Characteristics of Five Experimental Wheat Varieties in Agricultural Trials Variety Code Yield Increase (%) W...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Characteristics of Five Experimental Wheat Varieties in Agricultural Trials
| Variety Code | Yield Increase (%) | Water Usage (gallons/acre) | Growth Period (days) | Pest Resistance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-2401 | 18 | 1200 | 95 | 7.2 |
| W-2402 | 25 | 1450 | 88 | 8.1 |
| W-2403 | 22 | 980 | 105 | 6.8 |
| W-2404 | 28 | 1200 | 92 | 7.9 |
| W-2405 | 26 | 1100 | 98 | 8.3 |
High-efficiency wheat varieties are defined as those showing at least \(20\%\) yield increase while using less than \(1,300\) gallons per acre, whereas standard-efficiency varieties show at least \(20\%\) yield increase but require \(1,300\) gallons per acre or more. Agricultural researcher Dr. James Chen recently announced that among these five varieties, three qualify as high-efficiency and one as standard-efficiency.
Which choice best describes data from the table that support Dr. Chen's announcement?
W-2405 demonstrates the strongest pest resistance rating, and each variety requires fewer than 110 days to reach maturity.
Four cultivars attain a minimum 20% yield improvement, with W-2402 being the sole variety needing 1,300 gallons per acre or greater.
Every variety consumes under 1,500 gallons per acre, and W-2404 demonstrates a 28% yield improvement.
W-2401 exhibits the most rapid growth cycle, and three cultivars show yield improvements exceeding 25%.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Characteristics of Five Experimental Wheat Varieties in Agricultural Trials" |
|
| [Data Table with 5 varieties and 4 metrics] |
|
| "High-efficiency wheat varieties are defined as those showing at least 20% yield increase while using less than 1,300 gallons per acre" |
|
| "whereas standard-efficiency varieties show at least 20% yield increase but require 1,300 gallons per acre or more" |
|
| "Agricultural researcher Dr. James Chen recently announced that among these five varieties, three qualify as high-efficiency and one as standard-efficiency." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen claims that among five experimental wheat varieties, three meet high-efficiency standards and one meets standard-efficiency standards based on defined yield and water usage criteria.
Argument Flow: The passage presents raw experimental data for five wheat varieties, establishes clear definitions for two efficiency categories based on yield and water usage thresholds, then provides Dr. Chen's classification of these varieties according to those definitions.
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
- Using the definitions provided, we need to identify which varieties actually meet each efficiency category:
- High-efficiency requires: \(\geq\mathrm{20\%}\) yield AND \(\lt\mathrm{1,300}\) gallons
- Standard-efficiency requires: \(\geq\mathrm{20\%}\) yield AND \(\geq\mathrm{1,300}\) gallons
- Checking each variety:
- W-2401: 18% yield (fails yield requirement)
- W-2402: 25% yield, 1450 gallons (meets yield, exceeds water limit = standard-efficiency)
- W-2403: 22% yield, 980 gallons (meets both = high-efficiency)
- W-2404: 28% yield, 1200 gallons (meets both = high-efficiency)
- W-2405: 26% yield, 1100 gallons (meets both = high-efficiency)
- So the right answer should identify that four varieties meet the 20% yield threshold, with three falling into high-efficiency (water \(\lt\mathrm{1,300}\)) and one into standard-efficiency (water \(\geq\mathrm{1,300}\)).
W-2405 demonstrates the strongest pest resistance rating, and each variety requires fewer than 110 days to reach maturity.
- Focuses on pest resistance and growth periods.
- These metrics aren't part of the efficiency definitions.
- Doesn't address the yield and water usage criteria that define the categories.
Four cultivars attain a minimum 20% yield improvement, with W-2402 being the sole variety needing 1,300 gallons per acre or greater.
- Identifies that four varieties achieve minimum 20% yield increase (W-2402, W-2403, W-2404, W-2405).
- Correctly notes W-2402 as the sole variety requiring 1,300+ gallons per acre.
- This perfectly supports Chen's claim: the other three 20%+ varieties use <1,300 gallons (high-efficiency), while W-2402's high water usage makes it standard-efficiency.
Every variety consumes under 1,500 gallons per acre, and W-2404 demonstrates a 28% yield improvement.
- States general facts about water consumption and W-2404's yield.
- Doesn't address the specific efficiency categorization or the 3-to-1 breakdown Chen claimed.
W-2401 exhibits the most rapid growth cycle, and three cultivars show yield improvements exceeding 25%.
- Discusses growth cycle and varieties exceeding 25% yield.
- Neither growth period nor the 25% threshold relates to the efficiency definitions.
- Ignores the water usage component entirely.