The 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory, finished in 1948, necessitated constructing the most massive astronomical mirror in history. This...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory, finished in 1948, necessitated constructing the most massive astronomical mirror in history. This undertaking required unparalleled accuracy in glass shaping and surface refinement procedures. The artisans responsible for the mirror likely had no prior experience with such an enormous endeavor, and several optical specialists contend that analyzing the mirror's surface characteristics reveals that the crew progressively enhanced their techniques during the extended manufacturing period. This becomes apparent when observing how the initial polished areas display small surface imperfections and equipment marks, whereas the concluding areas attain virtually flawless optical quality without any observable defects.
Which option most accurately characterizes the role of the underlined sentence within the overall text?
It outlines the technical requirements necessary for the Hale Telescope's mirror.
It contrasts the Hale Telescope against contemporary telescopes of that period.
It provides support for an assertion regarding the mirror's creators.
It clarifies the method optical specialists used to establish the mirror's construction sequence.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The 200-inch Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory, finished in 1948, necessitated constructing the most massive astronomical mirror in history.' |
|
| 'This undertaking required unparalleled accuracy in glass shaping and surface refinement procedures.' |
|
| 'The artisans responsible for the mirror likely had no prior experience with such an enormous endeavor,' |
|
| 'and several optical specialists contend that analyzing the mirror's surface characteristics reveals that the crew progressively enhanced their techniques during the extended manufacturing period.' |
|
| 'This becomes apparent when observing how the initial polished areas display small surface imperfections and equipment marks, whereas the concluding areas attain virtually flawless optical quality without any observable defects.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Analysis of the Hale Telescope mirror reveals that the inexperienced artisans gradually improved their manufacturing techniques during the lengthy construction process.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the massive scale and precision requirements of the Hale Telescope mirror project, notes that the workers were likely inexperienced, then presents expert analysis suggesting the crew improved their skills over time, supported by concrete evidence of quality differences between early and later work.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function or role of the underlined sentence within the overall text structure
What type of answer do we need? How the sentence contributes to the passage's argument or organization
Any limiting keywords? 'Most accurately characterizes' - we need the most precise description of the sentence's role
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our analysis, the underlined sentence provides specific evidence that demonstrates the specialists' claim
- It shows concrete proof by contrasting the quality of early work (with imperfections) against later work (virtually flawless)
- This creates a clear before-and-after comparison that supports the assertion about progressive improvement
- The sentence serves as evidence - it's not explaining methods, outlining requirements, or making comparisons to other telescopes
- It's giving us the specific observations that back up what the specialists believe
It outlines the technical requirements necessary for the Hale Telescope's mirror.
- Claims the sentence outlines technical requirements
- The sentence doesn't list what was needed - it describes what was actually observed
It contrasts the Hale Telescope against contemporary telescopes of that period.
- Claims the sentence contrasts with other telescopes of that period
- No mention of contemporary telescopes anywhere in the sentence
It provides support for an assertion regarding the mirror's creators.
- Identifies that the sentence provides support for an assertion about the mirror's creators
- Perfectly matches our analysis - the sentence gives evidence for the specialists' claim about the crew
It clarifies the method optical specialists used to establish the mirror's construction sequence.
- Claims the sentence clarifies the method optical specialists used
- The sentence shows what the specialists discovered, not how they discovered it