Business analyst Michael Torres was reviewing employee performance data at Pinnacle Corporation. He observed that marketing coordinator Jennifer Walsh...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Business analyst Michael Torres was reviewing employee performance data at Pinnacle Corporation. He observed that marketing coordinator Jennifer Walsh consistently demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities across various projects. Her track record showed successful completion of complex initiatives that typically required senior-level expertise. Multiple supervisors noted Walsh's ability to deliver results that exceeded expectations for her position level. Based on this consistent pattern, the data suggests that Walsh likely ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
possesses skills beyond her current position requirements.
will receive promotions faster than her departmental peers.
specializes in complex problem-solving methodologies.
maintains higher performance standards than colleagues.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Business analyst Michael Torres was reviewing employee performance data at Pinnacle Corporation." |
|
| "He observed that marketing coordinator Jennifer Walsh consistently demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities across various projects." |
|
| "Her track record showed successful completion of complex initiatives that typically required senior-level expertise." |
|
| "Multiple supervisors noted Walsh's ability to deliver results that exceeded expectations for her position level." |
|
| "Based on this consistent pattern, the data suggests that Walsh likely ______" |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Jennifer Walsh consistently demonstrates abilities that exceed what's expected for her current position level.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Torres as a credible observer reviewing performance data, then presents his key finding about Walsh's exceptional abilities. It builds this case with two pieces of evidence: her successful completion of senior-level work and multiple supervisors' observations that she exceeds expectations. This evidence pattern leads to a logical conclusion about what Walsh likely possesses.
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 evidence shows Walsh consistently does work that typically requires senior-level expertise and exceeds expectations for her current position level
- Multiple supervisors have noticed this pattern
- The logical conclusion should be that Walsh has capabilities beyond what her current role requires
- The right answer should indicate that Walsh possesses abilities or skills that go beyond her current position requirements, since that's what all the evidence points toward
possesses skills beyond her current position requirements.
✓ Correct
- This directly matches our prethinking about Walsh having abilities beyond her current role
- The passage specifically states she completes work requiring "senior-level expertise" and "exceeded expectations for her position level"
will receive promotions faster than her departmental peers.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a prediction about future promotions that isn't supported by the evidence
- The passage discusses her current abilities, not promotion timelines
specializes in complex problem-solving methodologies.
✗ Incorrect
- Too narrow and specific - focuses only on "methodologies" rather than overall skill level
- The evidence shows she exceeds position expectations generally
maintains higher performance standards than colleagues.
✗ Incorrect
- Shifts focus to "standards" rather than actual skills or abilities
- The evidence shows she delivers results beyond expectations, not that she maintains different standards