Last visit was: 18 Nov 2025, 20:14 It is currently 18 Nov 2025, 20:14
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 17,289
Own Kudos:
49,292
 [10]
Given Kudos: 6,179
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 17,289
Kudos: 49,292
 [10]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
8
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
Archit3110
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 18 Aug 2017
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 8,423
Own Kudos:
4,979
 [1]
Given Kudos: 243
Status:You learn more from failure than from success.
Location: India
Concentration: Sustainability, Marketing
GMAT Focus 1: 545 Q79 V79 DI73
GMAT Focus 2: 645 Q83 V82 DI81
GPA: 4
WE:Marketing (Energy)
GMAT Focus 2: 645 Q83 V82 DI81
Posts: 8,423
Kudos: 4,979
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
Elite097
Joined: 20 Apr 2022
Last visit: 08 Oct 2025
Posts: 771
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 346
Location: India
GPA: 3.64
Posts: 771
Kudos: 553
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
zyt
Joined: 04 Jul 2020
Last visit: 24 Oct 2023
Posts: 21
Own Kudos:
10
 [1]
Given Kudos: 21
Location: India
GMAT 1: 650 Q41 V38
WE:Consulting (Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)
GMAT 1: 650 Q41 V38
Posts: 21
Kudos: 10
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2

A. It is the best among all superconductors
Incorrect: MgB2 is one of the young superconductors


B. It can be formed without boron fiber
CORRECT: it can be formed by pouring powdered magnesium and boron or powdered MgB2 into a tube,


C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber
Incorrect: It can be formed by powdered magnesium and boron

D. It is the only emerging superconductor
Incorrect: this is not mentioned in the passage

E. The process to make MgB2 is costly
Incorrect: it may or may not be, not mentioned


2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:

A. It is the only substance required to form MgB2
Incorrect, Magnesium gas is also required

B. It is a type of liquid substance
Incorrect: not mentioned

C. It is a type of solid substance
Incorrect: may be true but not mentioned


D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters
CORRECT: this is mentioned in the first paragraph


E. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter
Incorrect: we cannot assume from the passage that 1 to 3 mm is large


3. It can be inferred from the passage that

A. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments
Incorrect: This is not given, impossible is too extreme

B. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments
Incorrect: It is mentioned that wire segments make it easy bit doesn't say that without them not possible

C. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments
Incorrect: No its one of the methods, the other is using boron fibers


D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.
CORRECT: They need a protective sheath cover before they can be used.


E. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market
Incorrect: This is not mentioned, not necessarily true


4. The primary purpose of the passage is:

A. to describe the history of MgB2
Incorrect, It describes the method to make and use MgB2


B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful
CORRECT: this can be the primary purpose as the first para introduces the MGB2 and the following para describe how to make and use it


C. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2
Incorrect: wire segment is the form of MbB2 which can be analyzed

D. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments
Incorrect: this is not the purpose, the use of MgB2 not only boron is described

E. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments
Incorrect: this is only part of the purpose
User avatar
Snehaaaaa
Joined: 09 Mar 2021
Last visit: 13 Feb 2025
Posts: 135
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 161
Location: India
GMAT 1: 640 Q44 V34
GPA: 3.68
GMAT 1: 640 Q44 V34
Posts: 135
Kudos: 429
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Sajjad1994
Within a couple of weeks after the announcement of superconductivity in MgB2, we had devised a technique for making wire segments of this remarkable superconductor. MgB2 can be formed by reacting magnesium vapor with boron, a process that can take place within hours at temperatures near 1,000 degrees Celsius: the boron essentially sucks the magnesium vapor out of the environment and becomes MgB2. This process works with boron fibers that can be purchased in lengths of hundreds of meters; it has been applied to filaments with starting diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeter.

Wire segments such as these are very useful for basic research, allowing for the measurement of the intrinsic physical properties of MgB2. Before such wire segments could be used in practical applications, they would need to have a conductive, malleable sheath to provide structural support. A suitable sheath has not yet been developed.

A more common method of wire synthesis is called “powder in a tube.” This technique involves pouring powdered magnesium and boron or powdered MgB2 into a tube, drawing the tube into a wire, and then reacting or annealing the wire to produce a solid structure. This technique has produced research samples that range from tens to hundreds of meters long. Despite MgB2 being a rather young superconductor, companies have been taking notice and are working toward commercializing it. Examples include Diboride Conductors and Hyper Tech Research, which are small companies focusing on making and improving the properties of MgB2 wires.

1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2

A. It is the best among all superconductors
B. It can be formed without boron fiber
C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber
D. It is the only emerging superconductor
E. The process to make MgB2 is costly


2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:

A. It is the only substance required to form MgB2
B. It is a type of liquid substance
C. It is a type of solid substance
D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters
E. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter


3. It can be inferred from the passage that

A. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments
B. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments
C. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments
D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.
E. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market


4. The primary purpose of the passage is:

A. to describe the history of MgB2
B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful
C. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2
D. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments
E. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments


GMAT Club's Reading Comprehension Sprint 2022
5 Days | 10 Passages | Win Prizes | Get Better at GMAT
Day # 05 | Passage # 10 | Date: September 05, 2022
Click here for detail and master thread

Donate and Help! - Pakistan Flood Relief donation drive.
Please donate to flood-affected people in Pakistan
Flood has affected more than 30 million people in Pakistan. Click here for Details and donation links

Question 1
1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2
A. It is the best among all superconductors- This cannot be inferred. This is an extreme statement
B. It can be formed without boron fiber- We have no evidence to support this inference from the passage
C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber- This is the correct answer. This can be inferred from the statement- This process works with boron fibers that can be purchased in lengths of hundreds of meters; it has been applied to filaments with starting diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeter.
D. It is the only emerging superconductor- We cannot infer that it is the only emerging superconductor. We can rather say that it is an emerging superconductor
E. The process to make MgB2 is costly- This also cannot be inferred.

Question 2
2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:
A. It is the only substance required to form MgB2- This is wrong as boron fiber alone cannot form MgB2
B. It is a type of liquid substance- This cannot be concluded about boron fiber
C. It is a type of solid substance- This can be concluded as the passage states that- boron fibers that can be purchased in lengths of hundreds of meters i.e. it is solid material. This is the correct answer.
D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters- We cannot be sure of the diameter here as the diameter given is for the filament used in application and not of boron fiber.
E. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter- This cannot be concluded about boron fiber.

Question 3
3. It can be inferred from the passage that
A. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments- This cannot be inferred from the passage
B. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments- Wire segments help to measure physical characteristics. But we cannot infer that physical characteristics of MgB2 cannot be measured without wire segments.
C. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments- This is one of the method and not the only method
D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.- The passage clearly states that MgB2 application is not practical yet. This is the correct answer.
E. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market- This cannot be inferred.

Question 4
4. The primary purpose of the passage is:
A. to describe the history of MgB2- This is not the primary purpose
B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful- This is limited in scope
C. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2- This is limited in scope
D. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments- The primary purpose is not to reason
E. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments- This is the primary purpose of the passage. It covers the entire gist of passage. This is the correct answer
User avatar
sanjitscorps18
Joined: 26 Jan 2019
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 635
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 128
Location: India
Schools: IMD'26
Products:
Schools: IMD'26
Posts: 635
Kudos: 623
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2
B. It can be formed without boron fiber
--> 3rd para suggests that boron powder can also be used

2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:
D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters
--> As per the 1st paragraph of the passage "boron fiber elements" as described in option D are available but do not restrict the dimensions to only this. "boron fibers that can be purchased in lengths of hundreds of meters; it has been applied to filaments with starting diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeter."

3. It can be inferred from the passage that
D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.
--> It is mentioned in 2nd and 3rd paragraph.
"A suitable sheath has not yet been developed."
"Despite MgB2 being a rather young superconductor, companies have been taking notice and are working toward commercializing it"
Til now it has no practical use but only research-based use.

4. The primary purpose of the passage is:
B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful
--> This gives an overview of the passage

BDDB
User avatar
Ritax
Joined: 27 Aug 2022
Last visit: 19 Apr 2023
Posts: 14
Own Kudos:
10
 [1]
Given Kudos: 19
Location: Thailand
GMAT 1: 530 Q39 V24
GMAT 1: 530 Q39 V24
Posts: 14
Kudos: 10
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thank you for providing such a great activity.
Congrats to the winner in advance! :thumbsup:
:heart Deleted Q2 Q3 Q4 as incorrect answer
Q1 According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2
A. It is the best among all superconductors
X no such extreme info
B. It can be formed without boron fiber
X in both P2 P3 stated about boron fiber used to created MgB2
C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber
✓ Yes , This seems correct as whole passage have boron fiber
D. It is the only emerging superconductor
X no such extreme info
E. The process to make MgB2 is costly
X no cost information provided in the passage, yes it might not yet commercialize but does not means it is expensive now
User avatar
happypuppy
Joined: 29 Mar 2020
Last visit: 03 Dec 2023
Posts: 207
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 238
Location: India
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Technology
GMAT 1: 720 Q50 V38 (Online)
GPA: 3.5
Products:
GMAT 1: 720 Q50 V38 (Online)
Posts: 207
Kudos: 437
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
1. C
2. C
3. D
4. E

1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2

A. It is the best among all superconductors
- wrong - " best among all superconductors" is not mentioned
B. It can be formed without boron fiber
- wrong - No where it is given, also boron is needed to form MgB2.
C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber
- Correct - True, MgB2 has a can't be formed without boron fiber w.r.t passage. Two ways given to from wire, both can be formed using MgB2.

D. It is the only emerging superconductor
- wrong - ONLY is distortion. Can't infer.
E. The process to make MgB2 is costly
- wrong - Not mentioned about the cost of process

2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:

A. It is the only substance required to form MgB2
- wrong - Mg is also needed, hence incorrect.
B. It is a type of liquid substance
- wrong - No, it can be in powdered state
C. It is a type of solid substance
- Correct - Either in wire form or in powder, boron is a solid substance

D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters
- wrong - It is given at "This process works with boron fibers that can be purchased in lengths of hundreds of meters; it has been applied to filaments with starting diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeter.", the 0.1 to 0.3mm is filament.
E. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter
- wrong - Wrong, no where diameters are mentioned to be 1 to 3 mm.

3. It can be inferred from the passage that

A. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments
- wrong - Supecond. is already proved, hence "wire segments" is looked forward to
B. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments
- wrong - "impossible" is too broad. It might be easier with wire segment but characteristics can be
C. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments
- wrong - That's one of the menthods not the only.
D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.
- Correct - According to "Before such wire segments could be used in practical applications, they would need to have a conductive, malleable sheath to provide structural support. A suitable sheath has not yet been developed." the sheath is not yet developed hence can't be used practically.
E. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market
- wrong - "most efficient" not given.

4. The primary purpose of the passage is:

A. to describe the history of MgB2
- wrong - History is not discussed
B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful
- wrong - It misses the 'wire segment' of MgB2 and its discussion
C. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2
- wrong - Limited in scope
D. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments
- wrong - Passage is not just focused on reasoning the use of boron fiber for MgB2 and its wire segment
E. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments
- Correct - This covers both formation of MgB2 and its wire segments
User avatar
vrsthe1
Joined: 08 Jul 2019
Last visit: 19 Jun 2024
Posts: 35
Own Kudos:
32
 [1]
Given Kudos: 71
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, General Management
GMAT 1: 650 Q48 V31
WE:Engineering (Transportation)
GMAT 1: 650 Q48 V31
Posts: 35
Kudos: 32
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
1 - D; 2 - D; 3 - B; 4 - B;

P1 --> intro to a SC MgB2 and how a wire of it is made.

P2 --> why the wire is very useful to understand the SC.
wire cannot be used for practical applications until a suitable sheath is ready.

P3 --> Another way of making the SC wire, which can actually be used to develop practical applications.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Main Point --> New SC material and 2 ways of making wire segments of it. 1 way is not usable practically. 2nd way is usable practically and few companies are commercializing it, though the SC is very recently announced.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2
A. It is the best among all superconductors
Not Correct --> not mentioned and cannot be inferred.

B. It can be formed without boron fiber
Not Correct --> As per P1boron fiber is used.

C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber
Not Correct --> Opposite of earlier statement. wrong as per P3.

D. It is the only emerging superconductor
Correct --> as per P3, MgB2 is a young SC.

E. The process to make MgB2 is costly
Not Correct --> now where in the passage is the cost mentioned or can be inferred.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:
A. It is the only substance required to form MgB2
Not Correct --> No, Magnesium is also needed.

B. It is a type of liquid substance
Not Correct --> clearly it is not as it can be fiber or powder.

C. It is a type of solid substance
Not Correct --> what type.?

D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters
Correct --> Restatement of the last line in P1.

E. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter
Not Correct --> clearly wrong as per P1 last statement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q3. It can be inferred from the passage that
A. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments
Not Correct --> no where is this mentioned or can be inferred from the passage. as P3 SC is made from powder.

B. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments
Correct --> True as per the 1st statement of P2.

C. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments
Not Correct --> Another method is given in P1.

D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.
Not Correct --> can be used as per P3.

E. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market
Not Correct --> no where is this mentioned or can be inferred.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q4. The primary purpose of the passage is:
from pre-thinking --> intro to a SC and mention 2 methods of making it, 2nd method allows for practical use.

A. to describe the history of MgB2
Not Correct --> No history is given or mentioned.

B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful
Correct --> exactly as per pre-thinking and main point we arrived at.

C. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2
Not Correct --> this is gibberish as wire segments of MgB2 are made.

D. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments
Not Correct --> no reasoning, it is only one of the ways to make MgB2.

E. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments
Not Correct --> only partially true, as this misses the intro and the final conclusion that the SC is now being put to use.
User avatar
av1901
Joined: 28 May 2022
Last visit: 13 Sep 2025
Posts: 427
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 83
Status:Dreaming and Working
Affiliations: None
WE:Brand Management (Manufacturing)
Products:
Posts: 427
Kudos: 466
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2

A. It is the best among all superconductors

No, the passage states that is a new and strong superconductor, but not the best among all superconductors

B. It can be formed without boron fiber

No, this is actually the opposite to the fact

C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber

CORRECT. The passage states that the process of MgB2 formation works with Boron fibers

D. It is the only emerging superconductor

No, it is a new and upcoming superconductor, not the only one

E. The process to make MgB2 is costly

No, there is no mention or implication of this in the passage


2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:

A. It is the only substance required to form MgB2

No, we also need Magnesium vapor to form it

B. It is a type of liquid substance

No, it is mentioned that Boron fiber is purchased in lengths of meters thus implying it cannot be a liquid

C. It is a type of solid substance

CORRECT. It is mentioned that fiber is purchased in legths of meters thus implying that it is a solid substance

D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to
0.3 millimeters

No, the filaments to which it is applied share this characteristic, not the fiber itself

E. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter

No, there is no mention or implication of this in the passage

3. It can be inferred from the passage that

A. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments

No, wire segments are a way to test physical properties and other benefits but saying that it is not possible is not mentioned and very extreme

B. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments

No, again no mention or implication anywhere in the passage

C. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments

No, the passage states that this is a more common method, implying that there are others as well

D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.

Yes, the passage states that these segments require a sheath for practical purposes and that this sheath has not yet been developed

E. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market

No, not mentioned or implied anywhere in the passage

4. The primary purpose of the passage is:

A. to describe the history of MgB2

No, the passage just discusses formation of this compound but not its history

B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful

It does introduce and discuss its formation but its only part of the passage, not its main purpose

C. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2

No, wire segments are specified as an application of the compound and how it is useful but not the main purpose

D. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments

No, only partly specified in the passage

E. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments

CORRECT. Yes, the passage starts with formation of MgB2 and then discusses wire segments and how they are formed and techniques for the same
User avatar
pintukr
Joined: 03 Jul 2022
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 1,590
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 22
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Products:
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Posts: 1,590
Kudos: 1,088
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
All questions related to the passage are 'factual'; so, only the correct ones have been explained by showing respective mention in the passage..

1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2

A. It is the best among all superconductors
B. It can be formed without boron fiber
C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber
Boron fibers are necessary for getting MgB2..CORRECT answer
D. It is the only emerging superconductor
E. The process to make MgB2 is costly

2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber that:

A. It is the only substance required to form MgB2
B. It is a type of liquid substance
C. It is a type of solid substance
boron fibers that can be purchased in lengths of hundreds of meters..hence solid substance..CORRECT answer
D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters
E. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter

3. It can be inferred from the passage that

A. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments
B. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments
C. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments
D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.
Before such wire segments could be used in practical applications, they would need to have a conductive, malleable sheath to provide structural support. A suitable sheath has not yet been developed.--> hence no practical applications at present..CORRECT answer
E. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market

4. The primary purpose of the passage is:

A. to describe the history of MgB2
B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful
All three paragrapghs essenially discuss about preparation of MgB2 and how it can be made useful ..CORRECT answer
C. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2
D. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments
E. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 17,289
Own Kudos:
49,292
 [1]
Given Kudos: 6,179
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 17,289
Kudos: 49,292
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello Everyone!

This is a medium level passage. The OAs are: CDDB

Great effort by Roy867 and Snehaaaaa

Hard luck for zyt and vrsthe1

The final result will be announced tomorrow at 8 am Pacific Time.

Cheers.
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 17,289
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 6,179
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 17,289
Kudos: 49,292
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bumping up for further discussion.
User avatar
Agarwal2003
Joined: 21 Jan 2025
Last visit: 16 Nov 2025
Posts: 51
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 304
Posts: 51
Kudos: 4
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
For question 4 I believe the option E is a subset of option B. B talks about E and also tells that the paragraph has mentioned the ways to use MgB2.
Correct me if I am wrong
Sajjad1994
Bumping up for further discussion.
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 17,289
Own Kudos:
49,292
 [1]
Given Kudos: 6,179
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 17,289
Kudos: 49,292
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Agarwal2003
For question 4 I believe the option E is a subset of option B. B talks about E and also tells that the paragraph has mentioned the ways to use MgB2.
Correct me if I am wrong
Sajjad1994
Bumping up for further discussion.
Agreed. E covers a minor portion while B covers major portion.
User avatar
DangPham9625
Joined: 11 Feb 2025
Last visit: 30 Oct 2025
Posts: 11
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 5
Posts: 11
Kudos: 1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
For question 4, I don't see how the paragraph explained how MgB2 be made useful. In my opinion, option B is too broad while option E would fit the main purpose of the author more.
Sajjad1994
Within a couple of weeks after the announcement of superconductivity in MgB2, we had devised a technique for making wire segments of this remarkable superconductor. MgB2 can be formed by reacting magnesium vapor with boron, a process that can take place within hours at temperatures near 1,000 degrees Celsius: the boron essentially sucks the magnesium vapor out of the environment and becomes MgB2. This process works with boron fibers that can be purchased in lengths of hundreds of meters; it has been applied to filaments with starting diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeter.

Wire segments such as these are very useful for basic research, allowing for the measurement of the intrinsic physical properties of MgB2. Before such wire segments could be used in practical applications, they would need to have a conductive, malleable sheath to provide structural support. A suitable sheath has not yet been developed.

A more common method of wire synthesis is called “powder in a tube.” This technique involves pouring powdered magnesium and boron or powdered MgB2 into a tube, drawing the tube into a wire, and then reacting or annealing the wire to produce a solid structure. This technique has produced research samples that range from tens to hundreds of meters long. Despite MgB2 being a rather young superconductor, companies have been taking notice and are working toward commercializing it. Examples include Diboride Conductors and Hyper Tech Research, which are small companies focusing on making and improving the properties of MgB2 wires.

1. According to the passage, which of the following can be inferred about MgB2

A. It is the best among all superconductors
B. It can be formed without boron fiber
C. It cannot be formed without boron fiber
D. It is the only emerging superconductor
E. The process to make MgB2 is costly


2. According to the passage, it can be concluded about boron fiber:

A. It is the only substance required to form MgB2
B. It is a type of liquid substance
C. It is a type of solid substance
D. It is available in lengths of hundreds of meters and diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters
E. It has usually large diameters ranging from 1 to 3 millimeter


3. It can be inferred from the passage that

A. Superconductivity is impossible without wire segments
B. Measuring the physical characteristics of MgB2 is impossible without wire segments
C. Powder in a tube is the only method of making wire segments
D. Wire segments of MgB2 cannot be used practically.
E. Wires segments of MgB2 are the most efficient among all available in the market


4. The primary purpose of the passage is:

A. to describe the history of MgB2
B. introduce and detail MgB2 and how it can be formed and made useful
C. detail how the wire segments work in a superconductor called MgB2
D. to reason how boron fiber can be used to make MgB2 and its wire segments
E. enlist different procedures and techniques to form MgB2 and its wire segments


GMAT Club's Reading Comprehension Sprint 2022
5 Days | 10 Passages | Win Prizes | Get Better at GMAT
Day # 05 | Passage # 10 | Date: September 05, 2022
Click here for detail and master thread
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 18 Nov 2025
Posts: 17,289
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 6,179
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 17,289
Kudos: 49,292
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
4. The primary purpose of the passage is:

Explanation

As this is a global question, make a summary of the passage.

-The passagae starts by saying that soon after the discovery of superconductivity in MgB2, a technique for making wire segments was devised.
-It explains the reaction process (Mg vapor + boron → MgB2) and mentions boron fibers as one form.
-It describes the usefulness of these wire segments for basic research and notes a limitation for practical use (no suitable sheath yet).
-It introduces another method (“powder in a tube”) for making longer wires.
-It mentions commercial interest and names of companies working on MgB2 wires.

So the passage covers:

-What MgB2 is (a superconductor)
-How it can be formed into wires (two methods)
-Its usefulness and current limitations
-Commercial developments

A. Not mainly; only the initial discovery is mentioned briefly, not the full history.

B. Yes — it introduces MgB2, explains formation methods, discusses usefulness for research, and mentions practical steps needed.

C. Too narrow — it’s not mainly about how wire segments “work” in a superconductor; it’s about making them and their uses/limits.

D. Too narrow — boron fiber is only one method; powder-in-tube is also discussed.

E. Too narrow — it’s not just a list of procedures; it also covers applications, limitations, and commercialization.

B captures the broad purpose: introduce MgB2, explain formation methods, and discuss usefulness/limitations.

Answer: B
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7445 posts
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
234 posts
GRE Forum Moderator
17289 posts
188 posts