The majority of family-run establishments _______ culinary traditions and methods inherited from previous generations, yet they embrace certain modern...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The majority of family-run establishments _______ culinary traditions and methods inherited from previous generations, yet they embrace certain modern advances; as an example, numerous restaurants incorporate contemporary tools such as sous-vide equipment while continuing to use conventional cooking approaches.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
experiment with
document
maintain
critique
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The majority of family-run establishments ________ culinary traditions and methods inherited from previous generations,' |
|
| [MISSING WORD] |
|
| 'yet they embrace certain modern advances;' |
|
| 'as an example, numerous restaurants incorporate contemporary tools such as sous-vide equipment while continuing to use conventional cooking approaches.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Family-run establishments have a relationship with traditional culinary practices while simultaneously adopting modern innovations.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that family establishments have some relationship with inherited traditions, then contrasts this with their openness to modern advances, and finally provides a concrete example showing how restaurants blend old and new approaches together.
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 must describe what family establishments do with 'culinary traditions and methods inherited from previous generations.'
- Looking at our analysis, we see that 'yet' introduces a contrast - they do something with old traditions BUT also embrace modern advances.
- The example shows restaurants using both new tools and old methods together.
- So the missing word should show that family establishments preserve or keep their traditional practices (which would make sense to contrast with embracing modern things).
- The relationship needed is one that shows continuity with the past, making the 'yet' contrast meaningful.
experiment with
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests trying out or testing traditional methods rather than having an established relationship with them
- Creates illogical contrast - if they're experimenting with traditions, embracing modern advances wouldn't be surprising
document
✗ Incorrect
- This means recording or writing down traditions
- While possible, it doesn't create a meaningful contrast with embracing modern advances - documenting old methods doesn't conflict with adopting new tools
maintain
✓ Correct
- Means to preserve, continue, or keep up traditional practices
- Creates perfect logical contrast with 'yet they embrace modern advances' - they keep old traditions BUT also adopt new things
- Matches the example showing restaurants using both conventional approaches and contemporary tools
critique
✗ Incorrect
- This means to analyze or judge traditions critically
- Creates the wrong relationship - critiquing traditions doesn't set up a meaningful contrast with embracing advances