The following text describes two environmental researchers working on a climate study.When the funding committee requested a progress update, Dr....
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text describes two environmental researchers working on a climate study.
When the funding committee requested a progress update, Dr. Marcus Webb immediately began organizing clear charts that highlighted measurable temperature increases and projected timelines. His presentation focused on actionable policy recommendations that government officials could implement within existing budget constraints. Meanwhile, Dr. Sarah Chen had been developing an intricate theoretical framework exploring atmospheric interactions across multiple decades. Her research delved into complex mathematical models that revealed subtle patterns others had overlooked, work that could reshape fundamental understanding of climate systems but required years of additional study to complete.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To show that Dr. Chen and Dr. Webb have very different research approaches
To describe the complexity of climate data analysis
To explain why Dr. Chen's theoretical models are more valuable than practical applications
To demonstrate that collaborative research often leads to disagreements
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "When the funding committee requested a progress update, Dr. Marcus Webb immediately began organizing clear charts that highlighted measurable temperature increases and projected timelines." |
|
| "His presentation focused on actionable policy recommendations that government officials could implement within existing budget constraints." |
|
| "Meanwhile, Dr. Sarah Chen had been developing an intricate theoretical framework exploring atmospheric interactions across multiple decades." |
|
| "Her research delved into complex mathematical models that revealed subtle patterns others had overlooked, work that could reshape fundamental understanding of climate systems but required years of additional study to complete." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage contrasts two climate researchers who respond to the same situation with completely different approaches—one practical and immediate, the other theoretical and long-term.
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 is clearly structured around a contrast
- We start with the same trigger (funding committee request), then see two completely different responses
- Webb goes practical and immediate with charts and budget-friendly policies
- Chen goes theoretical with complex models requiring years more work
- The author shows how different their approaches are
To show that Dr. Chen and Dr. Webb have very different research approaches
✓ Correct
- This perfectly captures the passage structure—we see Webb's practical, immediate approach contrasted with Chen's theoretical, long-term approach
To describe the complexity of climate data analysis
✗ Incorrect
- Says the passage describes "complexity of climate data analysis" in general
- The passage isn't about complexity of data analysis—it's specifically about contrasting two individual approaches
To explain why Dr. Chen's theoretical models are more valuable than practical applications
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the passage argues Chen's models are "more valuable" than practical applications
- The passage presents both approaches neutrally without saying one is more valuable
To demonstrate that collaborative research often leads to disagreements
✗ Incorrect
- Says the passage demonstrates that "collaborative research often leads to disagreements"
- There's no mention of disagreements—the researchers aren't even shown interacting