While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Jennifer Chen conducted a 2021 study comparing reading comprehension...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Jennifer Chen conducted a 2021 study comparing reading comprehension outcomes across different instructional approaches.
- She worked with elementary schools that used three distinct teaching methods: phonics-based instruction, whole language learning, and blended approaches.
- Students receiving phonics-based instruction scored an average of 85% on standardized reading assessments.
- Those in whole language programs averaged 78% on the same assessments.
- Students in blended approach classrooms achieved an average score of 92%.
The student wants to summarize the study. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Jennifer Chen wanted to determine which reading instruction method was most effective, so she compared outcomes across different approaches.
Dr. Chen's 2021 study of elementary reading instruction found that blended teaching approaches produced the highest comprehension scores.
Knowing that reading instruction varies widely, Dr. Chen examined student performance, with some groups scoring as high as 92%.
For her 2021 research, Dr. Chen collected assessment data from elementary students taught through phonics-based, whole language, and blended instructional methods.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Dr. Jennifer Chen conducted a 2021 study comparing reading comprehension outcomes across different instructional approaches. |
|
| She worked with elementary schools that used three distinct teaching methods: phonics-based instruction, whole language learning, and blended approaches. |
|
| Students receiving phonics-based instruction scored an average of 85% on standardized reading assessments. |
|
| Those in whole language programs averaged 78% on the same assessments. |
|
| Students in blended approach classrooms achieved an average score of 92%. |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's study found that blended reading instruction approaches produced the highest comprehension scores compared to phonics-based or whole language methods.
Argument Flow: The notes establish Chen's comparative study design, specify the three teaching methods tested, then present the results showing blended approaches achieving the highest average scores at 92%, followed by phonics at 85%, and whole language at 78%.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses the notes to summarize the study.
What type of answer do we need? An effective summary that captures the key information from Chen's research notes.
Any limiting keywords? 'Most effectively' means we need the choice that best synthesizes the relevant information, not just any accurate statement.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- An effective summary of this study should capture the main finding—that among the three reading instruction methods tested, blended approaches produced the best results
- It should also provide enough context to understand what was studied and ideally reference the key outcome
Dr. Jennifer Chen wanted to determine which reading instruction method was most effective, so she compared outcomes across different approaches.
- Focuses only on Chen's purpose/goal, not on what she actually found
- Doesn't mention any results or findings from the study
Dr. Chen's 2021 study of elementary reading instruction found that blended teaching approaches produced the highest comprehension scores.
- Captures the key finding: blended approaches produced highest scores
- Provides appropriate context and synthesizes the most important information from the notes effectively
Knowing that reading instruction varies widely, Dr. Chen examined student performance, with some groups scoring as high as 92%.
- Mentions the high score (92%) but doesn't identify which method achieved it
- Creates vague opening about instruction variety that wasn't in the notes
For her 2021 research, Dr. Chen collected assessment data from elementary students taught through phonics-based, whole language, and blended instructional methods.
- Only describes what Chen did (data collection), not what she found
- Lists the methods but provides no results or conclusions