While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Sarah Chen and Dr. Michael Rodriguez collaborated on groundbreaking...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Sarah Chen and Dr. Michael Rodriguez collaborated on groundbreaking research into protein folding mechanisms published in 2019.
- Their discovery revolutionized understanding of how misfolded proteins contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
- Chen specialized in theoretical modeling and computational analysis of protein structures.
- Rodriguez focused on laboratory experiments and biochemical testing of protein samples.
- Chen developed the mathematical framework that predicted specific folding patterns under different conditions.
- Rodriguez's experimental work validated Chen's theoretical predictions and provided the empirical evidence needed for publication.
The student wants to compare the two scientists' contributions to the research breakthrough. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
While Chen developed the mathematical framework that predicted protein folding patterns, Rodriguez's experimental work validated these theoretical predictions and provided empirical evidence.
Chen specialized in theoretical modeling and computational analysis, while Rodriguez focused on laboratory experiments and biochemical testing.
Chen and Rodriguez contributed to the research in different ways; Rodriguez, for example, provided the empirical evidence needed for publication.
Both scientists collaborated on protein folding research, but only Rodriguez conducted the laboratory experiments that validated the findings.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Dr. Sarah Chen and Dr. Michael Rodriguez collaborated on groundbreaking research into protein folding mechanisms published in 2019. |
|
| Their discovery revolutionized understanding of how misfolded proteins contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. |
|
| Chen specialized in theoretical modeling and computational analysis of protein structures. |
|
| Rodriguez focused on laboratory experiments and biochemical testing of protein samples. |
|
| Chen developed the mathematical framework that predicted specific folding patterns under different conditions. |
|
| Rodriguez's experimental work validated Chen's theoretical predictions and provided the empirical evidence needed for publication. |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen and Dr. Rodriguez made complementary contributions to groundbreaking protein folding research, with Chen providing theoretical predictions and Rodriguez providing experimental validation.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the collaborative context and impact of the research, then detail each scientist's specialization area, and finally show how their specific contributions worked together.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to compare the two scientists' contributions to the research breakthrough.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that effectively contrasts or compares how Chen and Rodriguez each contributed to the research.
Any limiting keywords? Most effectively means we need the choice that best accomplishes the comparison goal.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should mention what Chen contributed (theoretical/mathematical framework)
- What Rodriguez contributed (experimental validation)
- Show how their contributions were different but complementary
While Chen developed the mathematical framework that predicted protein folding patterns, Rodriguez's experimental work validated these theoretical predictions and provided empirical evidence.
- Directly contrasts Chen's mathematical framework development with Rodriguez's experimental validation work
- Shows the complementary relationship and uses specific information from the notes
Chen specialized in theoretical modeling and computational analysis, while Rodriguez focused on laboratory experiments and biochemical testing.
- Only lists their general specialization areas without showing specific contributions to the breakthrough
- Too general
Chen and Rodriguez contributed to the research in different ways; Rodriguez, for example, provided the empirical evidence needed for publication.
- Vague opening statement and focuses primarily on Rodriguez while barely mentioning Chen
- Doesn't show the complementary relationship
Both scientists collaborated on protein folding research, but only Rodriguez conducted the laboratory experiments that validated the findings.
- States only Rodriguez conducted laboratory experiments but misses Chen's crucial theoretical contribution
- Doesn't effectively compare both scientists