The invention in 1958 of the integrated circuit (or microchip) radically altered the semiconductor industry. In fact, some historians argue...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The invention in 1958 of the integrated circuit (or microchip) radically altered the semiconductor industry. In fact, some historians argue that it fundamentally _______ the industry by enabling it to take advantage of mass production methods for the first time.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The invention in 1958 of the integrated circuit (or microchip) radically altered the semiconductor industry.' |
|
| [MISSING WORD] |
|
| 'the industry by enabling it to take advantage of mass production methods for the first time.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The 1958 invention of the microchip fundamentally changed the semiconductor industry by making mass production possible for the first time.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a significant technological breakthrough (microchip invention) that had major industry-wide effects. It then explains that historians view this change as fundamental because it unlocked a completely new manufacturing capability.
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 microchip 'radically altered' the industry, suggesting major, positive change. The word we need should match this tone and show how historians view this alteration. After the blank, we learn that this change 'enabled mass production methods for the first time,' which represents a fundamental shift.
- The missing word needs to:
- Match the positive, significant tone of 'radically altered'
- Show that historians see this as a deep, structural change
- Connect logically with 'enabling mass production for the first time'
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'Overwhelmed' suggests being overpowered or defeated. This creates a negative tone that contradicts the beneficial change described.
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'Bypassed' means to go around or avoid something. This doesn't make logical sense—the microchip didn't avoid the industry, it changed it.
- ✗ Incorrect
- 'Obstructed' means to block or hinder. This is the opposite of what happened—the microchip enabled new capabilities.
- ✓ Correct
- 'Transformed' means to change fundamentally or completely. Perfect match with 'radically altered' and logically connects with enabling mass production for the first time.