Marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez credited her _____ nature as the key to her research breakthroughs. By systematically testing multiple...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez credited her _____ nature as the key to her research breakthroughs. By systematically testing multiple variables in her coral reef studies, she discovered patterns that less thorough researchers had overlooked.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
methodical
ambitious
collaborative
innovative
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez credited her' |
|
| '[MISSING WORD]' |
|
| 'nature as the key to her research breakthroughs.' |
|
| 'By systematically testing multiple variables in her coral reef studies, she discovered patterns that less thorough researchers had overlooked.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Elena Vasquez believes her particular nature/approach was the key factor in her research breakthroughs.
Argument Flow: The passage presents Dr. Vasquez's belief about what made her successful, then immediately supports this with concrete evidence showing her systematic, thorough approach led to discoveries that other, less thorough researchers missed.
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 needs to describe a nature or personality trait that would lead to systematic, comprehensive research approach
- The right answer should describe someone who is systematic and organized in their approach, thorough and careful in their methods
- The type of person who wouldn't overlook variables that others might miss
methodical
✓ Correct
- 'Methodical' means systematic, orderly, and thorough in approach
- Perfectly matches the evidence of 'systematically testing multiple variables' and explains why she found patterns that 'less thorough researchers had overlooked'
- A methodical nature would naturally lead to the comprehensive testing approach described
ambitious
✗ Incorrect
- 'Ambitious' refers to having strong desires for success or achievement
- While Dr. Vasquez may be ambitious, this doesn't explain her systematic approach
- Ambition alone wouldn't lead to the thorough testing methods described
collaborative
✗ Incorrect
- 'Collaborative' means working cooperatively with others
- The passage focuses on her individual research approach, not teamwork
- Nothing in the passage suggests her success came from working with others
innovative
✗ Incorrect
- 'Innovative' means introducing new ideas or creative approaches
- While her discoveries may be new, the passage emphasizes thoroughness, not innovation
- The key was systematic testing of multiple variables, not necessarily creative methods