While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Archaeological sites in the United States fall into two main...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Archaeological sites in the United States fall into two main categories.
- Sites that have received federal or state designation are classified as protected archaeological sites.
- All other known archaeological sites are classified as unprotected sites.
- Approximately 2,500 sites currently hold protected status.
- More than 45,000 known archaeological sites remain unprotected.
The student wants to contrast the number of protected sites with the number of unprotected sites. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Although approximately 2,500 sites hold protected status, more than 45,000 known archaeological sites remain unprotected.
Archaeological sites in the United States fall into two main categories: protected and unprotected sites.
Sites that receive federal or state designation are classified as protected archaeological sites.
There are more than 45,000 unprotected archaeological sites in the United States.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Archaeological sites in the United States fall into two main categories. |
|
| Sites that have received federal or state designation are classified as protected archaeological sites. |
|
| All other known archaeological sites are classified as unprotected sites. |
|
| Approximately 2,500 sites currently hold protected status. |
|
| More than 45,000 known archaeological sites remain unprotected. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Archaeological sites in the US are divided into protected and unprotected categories, with the vast majority (over 45,000) remaining unprotected compared to only about 2,500 protected sites.
Argument Flow: The notes establish a simple classification system for archaeological sites, then provide concrete numbers that reveal a dramatic imbalance—unprotected sites outnumber protected sites by roughly 18 to 1.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? A sentence that shows the numerical difference between protected and unprotected sites
What type of answer do we need? A statement that presents both numbers in a way that highlights their contrast
Any limiting keywords? Contrast is key—we need to show the difference/comparison between the two numbers
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Include both numbers (2,500 protected and 45,000+ unprotected)
- Use language that emphasizes the contrast/difference
- Show the relationship between these numbers (that unprotected vastly outnumbers protected)
Although approximately 2,500 sites hold protected status, more than 45,000 known archaeological sites remain unprotected.
✓ Correct
- Includes both key numbers (2,500 and 45,000+)
- Uses contrasting language to create direct contrast
- Emphasizes the imbalance
Archaeological sites in the United States fall into two main categories: protected and unprotected sites.
✗ Incorrect
- Only defines the two categories without providing any numbers
- Doesn't accomplish the goal of contrasting the quantities
Sites that receive federal or state designation are classified as protected archaeological sites.
✗ Incorrect
- Only defines protected sites without any numerical data
- Completely ignores unprotected sites and their numbers
There are more than 45,000 unprotected archaeological sites in the United States.
✗ Incorrect
- Only provides the unprotected site number
- Missing the protected site number entirely
- Can't create contrast with only one piece of data