Most competitive swimmers follow conventional training regimens that emphasize long-distance endurance work, spending hours in the pool building cardi...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Most competitive swimmers follow conventional training regimens that emphasize long-distance endurance work, spending hours in the pool building cardiovascular stamina through continuous laps. Marcus Chen, however, takes a completely different approach to his preparation. His training focuses on short, high-intensity interval sessions rather than extended swimming sessions, and he dedicates significant time to perfecting underwater dolphin kicks and streamlined push-offs—techniques that can shave crucial seconds off race times. Despite drawing inspiration from training methods developed by Eastern European coaches, Chen works with biomechanics specialists to refine his stroke mechanics in ways that maximize his natural body proportions.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It analyzes a competitive sport and then compares different training philosophies used by athletes.
It describes a conventional approach and then contrasts it with an alternative method used by a specific athlete.
It introduces an athlete and then details the distinctive characteristics of his training methods.
It presents an athletic achievement and then explains the cultural factors that contributed to the success.
I'll solve this step-by-step following the prescribed process.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Most competitive swimmers follow conventional training regimens that emphasize long-distance endurance work, spending hours in the pool building cardiovascular stamina through continuous laps.' |
|
| 'Marcus Chen, however, takes a completely different approach to his preparation.' |
|
| 'His training focuses on short, high-intensity interval sessions rather than extended swimming sessions, and he dedicates significant time to perfecting underwater dolphin kicks and streamlined push-offs—techniques that can shave crucial seconds off race times.' |
|
| 'Despite drawing inspiration from training methods developed by Eastern European coaches, Chen works with biomechanics specialists to refine his stroke mechanics in ways that maximize his natural body proportions.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Marcus Chen uses a training approach that contrasts sharply with conventional swimming preparation methods.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes what most swimmers do conventionally, then signals a contrast with 'however,' and provides specific details about Chen's completely different alternative methods and influences.
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 starts by describing what most swimmers do (conventional approach)
- Then it pivots with 'however' to contrast this with one specific swimmer's different methods
- The structure follows a clear pattern: standard approach → contrast signal → specific alternative approach
- The right answer should describe this pattern of starting with a conventional/standard approach and then contrasting it with an alternative method used by a specific athlete
It analyzes a competitive sport and then compares different training philosophies used by athletes.
✗ Incorrect
- Says it 'analyzes a competitive sport' - but the passage doesn't analyze swimming as a sport, it discusses training approaches
- Claims it 'compares different training philosophies used by athletes' - but it only contrasts conventional methods with one specific athlete's approach, not multiple philosophies
It describes a conventional approach and then contrasts it with an alternative method used by a specific athlete.
✓ Correct
- Perfectly matches our structure map: describes conventional approach first, then contrasts with alternative method
- Accurately identifies that the alternative method belongs to 'a specific athlete' (Chen)
- Captures the exact organizational pattern we identified
It introduces an athlete and then details the distinctive characteristics of his training methods.
✗ Incorrect
- Says it 'introduces an athlete' first - but the passage actually starts with conventional training, not Chen
- The passage doesn't begin by introducing Chen; he appears after the conventional approach is established
It presents an athletic achievement and then explains the cultural factors that contributed to the success.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims it 'presents an athletic achievement' - but no specific achievement or success is mentioned in the passage
- Says it explains 'cultural factors' - while Eastern European methods are mentioned, cultural factors aren't the focus or explanation for success