information would automatically populate relevant fields across all service platforms.' |
|
| 'This systematic integration streamlined operations considerably, reducing data entry errors and improving response times.' |
|
| 'The unified approach became a model for other technological implementations throughout the company.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The IT department successfully set up a database system that automated data entry across platforms, leading to significant operational improvements.
Argument Flow: The passage describes a specific technological solution (database configuration), explains its immediate benefits (streamlined operations and reduced errors), and concludes by noting its company-wide influence as a model for future projects.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? This is a Words in Context question asking us to determine what 'configured' means based on how it is used in the passage.
What type of answer do we need? We need to find the word that best captures the meaning of 'configured' in this specific context about database setup.
Any limiting keywords? None specified, but we must focus on the contextual meaning rather than general definitions.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- From our passage analysis, we see that 'configured' describes what the IT department did to make the database work in a specific way - they arranged it so information would automatically populate across different platforms
- The word needs to capture the idea of arranging or setting something up to work in a particular manner
- The context suggests they established the database settings and structure to achieve the desired functionality
- So the right answer should mean something like 'arranged' or 'set up to work in a specific way'
Programmed
- While programming might be involved in database work, 'programmed' is too specific and technical
- The passage focuses on the setup/arrangement aspect rather than the coding aspect
- Students might choose this because IT work often involves programming, but the context emphasizes arrangement and setup rather than coding
Purchased
- This means to buy something, which does not fit the context at all
- The passage describes arranging the database function, not acquiring it
- This choice is clearly wrong and unlikely to tempt students
Set up
- Perfectly captures the meaning of arranging the database to work in a specific way
- Matches our prethinking about arranging or establishing something to function properly
- The context shows they 'set up' the database so information would automatically populate - this fits exactly
Analyzed
- This means to examine or study something, which does not match the context
- The passage describes action taken to make the database function, not examination of it
- Students might think IT departments analyze systems, but here they are implementing a solution, not studying one