The following text is adapted from Cynthia Kadohata's 2004 novel Kira-Kira. [Uncle Katsuhisa] was as loud as my father was...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from Cynthia Kadohata's 2004 novel Kira-Kira.
[Uncle Katsuhisa] was as loud as my father was quiet. Even when he wasn't talking, he made a lot of noise, clearing his throat and sniffing and tapping his fingers.
©2004 by Cynthia Kadohata
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence?
It lists the kinds of topics Uncle Katsuhisa enjoys discussing.
It suggests that Uncle Katsuhisa dislikes meeting new people.
It contrasts Uncle Katsuhisa with the narrator's father.
It describes a conversation between the narrator and the narrator's father.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "[Uncle Katsuhisa] was as loud as my father was quiet." |
|
| "Even when he wasn't talking, he made a lot of noise, clearing his throat and sniffing and tapping his fingers." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map: [CONTRAST STATEMENT] Uncle Katsuhisa (loud) vs. Father (quiet) followed by [SUPPORTING ELABORATION] Specific examples of Uncle K's loudness
Main Point: Uncle Katsuhisa and the narrator's father have opposite personalities when it comes to making noise.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a clear contrast between Uncle Katsuhisa's loud nature and the father's quiet nature, then provides concrete examples of how Uncle Katsuhisa is loud even when he's not speaking.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The function of the underlined sentence in the passage
What type of answer do we need? A description of what role/purpose the sentence serves
Any limiting keywords? "underlined sentence" - we need to focus specifically on the second sentence
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The underlined sentence comes right after we learn that Uncle Katsuhisa is loud while the father is quiet
- The underlined sentence gives us specific examples of Uncle Katsuhisa's loudness - even when he's not talking, he's making noise through physical actions
- So the right answer should recognize that this sentence is continuing or building on the contrast that was established in the first sentence by providing concrete details about Uncle Katsuhisa's loud behavior
It lists the kinds of topics Uncle Katsuhisa enjoys discussing.
- Claims the sentence lists discussion topics Uncle Katsuhisa enjoys
- The sentence doesn't mention any topics or discussions - it describes physical actions he makes when not talking
- Completely misreads what the sentence is about
It suggests that Uncle Katsuhisa dislikes meeting new people.
- Claims the sentence suggests Uncle Katsuhisa dislikes meeting new people
- Nothing in the sentence relates to meeting people or social preferences
- The sentence is about noise-making behaviors, not social attitudes
It contrasts Uncle Katsuhisa with the narrator's father.
- Recognizes that the sentence builds on the contrast between Uncle Katsuhisa and the father
- The first sentence established Uncle K as loud vs. father as quiet
- This sentence provides specific evidence of Uncle K's loudness, reinforcing that contrast
- Matches our prethinking about how the sentence functions to support the established comparison
It describes a conversation between the narrator and the narrator's father.
- Claims the sentence describes a conversation between narrator and father
- No conversation is described - the sentence is about Uncle Katsuhisa's physical behaviors
- Misidentifies what's happening in the sentence entirely