When Dr. Sarah Chen introduced her research team to electron beam lithography for creating nanoscale patterns, several graduate students initially...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
When Dr. Sarah Chen introduced her research team to electron beam lithography for creating nanoscale patterns, several graduate students initially expressed concerns that the technique seemed overly complex and potentially obsolete given newer digital fabrication methods. However, experienced researchers in the lab demonstrated that electron beam lithography produces exceptionally precise results and continues to be essential for cutting-edge applications in quantum device manufacturing, suggesting that this technique _______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
is more valuable to contemporary research than it may initially appear.
requires more specialized training than other nanofabrication methods.
produces better results than it did when first developed decades ago.
is best understood through hands-on experience with quantum devices.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'When Dr. Sarah Chen introduced her research team to electron beam lithography for creating nanoscale patterns,' |
|
| 'several graduate students initially expressed concerns that the technique seemed overly complex and potentially obsolete given newer digital fabrication methods.' |
|
| 'However, experienced researchers in the lab demonstrated that electron beam lithography produces exceptionally precise results and continues to be essential for cutting-edge applications in quantum device manufacturing,' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Despite initial student concerns about electron beam lithography being complex and outdated, experienced researchers demonstrate it remains highly valuable for precise, cutting-edge applications.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a clear contrast structure. Students express doubts, but then experienced researchers prove these concerns wrong by demonstrating the technique's precision and continued importance.
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 passage creates a clear initial appearance vs reality contrast
- Students initially saw the technique as complex and potentially obsolete, but experienced researchers proved it's actually precise and essential for advanced work
- The logical conclusion should capture this gap between how the technique initially appears and its actual value
is more valuable to contemporary research than it may initially appear.
- Perfectly captures the contrast between initial student concerns and demonstrated expert evidence
- The phrase captures the gap between perception and reality
requires more specialized training than other nanofabrication methods.
- Focuses on training requirements which isn't discussed in the passage
- Misses the main point about perceived vs actual value
produces better results than it did when first developed decades ago.
- Makes a historical comparison between past and present performance
- The passage doesn't discuss historical performance, only current perception vs current reality
is best understood through hands-on experience with quantum devices.
- Too narrow and specific
- Doesn't capture the broader point about the technique's overall value in research