Text 1Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are unrealistic solutions to our energy crisis. These technologies are inherently...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are unrealistic solutions to our energy crisis. These technologies are inherently unreliable since they depend entirely on weather conditions. When the wind stops blowing or clouds cover the sun, these systems provide no power whatsoever, making them unsuitable for meeting society's consistent energy demands.
Text 2
Contemporary renewable energy systems incorporate sophisticated grid management technologies and storage solutions that address intermittency concerns. Advanced battery systems can store excess energy during peak production periods, while smart grid networks can redistribute power from multiple sources across vast geographical areas. Additionally, modern forecasting techniques allow grid operators to predict and compensate for weather-related variations in renewable output.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the claims of the author of Text 1?
By suggesting that renewable energy should only be used during optimal weather conditions
By demonstrating that technological advances have made renewable energy sources reliable despite weather dependency
By agreeing that wind and solar power cannot meet society's energy demands without traditional backup systems
By arguing that weather conditions are actually more predictable than Text 1 suggests
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Text 1: 'Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are unrealistic solutions to our energy crisis.' |
|
| 'These technologies are inherently unreliable since they depend entirely on weather conditions.' |
|
| 'When the wind stops blowing or clouds cover the sun, these systems provide no power whatsoever, making them unsuitable for meeting society's consistent energy demands.' |
|
| Text 2: 'Contemporary renewable energy systems incorporate sophisticated grid management technologies and storage solutions that address intermittency concerns.' |
|
| 'Advanced battery systems can store excess energy during peak production periods, while smart grid networks can redistribute power from multiple sources across vast geographical areas.' |
|
| 'Additionally, modern forecasting techniques allow grid operators to predict and compensate for weather-related variations in renewable output.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
- TEXT 1: Anti-Renewable Argument
- Main Claim: Renewables unrealistic
- Core Problem: Weather dependency
- Specific Impact: No power = can't meet demand
- TEXT 2: Pro-Renewable Counter-Argument
- Storage Solutions: Batteries store excess
- Distribution Solutions: Smart grids redistribute
- Prediction Solutions: Forecasting compensates
Main Point: Text 1 argues renewables are unrealistic due to weather dependency, while Text 2 presents technological advances that solve these intermittency problems.
Argument Flow: Text 1 establishes that renewable energy is unreliable because it depends on weather conditions, creating gaps in power supply that make renewables unsuitable for consistent energy needs. Text 2 directly counters this by presenting multiple technological solutions—storage systems, smart distribution networks, and forecasting techniques—that specifically address the intermittency concerns raised in Text 1.
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
- Text 1's main claim is that renewables are 'unrealistic' because they are 'unreliable' due to weather dependency
- Text 2 directly addresses this exact concern by presenting technological solutions that solve the intermittency problem
- The author of Text 2 would likely respond by showing that the reliability issues Text 1 raises have been solved through modern technology
- The right answer should show that Text 2 author would counter Text 1's weather dependency argument by demonstrating that technological advances have made renewables reliable despite weather variations
- The right answer should acknowledge the weather dependency issue but show how technology has solved it
By suggesting that renewable energy should only be used during optimal weather conditions
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests limiting renewables to only optimal conditions
- Text 2 actually argues the opposite - that technology allows renewables to work consistently regardless of conditions
- Does not address Text 2's solutions like storage and smart grids
By demonstrating that technological advances have made renewable energy sources reliable despite weather dependency
✓ Correct
- Directly matches Text 2's approach of presenting technological solutions
- Acknowledges the weather dependency issue from Text 1 ('despite weather dependency')
- Shows how Text 2 counters with 'technological advances have made renewable energy sources reliable'
- Perfectly captures Text 2's storage, grid management, and forecasting solutions
By agreeing that wind and solar power cannot meet society's energy demands without traditional backup systems
✗ Incorrect
- Text 2 never mentions or agrees with needing 'traditional backup systems'
- Text 2 presents renewable-based solutions (batteries, smart grids) rather than traditional alternatives
- What trap this represents: Students might think Text 2 is compromising with Text 1, but Text 2 actually presents renewable-only solutions
By arguing that weather conditions are actually more predictable than Text 1 suggests
✗ Incorrect
- Text 2 does not argue that weather is more predictable than Text 1 suggests
- Text 2 focuses on technological solutions, not weather predictability improvements
- While forecasting is mentioned, it is presented as one of several solutions, not the main counter-argument