Average Temperatures in July in Four Locations in the Navajo NationLocationAverage highest temperature (Fahrenheit)Average lowest temperature (Fahrenh...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Average Temperatures in July in Four Locations in the Navajo Nation
| Location | Average highest temperature (Fahrenheit) | Average lowest temperature (Fahrenheit) |
|---|---|---|
| Teec Nos Pos | 94° | 65° |
| Cameron | 99° | 65° |
| Ramah | 83° | 50° |
| Tuba City | 83° | 50° |
The Navajo Nation has the largest land area of any tribal nation in the United States: over 27,000 square miles in the Southwest. Because this area is so huge and its communities are located at various elevations, the people of the Navajo Nation can experience different climate conditions depending on where they live. For example, in July, ______
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
the lowest temperature for both Cameron and Teec Nos Pos was 65°.
Tuba City's average highest temperature was 94°, while Teec Nos Pos's was 93°.
Ramah's average highest temperature was 83°, while Cameron's was 99°.
the lowest temperature for both Ramah and Tuba City was 50°.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Average Temperatures in July in Four Locations in the Navajo Nation' |
|
| [Temperature Table with specific values] |
|
| 'The Navajo Nation has the largest land area of any tribal nation in the United States: over 27,000 square miles in the Southwest.' |
|
| 'Because this area is so huge and its communities are located at various elevations, the people of the Navajo Nation can experience different climate conditions depending on where they live.' |
|
| 'For example, in July, ______' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Navajo Nation's enormous size and varied elevations create different climate conditions for people living in different locations.
Argument Flow: The passage first presents temperature data, then explains that the Navajo Nation covers a huge geographic area with communities at different elevations. This geographic reality means people experience different climate conditions based on where they live, and the passage sets up to provide a specific July temperature example to illustrate this point.
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
- The correct answer must show a clear difference in climate conditions between locations in the Navajo Nation, since the whole point is that 'people can experience different climate conditions depending on where they live.'
- The answer should use accurate data from the table and demonstrate meaningful variation, not similarity.
- The most effective choice would show a substantial temperature difference between two locations, proving the passage's claim about climate variation.
the lowest temperature for both Cameron and Teec Nos Pos was 65°.
✗ Incorrect
- This states that Cameron and Teec Nos Pos both had the same lowest temperature (65°).
- While this data is accurate, it shows similarity rather than difference.
- This contradicts the passage's point about experiencing 'different climate conditions'.
Tuba City's average highest temperature was 94°, while Teec Nos Pos's was 93°.
✗ Incorrect
- Contains factually incorrect data - claims Teec Nos Pos had 93° when the table shows 94°.
- Any choice with wrong data cannot 'effectively use data from the table'.
Ramah's average highest temperature was 83°, while Cameron's was 99°.
✓ Correct
- Uses completely accurate data from the table (Ramah: 83°, Cameron: 99°).
- Shows a significant 16-degree difference in high temperatures.
- Perfectly demonstrates the passage's claim about 'different climate conditions depending on where they live'.
the lowest temperature for both Ramah and Tuba City was 50°.
✗ Incorrect
- States that Ramah and Tuba City both had the same lowest temperature (50°).
- While factually correct, it emphasizes similarity, not difference.
- Fails to illustrate the climate variation that the passage is trying to demonstrate.