Because wetland ecosystems filter pollutants and prevent flooding, protecting them yields immediate benefits for surrounding communities. However, man...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Because wetland ecosystems filter pollutants and prevent flooding, protecting them yields immediate benefits for surrounding communities. However, many coastal development projects continue to destroy these critical habitats for short-term economic gains. Recent studies show that cities investing in wetland conservation experience significantly lower flood damage costs and cleaner water supplies than those prioritizing development.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To describe different types of wetland ecosystems and their characteristics
To explain how wetland destruction affects local economic development
To argue for wetland conservation based on practical community benefits
To compare flood damage costs across different types of cities
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Because wetland ecosystems filter pollutants and prevent flooding, protecting them yields immediate benefits for surrounding communities." |
|
| "However, many coastal development projects continue to destroy these critical habitats for short-term economic gains." |
|
| "Recent studies show that cities investing in wetland conservation experience significantly lower flood damage costs and cleaner water supplies than those prioritizing development." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Wetlands should be protected because they provide practical benefits to communities, as demonstrated by research comparing conservation-focused and development-focused cities.
Argument Flow: The passage begins by establishing the concrete benefits wetlands provide to communities, then acknowledges the conflicting reality of continued destruction for economic reasons, and concludes with research evidence that supports the conservation position.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main purpose of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? The overarching goal or intent of the passage
Any limiting keywords? "Main purpose" indicates we need the primary objective, not secondary details
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage follows a clear argumentative structure: it presents the benefits of wetland conservation, acknowledges the opposing practice of development, then provides research evidence supporting conservation
- The author is building a case for protection based on practical community benefits
- The right answer should capture this persuasive intent and focus on the practical benefits argument
To describe different types of wetland ecosystems and their characteristics
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the passage describes "different types of wetland ecosystems and their characteristics"
- The passage doesn't discuss types or characteristics - it focuses on benefits and conservation
To explain how wetland destruction affects local economic development
✗ Incorrect
- Says the passage explains "how wetland destruction affects local economic development"
- The passage mentions destruction but doesn't explain its effects on economic development
To argue for wetland conservation based on practical community benefits
✓ Correct
- Identifies this as an argument "for wetland conservation based on practical community benefits"
- This matches our analysis perfectly - the passage presents benefits, contrasts with current destruction, then provides evidence supporting conservation
To compare flood damage costs across different types of cities
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the passage compares "flood damage costs across different types of cities"
- While the passage mentions this comparison briefly, it's evidence supporting the main argument, not the purpose itself