One challenge of generating electricity from ocean waves is that wave power isn't ________: it varies in unpredictable ways that...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
One challenge of generating electricity from ocean waves is that wave power isn't ________: it varies in unpredictable ways that pose technological and planning problems for electricity generation.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "One challenge of generating electricity from ocean waves is that wave power isn't ______:" |
|
| [MISSING WORD] |
|
| "it varies in unpredictable ways that pose technological and planning problems for electricity generation." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Wave power's unpredictable nature makes it challenging for electricity generation.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a specific challenge with ocean wave electricity generation, then explains that this challenge stems from wave power's unpredictable variations, which create practical problems for technology and planning.
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 what wave power ISN'T, and we know from the explanation that wave power "varies in unpredictable ways."
- So we need a word that means the opposite of unpredictable or variable.
- The word should describe something steady, reliable, or uniform.
- The right answer should be a word that, when negated with "isn't," explains why unpredictable variation would be problematic for electricity generation.
- "Accidental" means happening by chance or unintentionally.
- This doesn't connect to the explanation about unpredictable variations.
- Wave power not being "accidental" wouldn't explain why variations cause planning problems.
- "Confident" means having self-assurance or certainty.
- This doesn't make logical sense when describing wave power itself.
- Wave power can't literally be "confident" - this is a quality that applies to people, not energy sources.
- "Expensive" relates to cost, not reliability.
- The explanation focuses on unpredictable variations, not financial issues.
- Trap: Students might think expensive power would create "problems," but the specific problems mentioned are technological and planning issues related to variability, not cost.
- "Consistent" means steady, regular, or unchanging.
- This perfectly connects to the explanation about "unpredictable ways."
- If wave power isn't consistent, that directly explains why it varies unpredictably and creates planning problems.