Since the 1970s, marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle has dedicated her career to ocean conservation; her _____ research included over...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Since the 1970s, marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle has dedicated her career to ocean conservation; her _____ research included over 100 deep-sea expeditions and establishing a network of marine protected areas worldwide.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
persistent
superficial
theoretical
sporadic
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Since the 1970s, marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle has dedicated her career to ocean conservation;" |
|
| "[MISSING WORD] her research included over 100 deep-sea expeditions and establishing a network of marine protected areas worldwide." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Sylvia Earle has maintained a long-term commitment to ocean conservation through extensive research activities.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Earle's decades-long dedication to ocean conservation, then describes her research with a missing adjective, and provides concrete examples showing the scope and sustained nature of her work.
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 word must describe research that spans decades (since the 1970s), involves over 100 expeditions, and created a worldwide network
- This suggests research that is sustained, ongoing, and consistent over time
- The word should capture the long-term, committed nature of her work rather than suggesting it was shallow, theoretical, or irregular
persistent
- "Persistent" means continuing steadily despite difficulties or obstacles
- Perfectly matches the decades-long timeframe and extensive scope of her work
- Aligns with someone who has "dedicated her career" and conducted 100+ expeditions
superficial
- "Superficial" means lacking depth or thoroughness
- Contradicts the evidence of 100+ expeditions and worldwide network establishment
theoretical
- "Theoretical" suggests research based on theory rather than practical application
- Contradicts the hands-on nature of deep-sea expeditions and establishing actual protected areas
sporadic
- "Sporadic" means occurring irregularly or infrequently
- Directly contradicts the sustained career dedication and 100+ expeditions over decades