The following text is adapted from a 2020 ecological field study report. Marine biologist Dr. James Chen describes his observations...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a 2020 ecological field study report. Marine biologist Dr. James Chen describes his observations of coral reef ecosystems. The intricate relationships between coral polyps, algae, and fish species created a complex web that defied simple categorization. Dr. Chen often felt as though he were witnessing multiple ecosystems operating simultaneously within the same physical space, each interaction revealing new layers of interdependence. His role required constant attention to both individual species behaviors and broader system-wide patterns, demanding a perspective that could encompass both microscopic details and macroscopic processes.
Which choice best describes the main purpose of the text?
To demonstrate Dr. Chen's advanced expertise in marine biology through detailed analysis of coral reef complexity
To establish the scientific importance of coral reef research in contemporary environmental studies
To convey a researcher's experience of observing and analyzing the multi-layered complexity of ecological systems
To argue for new classification methods that can better organize coral reef ecosystem relationships
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The following text is adapted from a 2020 ecological field study report." |
|
| "Marine biologist Dr. James Chen describes his observations of coral reef ecosystems." |
|
| "The intricate relationships between coral polyps, algae, and fish species created a complex web that defied simple categorization." |
|
| "Dr. Chen often felt as though he were witnessing multiple ecosystems operating simultaneously within the same physical space, each interaction revealing new layers of interdependence." |
|
Main Point: The passage describes a researcher's experience grappling with the overwhelming complexity of coral reef ecosystems that defied simple analysis.
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 focuses on one researcher's specific experience with complexity that was difficult to handle
- We see Dr. Chen encountering intricate relationships that "defied simple categorization," feeling like he was witnessing "multiple ecosystems operating simultaneously," and needing a perspective that could handle both tiny details and big-picture patterns
- The text captures the subjective experience of a researcher facing overwhelming ecological complexity and the methodological challenges that created
To demonstrate Dr. Chen's advanced expertise in marine biology through detailed analysis of coral reef complexity
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on demonstrating Dr. Chen's expertise through detailed analysis
- The passage doesn't provide detailed analysis - it describes his experience of complexity
To establish the scientific importance of coral reef research in contemporary environmental studies
✗ Incorrect
- This would establish the general scientific importance of coral reef research
- The passage is much more specific - it's about one researcher's experience, not the field's importance
To convey a researcher's experience of observing and analyzing the multi-layered complexity of ecological systems
✓ Correct
- Perfectly captures the passage's focus on Dr. Chen's experience of observing complex systems
- "Multi-layered complexity" matches the "complex web," "multiple ecosystems," and "new layers of interdependence"
To argue for new classification methods that can better organize coral reef ecosystem relationships
✗ Incorrect
- The passage mentions that relationships "defied simple categorization" but doesn't argue for new classification methods
- Dr. Chen is observing and experiencing complexity, not proposing solutions