Metropolitan transit systems frequently develop supplementary bus services to support their main railway networks, since these backup transportation a...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Metropolitan transit systems frequently develop supplementary bus services to support their main railway networks, since these backup transportation alternatives can reduce the impact of _____ operational disruptions that occur due to mechanical breakdowns and maintenance work.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
planned
avoidable
sporadic
extensive
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Metropolitan transit systems frequently develop supplementary bus services to support their main railway networks," |
|
| "since these backup transportation alternatives can reduce the impact of" |
|
| "[MISSING WORD]" |
|
| "operational disruptions that occur due to mechanical breakdowns and maintenance work." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Metropolitan transit systems create supplementary bus services to minimize the impact of irregular operational disruptions.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that transit systems commonly develop backup services, explains this is to reduce disruption impact, then specifies the types of problems that cause these disruptions.
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
- We need a word that describes disruptions caused by mechanical breakdowns and maintenance work
- Both types happen unpredictably - breakdowns are random and maintenance occurs intermittently
- The right answer should describe disruptions that happen irregularly, making backup services necessary
planned
Planned
✗ Incorrect
- While maintenance might be planned, mechanical breakdowns are unplanned
- Creates logical contradiction
avoidable
Avoidable
✗ Incorrect
- If disruptions were avoidable, transit systems would avoid them rather than create expensive backup systems
sporadic
Sporadic
✓ Correct
- Perfectly describes disruptions that happen irregularly and unpredictably
- Fits both mechanical breakdowns and maintenance work
extensive
Extensive
✗ Incorrect
- Describes scope or duration, not the timing pattern that makes backup services necessary