Dr. Martinez's 2023 study examines urban development patterns in mid-sized American cities. In her research report, she argues that recent...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Dr. Martinez's 2023 study examines urban development patterns in mid-sized American cities. In her research report, she argues that recent downtown revitalization efforts have produced mixed results for local communities: ______
Which data excerpt from Dr. Martinez's study most effectively illustrates the claim?
"While property values in the downtown core increased by \(23\%\) between 2018-2022, displacement of long-term residents rose by \(31\%\) during the same period, creating both economic benefits and social disruption."
"New businesses opened at a rate of \(15\%\) annually, contributing to increased foot traffic and a more vibrant commercial district throughout the study period."
"Public infrastructure improvements, including upgraded sidewalks and enhanced lighting, were completed on schedule and within budget across all target neighborhoods."
"Community survey responses indicated that \(78\%\) of residents supported the revitalization initiatives, citing improved safety and aesthetics as primary benefits."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Martinez's 2023 study examines urban development patterns in mid-sized American cities." |
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| "In her research report, she argues that recent downtown revitalization efforts have produced mixed results for local communities: ______" |
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Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Martinez claims that downtown revitalization efforts have produced mixed results for local communities.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the research context, then presents Martinez's central argument about mixed results, leaving space for supporting evidence that would illustrate this claim.
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 claim specifically mentions "mixed results," which means both positive and negative outcomes
- We need data that shows benefits AND drawbacks happening simultaneously
- The evidence should directly relate to how revitalization affects local communities
"While property values in the downtown core increased by \(23\%\) between 2018-2022, displacement of long-term residents rose by \(31\%\) during the same period, creating both economic benefits and social disruption."
✓ Correct
- Shows both sides: property values up 23% (positive) but displacement up 31% (negative)
- Directly demonstrates "mixed results" with specific data
- Addresses community impact through both economic benefits and social disruption
- Perfectly matches our prethinking about needing dual outcomes
"New businesses opened at a rate of \(15\%\) annually, contributing to increased foot traffic and a more vibrant commercial district throughout the study period."
✗ Incorrect
- Only presents positive outcomes (new businesses, increased foot traffic, vibrant district)
- Fails to show the "mixed" nature of results
"Public infrastructure improvements, including upgraded sidewalks and enhanced lighting, were completed on schedule and within budget across all target neighborhoods."
✗ Incorrect
- Only shows successful completion of infrastructure projects
- Contains no negative outcomes or community impact data
- Doesn't address the "mixed results" aspect at all
"Community survey responses indicated that \(78\%\) of residents supported the revitalization initiatives, citing improved safety and aesthetics as primary benefits."
✗ Incorrect
- Shows only positive community responses (78% support, safety improvements)
- Lacks any negative outcomes to demonstrate "mixed results"