Documents Dating From Centuries Ago Record Sighting Of The Giant Squid GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

Documents dating from centuries ago record sightings of the giant squid washed up dead on beaches or found in the stomachs of sperm whales. Since those times, occasional sightings and even reported attacks on boats have ensured that the species remains to this day a part of the lore told by sailors about the ocean and its unknown depths.The largest specimens are believed to reach almost 18 m and normally to live at depths of 1,000 m. A Japanese team decided to use sperm whale migration patterns to try to locate and film these enigmatic creatures. They made up a fishing line and baited it with hooks and fish. On the line they also hung lights and a camera and they lowered it more than a kilometre into the ocean at a location well known for sightings of sperm whales. The plan paid off. When they eventually recovered their line and examined the film they watched a giant squid shoot out from the dark with tentacles outstretched and a snapping beak to attack one of the baited hooks. It became caught and struggled furiously until it was able to free itself. The team believe their film is the first ever of a giant squid alive in its deep water habitat. They hope that careful study of the footage will reveal much new information about the behaviour of this elusive creature.

“Documents dating from centuries ago record sighting of the giant squid”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

Q1. The researchers reasoned that where the whales congregate might be a good place to film the squid because:

1. The whales too dive to a depth of 1,000 m and also live in the open ocean.
2. The whales are known to feed on the creatures.
3. Sperm whales are well known to sport tentacle-inflicted wounds.
4. There have been reported sightings of the giant squid when it nears the surface.
5. The giant creature has been caught on their camera.

Q2. The researchers will be able to conjecture that the giant squid:

1. attacks its prey head-on
2. is a vigorous predator
3. approaches its food cautiously Answer
4. approaches its food with tentacles extended
5. attacks its prey from the deep

Q3. Enigmatic means:

1. mystifying
2. hard to interpret
3. difficult Answer
4. confusing
5. mysterious

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