During peak traffic hours, congestion bottlenecks and inefficient vehicle flow plague urban transportation networks. Fixed timing sequences and predet...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
During peak traffic hours, congestion bottlenecks and inefficient vehicle flow plague urban transportation networks. Fixed timing sequences and predetermined signal patterns—the foundation of traditional traffic management systems—cannot adapt to real-time conditions, typically resulting in prolonged delays and increased fuel consumption. An adaptive traffic management system developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers dynamic response capabilities that address these limitations. The technology adjusts signal timing based on actual traffic density and can seamlessly redirect flow patterns when congestion is detected, suggesting that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
the system will be less susceptible to the inefficiencies that cause most conventional traffic management approaches to fail during peak usage.
the system's superior adaptability stems from its higher ratio of sensors to signal controllers compared to other traffic management systems.
the system will be more effective for managing traffic during predictable rush hours than during unexpected congestion events.
the system's overall performance exceeds that of other traffic solutions but its ability to handle sudden traffic surges is more limited.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'During peak traffic hours, congestion bottlenecks and inefficient vehicle flow plague urban transportation networks.' |
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| 'Fixed timing sequences and predetermined signal patterns—the foundation of traditional traffic management systems—cannot adapt to real-time conditions, typically resulting in prolonged delays and increased fuel consumption.' |
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| 'An adaptive traffic management system developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers dynamic response capabilities that address these limitations.' |
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| 'The technology adjusts signal timing based on actual traffic density and can seamlessly redirect flow patterns when congestion is detected, suggesting that' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: An adaptive traffic management system that responds to real-time conditions offers a solution to the inefficiencies of traditional fixed-timing traffic systems.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that current traffic systems fail during peak hours because they cannot adapt to changing conditions. It then presents MIT's adaptive system as a solution that can make real-time adjustments, leading to an implied conclusion about this system's advantages.
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 passage sets up a clear contrast: traditional systems are rigid and cause problems during peak traffic, while the MIT system is adaptive and can respond to real-time conditions
- The logical conclusion should highlight how this adaptability makes the MIT system superior to traditional approaches, especially during the challenging peak traffic situations mentioned at the beginning
- The right answer should connect the MIT system's real-time adaptive capabilities to avoiding the specific problems that plague traditional fixed-timing systems
the system will be less susceptible to the inefficiencies that cause most conventional traffic management approaches to fail during peak usage.
- Directly connects the adaptive system's capabilities to avoiding the inefficiencies that cause traditional systems to fail
- 'Less susceptible to inefficiencies' perfectly matches the passage logic
- 'During peak usage' ties back to the opening scenario where traditional systems struggle most
the system's superior adaptability stems from its higher ratio of sensors to signal controllers compared to other traffic management systems.
- Focuses on sensor ratios, which are not mentioned anywhere in the passage
- The passage emphasizes the system's adaptive capabilities, not specific hardware configuration
the system will be more effective for managing traffic during predictable rush hours than during unexpected congestion events.
- Suggests the system works better for predictable than unexpected events
- Contradicts the passage emphasis on 'real-time conditions' and detecting congestion as it happens
the system's overall performance exceeds that of other traffic solutions but its ability to handle sudden traffic surges is more limited.
- Claims the system has 'limited' ability to handle sudden surges
- Directly contradicts the passage, which emphasizes the system can 'seamlessly redirect flow patterns when congestion is detected'