Question

Always prepare for the worst; moreover, when all the hard work has been done and the potential problems anticipated you can celebrate the inevitable success. A. moreover, when B. although, when C. after all, when D. until E. above all, when

Short answer

D. until

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Sentence Structure

Read the sentence carefully to understand the logical flow and the relationship between its parts. Identify that the first part advises preparation for problems, and the second part talks about celebrating success when problems are anticipated.

Analyze the Options

Review each option to determine which best fits the logical relationship between preparing for problems and celebrating success. Each option should be considered for how it connects the two ideas.

Evaluate Option A - 'moreover, when'

Adding 'moreover' suggests an addition to the initial idea rather than a logical sequence of events. This option diverts from the cause-and-effect relationship.

Evaluate Option B - 'although, when'

Using 'although' presents a contrast rather than a sequence of actions. This does not logically connect preparing for problems to celebrating success.

Evaluate Option C - 'after all, when'

Using 'after all' would imply a reason or explanation, but does not logically sequence the preparation and success.

Evaluate Option D - 'until'

'Until' suggests a timeframe that logically connects preparing for problems and celebrating success at a later time once preparations are complete. This sequence makes sense.

Evaluate Option E - 'above all, when'

'Above all' implies importance rather than a sequence of cause and effect, making it a less fitting choice.

Choose the Best Option

Based on the evaluations, determine that 'until' best maintains the logical sequence in the sentence and properly connects the preparation for problems to the eventual celebration of success.

Key concepts

Sentence Structure

In the GMAT, understanding sentence structure is essential. It helps you identify how parts of a sentence relate to each other. In our exercise, the sentence has two key parts: preparing for potential problems and celebrating success once those problems are managed. The sentence structure requires a logical connection between these two ideas.
While reading, focus on finding the main subject and verb to grasp the core action. This will help in understanding the logical flow and relationship within the sentence.

Logical Flow

Logical flow connects the ideas within a sentence. In the provided exercise, the first part discusses preparing for potential problems. The second part anticipates celebrating once these problems are managed. Therefore, these parts should follow a cause-and-effect or sequential relationship.
Evaluating each option's logical connection is crucial. Options like 'moreover' or 'above all' deviate from this flow, while 'until' connects preparation and celebration effectively.

Sequence of Actions

Sequence of actions can clarify the order in which events occur or should be performed. In this context, 'until' fits best because it sets a clear timeframe: prepare for potential problems, then celebrate after these issues are addressed.
The other options don't quite follow the sequence logically. For example, 'although' suggests a contrast, and 'after all' offers a reason rather than a timeline. Understand which words indicate sequence and ensure they match the intended order of events.

Evaluating Options

Evaluating options involves close examination of each provided choice. For GMAT sentences, consider specific functions of conjunctions and connectors. Here, we had to determine which option properly linked the preparation phase with the celebration phase.
Each step involved critical assessment:

• 'moreover' adds to the idea without logical sequence.
• 'although' introduces contrast.
• 'after all' gives a reason but no sequence.
• 'until' provides a clear timeframe.
• 'above all' indicates importance but not sequence.

Analyzing these nuances helps in choosing the most logical fit.

Test-taking Strategies

Using effective test-taking strategies can greatly enhance your performance. For sentence correction, consider:

• Always read the sentence fully to understand the context.
• Determine the logical flow between parts of the sentence.
• Narrow down options by eliminating those that don't fit the logical flow or sequence.
• Re-read the sentence with your chosen option in place to confirm clarity and coherence.

Applying these strategies ensures that you are choosing answers that make sense both logically and contextually. Always trust in a well-structured process to guide you to the correct answer.