Many urban neighborhoods struggle with abandoned lots that create safety concerns and reduce property values. Traditional approaches like increased po...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Many urban neighborhoods struggle with abandoned lots that create safety concerns and reduce property values. Traditional approaches like increased policing or costly demolition programs often fail to address underlying community needs. However, innovative grassroots solutions have proven more effective in transforming these problem spaces. Community gardens have converted vacant lots in Detroit into productive green spaces that provide fresh food and strengthen neighborhood bonds. Pop-up markets and food trucks in Philadelphia have transformed empty corner lots into vibrant economic hubs that support local entrepreneurs. Mobile libraries and outdoor classrooms in Portland have turned abandoned lots into educational resources that serve children and families who lack access to traditional facilities.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
The text analyzes competing urban development theories, then demonstrates how each theory applies to real neighborhoods.
The text outlines a widespread phenomenon, then illustrates that phenomenon through particular cases.
The text identifies a persistent problem, then presents examples of successful approaches to addressing that problem.
The text describes several neighborhood transformations, then explains the underlying economic factors driving those changes.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Many urban neighborhoods struggle with abandoned lots that create safety concerns and reduce property values." |
|
| "Traditional approaches like increased policing or costly demolition programs often fail to address underlying community needs." |
|
| "However, innovative grassroots solutions have proven more effective in transforming these problem spaces." |
|
| "Community gardens have converted vacant lots in Detroit into productive green spaces that provide fresh food and strengthen neighborhood bonds." |
|
| "Pop-up markets and food trucks in Philadelphia have transformed empty corner lots into vibrant economic hubs that support local entrepreneurs." |
|
| "Mobile libraries and outdoor classrooms in Portland have turned abandoned lots into educational resources that serve children and families who lack access to traditional facilities." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Community-based grassroots solutions are more effective than traditional approaches at transforming abandoned urban lots into beneficial spaces for neighborhoods.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes the problem of abandoned lots and explains why traditional solutions fail to meet community needs. It then argues that grassroots solutions work better and supports this claim with three concrete examples from different cities.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What is being asked? The overall structure of the text - how the author organized and arranged the ideas throughout the passage.
What type of answer do we need? A description of the passage organizational pattern or framework.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our analysis, we can see the passage follows a clear pattern
- It starts by identifying a problem, explains why current solutions do not work, then shifts to present examples of what does work
- The right answer should capture this problem-to-successful-examples structure
The text analyzes competing urban development theories, then demonstrates how each theory applies to real neighborhoods.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests the passage discusses competing theories, but we see practical solutions and real examples, not theoretical frameworks
The text outlines a widespread phenomenon, then illustrates that phenomenon through particular cases.
✗ Incorrect
- While this partially fits, it is too vague
- The passage does more than just illustrate a phenomenon - it specifically presents solutions to a problem
The text identifies a persistent problem, then presents examples of successful approaches to addressing that problem.
✓ Correct
- Perfectly matches our structure analysis: problem identification followed by solution examples
- The persistent problem is abandoned lots, and successful approaches are the three grassroots solutions
The text describes several neighborhood transformations, then explains the underlying economic factors driving those changes.
✗ Incorrect
- The passage does not explain economic factors driving the changes
- It focuses on community benefits and practical solutions, not economic analysis