While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:In 1951, a groundbreaking study on DNA structure was published...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In 1951, a groundbreaking study on DNA structure was published in the journal Nature.
- The study's lead author was listed as Maurice Wilkins.
- However, the crystallographic data that enabled the discovery came from X-ray images.
- These crucial X-ray diffraction images were actually taken by researcher Rosalind Franklin.
- Franklin's work provided the key evidence for the double helix structure.
- Franklin's contribution was not properly acknowledged until years later.
The student wants to identify who provided the crucial experimental evidence. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
The 1951 Nature study on DNA structure listed Maurice Wilkins as the lead author.
Rosalind Franklin provided the crucial experimental evidence through her X-ray diffraction images, though her contribution was not initially acknowledged.
X-ray crystallographic data enabled the groundbreaking discovery of DNA's double helix structure.
A researcher's work provided key evidence for the study, but this contribution was not properly acknowledged until years later.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In 1951, a groundbreaking study on DNA structure was published in the journal Nature.' |
|
| 'The study's lead author was listed as Maurice Wilkins.' |
|
| 'However, the crystallographic data that enabled the discovery came from X-ray images.' |
|
| 'These crucial X-ray diffraction images were actually taken by researcher Rosalind Franklin.' |
|
Main Point: While Maurice Wilkins was credited as the lead author of the groundbreaking 1951 DNA study, the crucial experimental evidence actually came from Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction work, though she wasn't properly acknowledged until later.
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
- From our analysis, we know that while Wilkins was the listed lead author, the crucial experimental evidence came from Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction images
- The right answer should clearly identify Franklin as the person who provided this crucial evidence
The 1951 Nature study on DNA structure listed Maurice Wilkins as the lead author.
✗ Incorrect
- Only tells us about the official attribution (Wilkins as lead author)
- Doesn't address who provided the crucial experimental evidence
Rosalind Franklin provided the crucial experimental evidence through her X-ray diffraction images, though her contribution was not initially acknowledged.
✓ Correct
- Directly identifies Rosalind Franklin as the provider of crucial experimental evidence through X-ray diffraction images
- Includes the important detail that her contribution wasn't initially acknowledged
X-ray crystallographic data enabled the groundbreaking discovery of DNA's double helix structure.
✗ Incorrect
- States that X-ray data enabled the discovery but fails to identify who provided this crucial data
A researcher's work provided key evidence for the study, but this contribution was not properly acknowledged until years later.
✗ Incorrect
- Uses vague language without identifying who provided the evidence