While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: Dr. Sarah Chen is a molecular biologist at Stanford...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Sarah Chen is a molecular biologist at Stanford University who earned her PhD from Harvard Medical School.
- She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and received multiple research grants.
- Chen developed a revolutionary gene therapy technique in 2019 that has transformed treatment for genetic blindness.
- Her breakthrough method has been adopted by medical centers worldwide and has restored vision to over 500 patients.
- The technique was featured in a landmark New England Journal of Medicine study.
- She also mentors graduate students and serves on editorial boards for scientific publications.
The student wants to highlight Chen's most significant scientific contribution. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Sarah Chen's revolutionary gene therapy technique, developed in 2019, has transformed treatment for genetic blindness and restored vision to over 500 patients worldwide.
Among her many accomplishments, molecular biologist Dr. Sarah Chen earned her PhD from Harvard Medical School and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Sarah Chen, who mentors graduate students and serves on editorial boards, has also received multiple research grants for her work.
The gene therapy technique developed by Dr. Sarah Chen was featured in a landmark New England Journal of Medicine study.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Sarah Chen is a molecular biologist at Stanford University who earned her PhD from Harvard Medical School.' |
|
| 'She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and received multiple research grants.' |
|
| 'Chen developed a revolutionary gene therapy technique in 2019 that has transformed treatment for genetic blindness.' |
|
| 'Her breakthrough method has been adopted by medical centers worldwide and has restored vision to over 500 patients.' |
|
| 'The technique was featured in a landmark New England Journal of Medicine study.' |
|
| 'She also mentors graduate students and serves on editorial boards for scientific publications.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Sarah Chen has made significant contributions to science, most notably developing a revolutionary gene therapy technique that has transformed treatment for genetic blindness and restored vision to hundreds of patients worldwide.
Argument Flow: The notes establish Chen's strong academic credentials and ongoing professional contributions, then highlight her major breakthrough—the 2019 gene therapy technique. The notes emphasize the technique's transformative impact through its global adoption, patient outcomes, and prestigious recognition.
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
- Chen has several accomplishments: strong credentials (Harvard PhD, publications, grants), ongoing professional work (mentoring, editorial boards), and her major breakthrough (the gene therapy technique)
- When looking for her 'most significant scientific contribution,' we should focus on the achievement that actually advanced science and helped people in a transformative way
- The gene therapy technique stands out because it didn't just earn recognition—it 'transformed treatment' and 'restored vision to over 500 patients'
- This represents a breakthrough that changed how genetic blindness is treated and had measurable, life-changing impact
Dr. Sarah Chen's revolutionary gene therapy technique, developed in 2019, has transformed treatment for genetic blindness and restored vision to over 500 patients worldwide.
- Focuses directly on the revolutionary gene therapy technique and emphasizes both the transformation of treatment and the concrete impact (500+ patients)
- Matches our prethinking by highlighting the breakthrough with the greatest scientific and humanitarian significance
Among her many accomplishments, molecular biologist Dr. Sarah Chen earned her PhD from Harvard Medical School and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.
- Focuses on credentials (PhD, publications) rather than breakthrough contributions
- These establish her qualifications but don't represent her most significant contribution to advancing science
Dr. Sarah Chen, who mentors graduate students and serves on editorial boards, has also received multiple research grants for her work.
- Emphasizes mentoring and editorial work alongside research grants
- While these are valuable professional activities, they're not breakthrough scientific contributions
The gene therapy technique developed by Dr. Sarah Chen was featured in a landmark New England Journal of Medicine study.
- Mentions the gene therapy technique but focuses only on its publication recognition
- Doesn't emphasize the technique's impact or transformation of treatment