The authors of a recent study of the aftermath of a major wildfire in the northwestern United States concluded that,...
GMAT Reading Comprehension : (RC) Questions
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The authors of a recent study of the aftermath of a major wildfire in the northwestern United States concluded that, contrary to the expectations of logging advocates, logging the burned trees both killed large numbers of seedlings that had sprouted on their own and increased the short-term danger of wildfire. The study sampled five of the largest areas, both logged and nonlogged, all of which had experienced burning. Natural seeding produced 767 seedlings per hectare, exceeding forest service standards for manual replanting. Cutting down dead trees and hauling away logs, however, killed 71 percent of the nautral seedlings, leaving only 224 per hectare.
In addition, the amount of small branches on the ground, which spread a fire quickly, was about four times higher in logged areas than in similar nonlogged areas. The amount of large branches and logs on the ground, which burn hot and sustain a fire, was about three times higher. Controlled burning of the debris reduces fire risk, but kills more natural seedlings. The study suggested that the lowest fire risk strategy may be to leave dead trees standing as long as possible (where they are less available to surface flames), allowing for aerial decay and slow, episodic input to surface fuel loads over decades.
Ques. 1/3
It can most reasonably be inferred that if the strategy described in the final sentence of the passage were followed, which of the following would be true?
Solution
1. Passage Analysis:
Progressive Passage Analysis
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| The authors of a recent study of the aftermath of a major wildfire in the northwestern United States concluded that, contrary to the expectations of logging advocates, logging the burned trees both killed large numbers of seedlings that had sprouted on their own and increased the short-term danger of wildfire. | What it says: Researchers studied what happened after a big wildfire. They found that cutting down burned trees (which logging supporters thought was a good idea) actually had two bad effects: it killed baby trees that grew naturally and made future fires more dangerous. What it does: Introduces the main finding and sets up a contrast between expectations vs. reality. Source/Type: Researchers' conclusion based on study data Connection to Previous Sentences: First sentence - establishes the foundation for everything that follows Visualization: Expected Result: Logging burned trees → Good outcomes Actual Result: Logging burned trees → Killed seedlings + Increased fire danger What We Know So Far: Study found logging burned areas has negative effects What We Don't Know Yet: Specific numbers, details about how/why this happens Reading Strategy Insight: This is a classic GMAT setup - expectation vs. reality. The passage will likely provide evidence supporting this conclusion. |
| The study sampled five of the largest areas, both logged and nonlogged, all of which had experienced burning. | What it says: The researchers looked at 5 big areas that had all been burned by fire. Some areas had been logged after the fire, others hadn't been logged. What it does: Describes the study methodology - what they compared Source/Type: Factual description of research design Connection to Previous Sentences: This builds on sentence 1 by explaining HOW the researchers reached their conclusion. This gives us confidence in their findings because they made fair comparisons. Visualization: Study Design: • 5 large burned areas • Some logged after fire, some left alone • Compare results between the two groups Reading Strategy Insight: Feel more confident here - the authors are explaining their methodology, which makes their conclusions more credible. |
| Natural seeding produced 767 seedlings per hectare, exceeding forest service standards for manual replanting. | What it says: In the non-logged areas, nature grew 767 baby trees per hectare on its own. This is actually more than the forest service requires when they plant trees manually. What it does: Provides specific evidence that nature does a good job recovering without human intervention Source/Type: Factual measurement from the study Connection to Previous Sentences: This elaborates on sentence 1's claim that logging "killed large numbers of seedlings that had sprouted on their own." Now we see how many seedlings grew naturally - quite a lot! Visualization: Natural Recovery: 767 seedlings per hectare Forest Service Standard: Less than 767 (specific number not given) Nature's performance: Exceeds official standards Reading Strategy Insight: This is concrete evidence supporting the main argument. The comparison to forest service standards helps us understand that 767 is actually impressive. |
| Cutting down dead trees and hauling away logs, however, killed 71 percent of the natural seedlings, leaving only 224 per hectare. | What it says: When they cut down the dead trees and removed them, this killed 71% of those natural baby trees, leaving only 224 per hectare. What it does: Provides the contrasting evidence - specific numbers showing logging's negative impact Source/Type: Factual measurement from the study Connection to Previous Sentences: This directly contrasts with sentence 3 and provides the specific numbers behind sentence 1's claim that logging "killed large numbers of seedlings." Visualization: Before Logging: 767 seedlings per hectare After Logging: 224 seedlings per hectare Killed: 71% of natural seedlings Dramatic decrease: 767 → 224 What We Know So Far: Natural recovery works well (767), but logging severely damages it (224) Reading Strategy Insight: This is NOT new complexity - it's the specific proof of what sentence 1 already told us! The authors are supporting their main point with concrete evidence. |
| In addition, the amount of small branches on the ground, which spread a fire quickly, was about four times higher in logged areas than in similar nonlogged areas. | What it says: Logged areas had 4 times more small branches on the ground compared to non-logged areas. Small branches make fires spread fast. What it does: Provides evidence for the second part of the main claim (increased fire danger) Source/Type: Factual measurement from the study Connection to Previous Sentences: This builds on sentence 1's claim that logging "increased the short-term danger of wildfire." We've finished discussing seedlings, now we're getting proof about fire danger. Visualization: Fire Spread Material (Small Branches): • Non-logged areas: baseline amount • Logged areas: 4× that amount Effect: Fires spread much faster in logged areas Reading Strategy Insight: The pattern continues - this is still supporting evidence for the main conclusion from sentence 1, just addressing the fire danger aspect instead of the seedling aspect. |
| The amount of large branches and logs on the ground, which burn hot and sustain a fire, was about three times higher. | What it says: Logged areas also had 3 times more large branches and logs on the ground. These burn very hot and keep fires going longer. What it does: Provides additional evidence about fire danger from a different type of debris Source/Type: Factual measurement from the study Connection to Previous Sentences: This continues the same point as sentence 5 - more evidence that logging increases fire danger. Same topic, different type of fuel. Visualization: Fire Fuel Materials in Logged vs Non-logged Areas: • Small branches (spread fire): 4× more • Large branches/logs (sustain fire): 3× more Combined effect: Much more dangerous fire conditions Reading Strategy Insight: This is reinforcement, not new complexity! The authors are piling on evidence for the same point - logged areas are more fire-prone. |
| Controlled burning of the debris reduces fire risk, but kills more natural seedlings. | What it says: You could burn the debris on purpose to reduce fire risk, but this would kill even more of the natural baby trees. What it does: Acknowledges a potential solution but shows it has the same core problem Source/Type: Researchers' analysis/implication Connection to Previous Sentences: This addresses the obvious question raised by sentences 5-6: "If logging creates fire-spreading debris, why not just burn the debris?" The answer reinforces the overall theme that human intervention hurts natural recovery. Visualization: Option 1 - Do Nothing: Good seedling survival, but some fire risk Option 2 - Log: Poor seedling survival + high fire risk Option 3 - Log + Burn Debris: Poor seedling survival + low fire risk All human intervention options harm seedlings Reading Strategy Insight: The authors are systematically eliminating alternatives, strengthening their main argument that natural recovery without logging is best. |
| The study suggested that the lowest fire risk strategy may be to leave dead trees standing as long as possible (where they are less available to surface flames), allowing for aerial decay and slow, episodic input to surface fuel loads over decades. | What it says: The researchers think the best approach might be to just leave the dead trees standing up. When trees are standing, ground fires can't reach them as easily. Over many years, they'll slowly decay and drop material bit by bit. What it does: Presents the researchers' recommended solution based on all their findings Source/Type: Researchers' recommendation/conclusion Connection to Previous Sentences: This is the logical conclusion that ties everything together. Given that logging kills seedlings (sentences 3-4), increases fire danger (sentences 5-6), and burning debris also kills seedlings (sentence 7), leaving trees standing addresses both problems. Visualization: Recommended Strategy: Leave dead trees standing Benefits: • Protects natural seedlings (solves problem from sentences 3-4) • Reduces immediate fire risk (solves problem from sentences 5-6) • Avoids killing more seedlings with controlled burns (solves sentence 7 dilemma) What We Know Now: Complete argument for why natural recovery without logging is superior Reading Strategy Insight: This is the satisfying conclusion that resolves all the problems raised earlier. The entire passage has been building to this recommendation! Feel confident - you understand the complete argument. |
2. Passage Summary:
Author's Purpose:
To present research findings that challenge common beliefs about post-wildfire forest management by showing how logging burned areas actually harms natural recovery and increases fire risks.
Summary of Passage Structure:
In this passage, the author walks us through a study that overturns expectations about logging after wildfires:
- First, the author introduces the study's surprising main finding that logging burned trees actually kills natural seedlings and increases fire danger, contrary to what logging supporters expected
- Next, the author explains how the study was conducted by comparing logged and non-logged burned areas to ensure fair results
- Then, the author provides specific evidence showing that natural recovery works well on its own but logging destroys most of these natural seedlings
- Finally, the author shows how logging also creates dangerous fire conditions and concludes by presenting the researchers' recommended solution of leaving dead trees standing
Main Point:
After wildfires, the best strategy for both forest recovery and fire safety is to leave burned trees standing and let nature handle the recovery process, rather than logging the area which kills most natural seedlings and makes future fires more dangerous.
3. Question Analysis:
This is an inference question asking us to determine what would be true if the final strategy described in the passage were followed. The final sentence recommends "leaving dead trees standing as long as possible... allowing for aerial decay and slow, episodic input to surface fuel loads over decades." We need to find which answer choice logically follows from implementing this strategy.
Connecting to Our Passage Analysis:
From our passage analysis, we understand that:
- Natural seeding produces 767 seedlings per hectare, which exceeds forest service standards for manual replanting
- Logging kills 71% of natural seedlings, leaving only 224 per hectare
- The recommended strategy of leaving dead trees standing would protect these natural seedlings from the damage caused by logging
- The passage establishes a clear contrast between natural recovery (which works well) and human intervention through logging (which harms recovery)
Prethinking:
If dead trees are left standing as recommended, then:
- Natural seedlings would not be killed by logging operations
- The 767 seedlings per hectare would be preserved rather than reduced to 224
- Since natural seeding already exceeds forest service standards, there would be less need for manual replanting
- The strategy specifically protects the natural recovery process that the study showed works effectively
Answer Choices Explained
A
Loggers would eventually have to remove the dead trees that fall over.
Why It's Wrong:
• The passage doesn't discuss what happens to trees that eventually fall naturally
• The strategy focuses on leaving trees standing "as long as possible" for aerial decay, not on removal logistics
• This choice shifts focus to logging operations rather than the forest recovery benefits
Common Student Mistakes:
• The passage doesn't discuss what happens to trees that eventually fall naturally
• The strategy focuses on leaving trees standing "as long as possible" for aerial decay, not on removal logistics
• This choice shifts focus to logging operations rather than the forest recovery benefits
Common Student Mistakes:
- Does this choice focus on the main benefits the passage emphasizes about the standing tree strategy?
→ No, focus on how the strategy affects seedling survival and fire risk, not eventual tree removal - Is this addressing the core problems the study identified with current logging practices?
→ The passage emphasizes seedling protection and fire risk reduction, not long-term tree removal logistics
B
Controlled burning of forest debris would not help reduced wildfire risk.
Why It's Wrong:
• The passage states controlled burning "reduces fire risk," so it does help
• The issue with controlled burning is that it "kills more natural seedlings," not that it's ineffective for fire risk
• This choice misrepresents the passage's position on controlled burning
Common Student Mistakes:
• The passage states controlled burning "reduces fire risk," so it does help
• The issue with controlled burning is that it "kills more natural seedlings," not that it's ineffective for fire risk
• This choice misrepresents the passage's position on controlled burning
Common Student Mistakes:
- Does the passage say controlled burning doesn't work for fire risk?
→ No, it says controlled burning does reduce fire risk but has the downside of killing seedlings - What's the main problem with controlled burning according to the study?
→ The problem is seedling mortality, not ineffectiveness at reducing fire risk
C
If a wildfire were to start, it would be more likely to sustain itself than if the area were logged.
Why It's Wrong:
• The passage shows that logged areas have much more fire-spreading material (4x small branches, 3x large branches)
• Standing dead trees are "less available to surface flames" according to the final sentence
• This choice contradicts the passage's evidence about fire sustainability
Common Student Mistakes:
• The passage shows that logged areas have much more fire-spreading material (4x small branches, 3x large branches)
• Standing dead trees are "less available to surface flames" according to the final sentence
• This choice contradicts the passage's evidence about fire sustainability
Common Student Mistakes:
- Which areas had more fire-sustaining material according to the study?
→ Logged areas had 3 times more large branches and logs that "burn hot and sustain a fire" - Does leaving trees standing increase or decrease their availability to surface flames?
→ The passage states standing trees are "less available to surface flames"
D
The need for manual replanting of seedligns would be mitigated.
Why It's Right:
• Natural seeding produces 767 seedlings per hectare, exceeding forest service standards for manual replanting
• Logging kills 71% of these natural seedlings, but the standing tree strategy would preserve them
• If natural recovery is protected and already exceeds official standards, less manual replanting would be needed
Key Evidence: "Natural seeding produced 767 seedlings per hectare, exceeding forest service standards for manual replanting" and "Cutting down dead trees and hauling away logs, however, killed 71 percent of the natural seedlings"
• Natural seeding produces 767 seedlings per hectare, exceeding forest service standards for manual replanting
• Logging kills 71% of these natural seedlings, but the standing tree strategy would preserve them
• If natural recovery is protected and already exceeds official standards, less manual replanting would be needed
Key Evidence: "Natural seeding produced 767 seedlings per hectare, exceeding forest service standards for manual replanting" and "Cutting down dead trees and hauling away logs, however, killed 71 percent of the natural seedlings"
E
The long-term danger of wildfires would be increased substaintially.
Why It's Wrong:
• The passage argues that leaving trees standing provides "the lowest fire risk strategy"
• The study shows logging increases both short-term fire danger and material that sustains fires
• This choice directly contradicts the passage's main conclusion about fire risk
Common Student Mistakes:
• The passage argues that leaving trees standing provides "the lowest fire risk strategy"
• The study shows logging increases both short-term fire danger and material that sustains fires
• This choice directly contradicts the passage's main conclusion about fire risk
Common Student Mistakes:
- What does the passage say about the fire risk of the standing tree strategy?
→ It calls this "the lowest fire risk strategy," not a strategy that increases long-term danger - Which approach does the study show increases fire danger?
→ Logging increases fire danger by creating more fire-spreading and fire-sustaining debris on the ground
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