The following text is from a memorial tribute written by Dr. Sarah Chen in 2019, honoring her late colleague Dr....
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The following text is from a memorial tribute written by Dr. Sarah Chen in 2019, honoring her late colleague Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a marine biologist.
"Maria possessed an extraordinary gift for observation that extended far beyond the laboratory. She could interpret the subtle signals of coral reef ecosystems as readily as she understood the concerns and motivations of the fishing communities whose livelihoods depended on those same waters. Whether analyzing the chemical composition of seawater or listening to the worries of local fishermen, Maria demonstrated the same careful attention and genuine insight that made her both a distinguished scientist and a trusted advocate."
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To describe a certain scientist's methodical approach to data collection and analysis
To praise a certain scientist for being especially perceptive regarding ecosystems and communities
To establish that a certain scientist conducted research on a wide range of marine topics
To recount specific examples of a scientist's collaborative fieldwork experiences
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Maria possessed an extraordinary gift for observation that extended far beyond the laboratory." |
|
| "She could interpret the subtle signals of coral reef ecosystems as readily as she understood the concerns and motivations of the fishing communities whose livelihoods depended on those same waters." |
|
| "Whether analyzing the chemical composition of seawater or listening to the worries of local fishermen, Maria demonstrated the same careful attention and genuine insight that made her both a distinguished scientist and a trusted advocate." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage honors Maria Rodriguez by emphasizing her exceptional ability to be equally perceptive about both scientific ecosystems and human communities.
Argument Flow: The tribute opens by establishing Maria's extraordinary observational gifts that went beyond typical scientific work. It then provides parallel examples showing she was equally skilled at reading coral reef signals and understanding fishing community concerns. Finally, it synthesizes these examples to show how her consistent perceptiveness made her both a respected scientist and trusted community advocate.
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 passage is clearly a tribute that focuses on praising Maria's special quality
- The correct answer must: Recognize this is praise/tribute language
- Capture that Maria's special skill was being perceptive/insightful
- Include both scientific and community/human elements
To describe a certain scientist's methodical approach to data collection and analysis
- This focuses only on "methodical approach to data collection and analysis"
- Too narrow - misses the human community aspect entirely
- The passage emphasizes perceptiveness and insight, not methodology
To praise a certain scientist for being especially perceptive regarding ecosystems and communities
- Captures the praise/tribute nature ("to praise")
- Identifies the key quality ("especially perceptive")
- Includes both elements ("ecosystems and communities")
- Matches our prethinking perfectly
To establish that a certain scientist conducted research on a wide range of marine topics
- Focuses on "wide range of marine topics" as the main point
- Misses the key insight about her perceptiveness with human communities
To recount specific examples of a scientist's collaborative fieldwork experiences
- Claims the passage recounts "specific examples of collaborative fieldwork"
- The passage doesn't provide specific examples or detailed fieldwork stories