The following text is adapted from a manufacturing quality control manual. The text describes inspection procedures used in textile production...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a manufacturing quality control manual. The text describes inspection procedures used in textile production facilities.
Production supervisors implemented comprehensive fabric inspection protocols across all manufacturing lines. Quality control specialists systematically examined each textile batch, checking for color consistency and structural integrity. The inspection process became essential after recent production issues, where inconsistent dye absorption had resulted in customer complaints and costly returns. Inspectors now use specialized lighting equipment and digital measurement tools to ensure every batch meets company standards.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
It demonstrates the technological capabilities of the inspection equipment.
It provides the rationale for why comprehensive inspection protocols were implemented.
It illustrates the expertise required for quality control work in textile manufacturing.
It compares current inspection methods with previous quality control approaches.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Production supervisors implemented comprehensive fabric inspection protocols across all manufacturing lines.' |
|
| 'Quality control specialists systematically examined each textile batch, checking for color consistency and structural integrity.' |
|
| 'The inspection process became essential after recent production issues, where inconsistent dye absorption had resulted in customer complaints and costly returns.' |
|
| 'Inspectors now use specialized lighting equipment and digital measurement tools to ensure every batch meets company standards.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture and Core Elements
Main Point: Manufacturing facilities implemented comprehensive inspection protocols to address quality problems that were causing customer complaints.
Argument Flow: The passage starts with the main action (implementing protocols), describes what the protocols involve, explains the motivation behind them (solving previous problems), and concludes with how they're currently executed using specialized tools.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function of the underlined sentence within the overall text structure
What type of answer do we need? The role or purpose that this specific sentence serves in the passage
Any limiting keywords? N/A
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The underlined sentence comes after we learn what the protocols are, and it explains the backstory - why these protocols were put in place
- The correct answer should identify that this sentence explains why the inspection protocols were implemented in the first place, providing the motivation or reason behind the main action
It demonstrates the technological capabilities of the inspection equipment.
- This choice focuses on technological capabilities
- The underlined sentence doesn't mention any technology - it talks about production problems and their consequences
It provides the rationale for why comprehensive inspection protocols were implemented.
- This perfectly captures what the underlined sentence does
- The sentence explains that protocols became essential 'after recent production issues' and provides the rationale (customer complaints and returns) for why comprehensive protocols were implemented
It illustrates the expertise required for quality control work in textile manufacturing.
- The underlined sentence doesn't discuss expertise or qualifications needed for quality control work
- It focuses on why the process became necessary, not on worker capabilities
It compares current inspection methods with previous quality control approaches.
- No comparison is made between current and previous methods in the underlined sentence
- The sentence explains why changes were made, not how methods differ