The following text is adapted from a 1920 scientific journal describing the peer review process.Professor Chen had never displayed such...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a 1920 scientific journal describing the peer review process.
Professor Chen had never displayed such immediate fascination with a research submission. The manuscript that Margaret delivered that afternoon represented groundbreaking work that would revolutionize the field—and to the scientific mind, genuine innovation proves more inspiring than any other discovery. Earlier, Dr. Harrison had entrusted his revised manuscript to Margaret, his research assistant. Crossing the courtyard to reach the editorial offices, she encountered Chen reviewing other submissions at his desk. Concerned that the rain might damage the papers, Margaret had placed them in a leather portfolio before making the presentation, then departed without observing Chen's initial response.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It explains the motivation behind a scientific manuscript, and then describes the editorial review process that follows.
It narrates the delivery of a research manuscript, and then depicts an editor's enthusiastic response to reading it.
It details the concerns involved in manuscript submission, and then summarizes the research findings contained within.
It establishes an editor's anticipation for new research, and then reveals why a particular manuscript meets those expectations.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Professor Chen had never displayed such immediate fascination with a research submission.' |
|
| 'The manuscript that Margaret delivered that afternoon represented groundbreaking work that would revolutionize the field—and to the scientific mind, genuine innovation proves more inspiring than any other discovery.' |
|
| 'Earlier, Dr. Harrison had entrusted his revised manuscript to Margaret, his research assistant.' |
|
| 'Crossing the courtyard to reach the editorial offices, she encountered Chen reviewing other submissions at his desk.' |
|
| 'Concerned that the rain might damage the papers, Margaret had placed them in a leather portfolio before making the presentation, then departed without observing Chen's initial response.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage describes Margaret delivering Dr. Harrison's groundbreaking manuscript to Professor Chen, who shows immediate fascination with the work.
Argument Flow: The passage opens by highlighting Chen's unusual enthusiasm for a research submission, then explains that this manuscript represents revolutionary work that would naturally appeal to scientific minds. It then traces how the manuscript got to Chen—through Margaret, Harrison's research assistant, who carefully delivered it to the editorial offices where Chen was working.
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 has two main parts: first it tells us about Margaret delivering a manuscript, and second it shows us Chen's enthusiastic response to receiving it
- The first part covers the background and delivery process
- The second part focuses on Chen's reaction
- The structure is essentially: delivery narrative + editor's response
It explains the motivation behind a scientific manuscript, and then describes the editorial review process that follows.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the text explains 'motivation behind a scientific manuscript' and 'describes the editorial review process'
- The passage doesn't explain why Harrison wrote the manuscript or detail any review process
It narrates the delivery of a research manuscript, and then depicts an editor's enthusiastic response to reading it.
✓ Correct
- Accurately captures the delivery narrative (Margaret bringing the manuscript from Harrison to Chen)
- Correctly identifies Chen's enthusiastic response as the second major element
It details the concerns involved in manuscript submission, and then summarizes the research findings contained within.
✗ Incorrect
- Says the text 'details concerns involved in manuscript submission' and 'summarizes research findings'
- The passage never summarizes what the research actually found
It establishes an editor's anticipation for new research, and then reveals why a particular manuscript meets those expectations.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims it 'establishes an editor's anticipation'
- Chen wasn't anticipating this specific manuscript—his fascination was immediate and unexpected