The following text is from a 1962 field report by volcanologist Katia Krafft describing Mount Etna's volcanic activity. "The lava...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from a 1962 field report by volcanologist Katia Krafft describing Mount Etna's volcanic activity. "The lava flows descend the mountain slopes, meeting constant obstacles of hardened rock and cooler air. Repeatedly blocked and redirected, yet continuously advancing—driven by an internal force that will accept no permanent barrier, the molten streams carve new channels with patient, inexorable persistence."
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
It characterizes the lava flows as a determined and unstoppable force.
It emphasizes the dangerous and destructive nature of volcanic activity.
It illustrates the complex geological processes occurring within the volcano.
It contrasts the lava's movement with the mountain's static structure.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The lava flows descend the mountain slopes, meeting constant obstacles of hardened rock and cooler air." |
|
| "Repeatedly blocked and redirected, yet continuously advancing—driven by an internal force that will accept no permanent barrier," |
|
| "the molten streams carve new channels with patient, inexorable persistence." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The lava flows are characterized as a persistent, unstoppable force that overcomes all obstacles through determined advancement.
Argument Flow: Krafft first establishes that lava flows face constant obstacles, then contrasts this with their continuous advancement despite being blocked, finally emphasizing their patient but inexorable persistence in carving new paths.
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
- Looking at our analysis, the passage consistently portrays the lava flows through language of determination and persistence
- Words like "continuously advancing," "will accept no permanent barrier," and "inexorable persistence" all work together to paint a picture of the lava as an unstoppable force
- The structure moves from obstacles to the lava's response—continuous advancement despite these barriers
- The right answer should capture how Krafft characterizes the lava flows as determined and relentless, emphasizing their unstoppable nature rather than focusing on destruction, technical processes, or structural contrasts
It characterizes the lava flows as a determined and unstoppable force.
✓ Correct
- Perfectly matches how Krafft portrays the lava throughout the passage
- "Determined" aligns with "will accept no permanent barrier" and "continuously advancing"
- "Unstoppable force" captures the essence of "inexorable persistence"
- The entire passage builds this characterization from obstacles to persistent advancement
It emphasizes the dangerous and destructive nature of volcanic activity.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on danger and destruction, which aren't emphasized in the passage
- Krafft's language centers on persistence and determination, not harmful effects
- Trap: Students might assume volcanic descriptions automatically emphasize danger
It illustrates the complex geological processes occurring within the volcano.
✗ Incorrect
- The passage doesn't explain internal geological processes or technical mechanisms
- Krafft describes the lava's behavior and character, not complex scientific processes
- The focus is on what the lava does (advance persistently), not how volcanic systems work
It contrasts the lava's movement with the mountain's static structure.
✗ Incorrect
- No contrast is drawn between lava movement and mountain structure
- The mountain slopes are mentioned only as the setting where lava encounters obstacles
- The passage focuses on lava overcoming barriers, not contrasting with static elements