Farming MethodWater Usage (gallons per acre)Crop Yield (tons per acre)Traditional Irrigation2,8404.2Drip Irrigation1,6504.1Hydroponics9806.8Rainfall-d...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
| Farming Method | Water Usage (gallons per acre) | Crop Yield (tons per acre) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Irrigation | 2,840 | 4.2 |
| Drip Irrigation | 1,650 | 4.1 |
| Hydroponics | 980 | 6.8 |
| Rainfall-dependent | 320 | 3.9 |
| Greenhouse Systems | 1,200 | 6.7 |
Agricultural scientists studying sustainable farming practices examined how different cultivation methods affect both water consumption and crop productivity across diverse growing conditions. They discovered that farming methods requiring more intensive water resources consistently achieve superior agricultural output. Based on their analysis, they argue that higher water investment directly correlates with enhanced harvesting results, demonstrating that resource-intensive methods are necessary for optimal crop production.
Which choice best describes data from the table that support the scientists' argument?
Rainfall-dependent farming uses minimal water and produces the lowest crop yield among all methods shown.
Hydroponics and Greenhouse Systems both use less than 1,500 gallons per acre yet achieve the highest yields.
Traditional Irrigation requires the most water and produces yields comparable to other high-water methods.
Among the farming methods shown, those requiring more water consistently produce lower yields than expected.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| [Data Table showing 5 farming methods with water usage and crop yields] |
|
| "Agricultural scientists studying sustainable farming practices examined how different cultivation methods affect both water consumption and crop productivity across diverse growing conditions." |
|
| "They discovered that farming methods requiring more intensive water resources consistently achieve superior agricultural output." |
|
| "Based on their analysis, they argue that higher water investment directly correlates with enhanced harvesting results, demonstrating that resource-intensive methods are necessary for optimal crop production." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture and Core Elements
Main Point: Scientists argue that higher water usage directly correlates with better crop yields, making resource-intensive farming necessary for optimal production.
Argument Flow: Scientists studied various farming methods and their water usage versus crop output. They observed that water-intensive methods produce superior results, leading them to conclude that high water investment is essential for maximizing agricultural productivity.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to identify which data from the table supports the scientists' argument.
What type of answer do we need? Specific evidence from the table that backs up their claim that more water leads to higher yields.
Any limiting keywords? "support" - we need data that confirms their argument, not contradicts it.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The scientists argue that higher water usage correlates with better crop yields
- To support this argument, we need data showing methods using more water producing higher yields or methods using less water producing lower yields
- The right answer should show data that confirms more water investment leads to enhanced harvesting results
Rainfall-dependent farming uses minimal water and produces the lowest crop yield among all methods shown.
✓ Correct
Shows rainfall-dependent farming uses the least water (320 gallons) and produces the lowest yield (3.9 tons).
- This perfectly supports the scientists' argument - the method with minimal water investment has the poorest output
Hydroponics and Greenhouse Systems both use less than 1,500 gallons per acre yet achieve the highest yields.
✗ Incorrect
Points out that hydroponics and greenhouse systems achieve the highest yields while using relatively little water.
- This actually contradicts the scientists' argument by showing high yields with moderate water usage
Traditional Irrigation requires the most water and produces yields comparable to other high-water methods.
✗ Incorrect
Traditional irrigation uses the most water but only produces moderate yields.
- This contradicts the scientists' argument since the highest water usage should produce the best results according to their theory
Among the farming methods shown, those requiring more water consistently produce lower yields than expected.
✗ Incorrect
Claims high-water methods produce lower yields than expected.
- This directly contradicts the scientists' argument rather than supporting it