The following text is from a research journal entry by Dr. Elena Martinez, a marine biologist studying coral reef ecosystems.The...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from a research journal entry by Dr. Elena Martinez, a marine biologist studying coral reef ecosystems.
The preliminary data has fundamentally altered my research trajectory. Each new measurement confirms what I initially dismissed as anomalous readings. The temperature gradients, the pH fluctuations, the unprecedented algae proliferation—every indicator points toward a phenomenon I hadn't anticipated. My established hypotheses crumble under the weight of this evidence. I find myself reconstructing theoretical frameworks I thought were solid, reimagining connections I believed I understood.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To emphasize that Dr. Martinez has been profoundly impacted by unexpected research findings
To indicate that Dr. Martinez is questioning the validity of her measurement techniques
To suggest that Dr. Martinez is concerned about sharing her preliminary results with colleagues
To imply that Dr. Martinez is both methodologically rigorous and theoretically flexible
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| The preliminary data has fundamentally altered my research trajectory. |
|
| Each new measurement confirms what I initially dismissed as anomalous readings. |
|
| The temperature gradients, the pH fluctuations, the unprecedented algae proliferation—every indicator points toward a phenomenon I hadn't anticipated. |
|
| My established hypotheses crumble under the weight of this evidence. |
|
| I find myself reconstructing theoretical frameworks I thought were solid, reimagining connections I believed I understood. |
|
Main Point: Dr. Martinez has been profoundly affected by unexpected research data that has forced her to completely rethink her established scientific understanding.
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 right answer needs to capture how Dr. Martinez has been dramatically affected by unexpected research findings
- We see her using words like fundamentally altered, crumble, and describing herself as reconstructing and reimagining—this is someone whose scientific world has been turned upside down
- The entire passage is about the profound personal and professional impact these unexpected results have had on her
To emphasize that Dr. Martinez has been profoundly impacted by unexpected research findings
- This perfectly captures the main purpose—the entire passage shows how profoundly Dr. Martinez has been affected
- Fundamentally altered, crumble, reconstructing—all evidence of profound impact
To indicate that Dr. Martinez is questioning the validity of her measurement techniques
- She's not questioning her measurement techniques—she's accepting them as valid
- The phrase each new measurement confirms shows she trusts her methods
To suggest that Dr. Martinez is concerned about sharing her preliminary results with colleagues
- There's no mention of colleagues or sharing results anywhere in the passage
- This introduces a concern that simply isn't present in the text
To imply that Dr. Martinez is both methodologically rigorous and theoretically flexible
- While this might be true about Dr. Martinez, it's not the main purpose of this text
- The passage isn't designed to showcase her qualities as a scientist