While we can infer information about climate activity in Earth's distant past from physical evidence, we of course cannot observe...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
While we can infer information about climate activity in Earth's distant past from physical evidence, we of course cannot observe past climates directly. To study early Earth's climate in action, we must ________ that climate using computer models that represent various climate conditions consistent with the physical evidence.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
invent
simulate
exaggerate
preserve
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "While we can infer information about climate activity in Earth's distant past from physical evidence" |
|
| "we of course cannot observe past climates directly" |
|
| "To study early Earth's climate in action" |
|
| "we must _______ that climate using computer models" |
|
| "using computer models that represent various climate conditions consistent with the physical evidence" |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Since we cannot directly observe past climates, we must use computer models to recreate them for study.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that while we have physical evidence of past climates, we cannot observe them directly. It then presents the need for an alternative method using computer models that align with the available evidence.
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 word must describe what we do with computer models to study past climates
- It must make sense in the context of using models to represent past climate conditions
- It should relate to the idea of recreating or reproducing something we cannot directly observe
invent
✗ Incorrect
- "Invent" means to create something new or make up something
- This doesn't fit because we're trying to study actual past climates, not create fictional ones
simulate
✓ Correct
- "Simulate" means to recreate or reproduce the conditions or behavior of something
- This perfectly fits the context of using computer models to recreate past climate conditions
exaggerate
✗ Incorrect
- "Exaggerate" means to make something seem larger or more important than it really is
- This contradicts the scientific goal of accurately studying past climates
preserve
✗ Incorrect
- "Preserve" means to keep something in its original state or prevent it from being lost
- Past climates no longer exist, so they cannot be preserved