Using NASA's powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Mercedes López-Morales and colleagues measured the wavelengths of light traveling through the...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Using NASA's powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Mercedes López-Morales and colleagues measured the wavelengths of light traveling through the atmosphere of WASP-39b, an exoplanet, or planet outside our solar system. Different molecules absorb different wavelengths of light, and the wavelength measurements showed the presence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in WASP-39b's atmosphere. This finding not only offers the first decisive evidence of CO₂ in the atmosphere of an exoplanet but also illustrates the potential for future scientific breakthroughs held by the JWST.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It discusses a method used by some researchers, then states why an alternative method is superior to it.
It describes how researchers made a scientific discovery, then explains the importance of that discovery.
It outlines the steps taken in a scientific study, then presents a hypothesis based on that study.
It examines how a group of scientists reached a conclusion, then shows how other scientists have challenged that conclusion.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Using NASA's powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Mercedes López-Morales and colleagues measured the wavelengths of light traveling through the atmosphere of WASP-39b, an exoplanet, or planet outside our solar system. |
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| Different molecules absorb different wavelengths of light, and the wavelength measurements showed the presence of carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) in WASP-39b's atmosphere. |
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| This finding not only offers the first decisive evidence of \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) in the atmosphere of an exoplanet but also illustrates the potential for future scientific breakthroughs held by the JWST. |
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Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to make the first definitive detection of carbon dioxide in an exoplanet's atmosphere, demonstrating both a significant scientific achievement and the telescope's potential for future discoveries.
Argument Flow: The passage begins by describing how researchers conducted their study using specific methodology (wavelength measurements with JWST). It then presents their key finding (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\) detection) along with the scientific principle behind it. Finally, it explains why this discovery matters both as a first-of-its-kind achievement and as proof of the telescope's capabilities.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The overall structure of the text - how the information is organized and flows
What type of answer do we need? A description that captures the passage's organizational pattern
Any limiting keywords? "Overall structure" means we need to focus on the big-picture organization, not specific details
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage starts by describing how scientists made a discovery (methodology + finding)
- Then it shifts to explaining why that discovery is important (significance + implications)
- This follows a clear pattern: scientific discovery then importance of that discovery
- So the right answer should recognize this two-part structure where researchers make a discovery and then we learn why it matters
It discusses a method used by some researchers, then states why an alternative method is superior to it.
- Says the passage discusses one method, then argues for a superior alternative method
- The passage doesn't compare different methods or argue that one is better than another
- It only describes one approach (using JWST to measure wavelengths)
It describes how researchers made a scientific discovery, then explains the importance of that discovery.
- Matches our structure perfectly: discovery then importance
- First part describes how researchers made the discovery (using JWST, measuring wavelengths, finding \(\mathrm{CO_2}\))
- Second part explains the importance (first decisive evidence + JWST's potential)
- This captures the passage's actual organization
It outlines the steps taken in a scientific study, then presents a hypothesis based on that study.
- Claims the passage outlines study steps, then presents a hypothesis
- The passage doesn't present a hypothesis - it presents actual findings and their significance
- What trap this represents: Students might confuse "findings" with "hypothesis" since both relate to scientific research
It examines how a group of scientists reached a conclusion, then shows how other scientists have challenged that conclusion.
- Says the passage shows how scientists reached a conclusion, then shows other scientists challenging it
- No other scientists or challenges are mentioned in the passage
- The passage is entirely about one team's discovery and its importance