While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Angana Chaudhuri is a scientist.Chaudhuri studies sedimentary rocks.A scientist who...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Angana Chaudhuri is a scientist.
- Chaudhuri studies sedimentary rocks.
- A scientist who studies sedimentary rocks is called a sedimentologist.
- Shale, chalk, and sandstone are examples of sedimentary rocks.
The student wants to identify what type of scientist Chaudhuri is. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Angana Chaudhuri is a scientist." |
|
| "Chaudhuri studies sedimentary rocks." |
|
| "A scientist who studies sedimentary rocks is called a sedimentologist." |
|
| "Shale, chalk, and sandstone are examples of sedimentary rocks." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes provide information linking Chaudhuri's scientific specialty to the proper terminology for her field.
Argument Flow: The notes establish that Chaudhuri is a scientist who studies sedimentary rocks, then provide the definition for what such a scientist is called, and conclude with examples of the rocks she studies.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
- What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses relevant information to identify what type of scientist Chaudhuri is
- What type of answer do we need? A statement that accomplishes the student's specific goal of identifying Chaudhuri's scientific specialty
- Any limiting keywords? "most effectively" and "relevant information from the notes"
The student's goal is to identify what type of scientist Chaudhuri is, so we need an answer that connects the information about her field of study to the proper scientific classification.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- From our analysis, we know that Chaudhuri studies sedimentary rocks, and the notes explicitly tell us that a scientist who studies sedimentary rocks is called a sedimentologist
- The right answer should connect these two pieces of information to directly identify Chaudhuri's type
- It should state that Chaudhuri is a sedimentologist, since that's exactly what the student wants to identify
- States that chalk is a type of sedimentary rock
- This is true according to the notes, but doesn't identify what type of scientist Chaudhuri is
- Focuses on rock classification rather than scientist classification
- Says some scientists study the rock examples mentioned
- Too vague—doesn't specifically identify Chaudhuri or her scientific type
- States there are scientists who study sedimentary rocks
- Again too general—doesn't identify Chaudhuri specifically
- Doesn't use the definition provided to classify her
- Directly states that Chaudhuri is a sedimentologist
- Uses the definition provided in the notes (scientist who studies sedimentary rocks = sedimentologist)
- Perfectly accomplishes the student's goal of identifying Chaudhuri's scientific type