While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:E-commerce platforms have revolutionized retail shopping over the past decade.A...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- E-commerce platforms have revolutionized retail shopping over the past decade.
- A 2023 consumer behavior study by Market Analytics Group compared shopping preferences between different age demographics.
- The study analyzed purchasing patterns from online and traditional retail channels.
- Consumers aged 18-35 completed 78% of their purchases through online platforms.
- Consumers aged 55 and older completed 34% of their purchases through online platforms.
- Both age groups cited convenience as a primary factor in their shopping decisions.
- Traditional retail stores reported higher satisfaction scores for customer service interactions.
The student wants to contrast the shopping behaviors of the two age groups. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Market Analytics Group's 2023 study examined shopping preferences across different age demographics.
Younger consumers made significantly more online purchases than older consumers, with 78% versus 34% of transactions completed digitally.
Both younger and older consumers identified convenience as an important factor in their shopping decisions.
E-commerce platforms and traditional retail stores each offer distinct advantages to different consumer groups.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'E-commerce platforms have revolutionized retail shopping over the past decade.' |
|
| 'A 2023 consumer behavior study by Market Analytics Group compared shopping preferences between different age demographics.' |
|
| 'The study analyzed purchasing patterns from online and traditional retail channels.' |
|
| 'Consumers aged 18-35 completed 78% of their purchases through online platforms.' |
|
| 'Consumers aged 55 and older completed 34% of their purchases through online platforms.' |
|
| 'Both age groups cited convenience as a primary factor in their shopping decisions.' |
|
| 'Traditional retail stores reported higher satisfaction scores for customer service interactions.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A 2023 study revealed significant differences in online shopping adoption between younger consumers (78% online purchases) and older consumers (34% online purchases), though both groups prioritize convenience.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice best contrasts shopping behaviors between age groups
What type of answer do we need? Information that emphasizes the differences between how younger and older consumers shop
Any limiting keywords? contrast - we need differences, not similarities
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must show the behavioral differences between the two age groups
- From our analysis, the most striking contrast is in online shopping adoption: younger consumers complete 78% of purchases online while older consumers complete only 34% online
- This represents a significant behavioral difference
- The right answer should be specific with numbers rather than vague, since we have concrete data available
- It should not focus on similarities since we want to contrast behaviors
Market Analytics Group's 2023 study examined shopping preferences across different age demographics.
✗ Incorrect
- Simply states that the study examined preferences across age groups but does not actually contrast anything or provide specific behavioral differences between the groups
Younger consumers made significantly more online purchases than older consumers, with 78% versus 34% of transactions completed digitally.
✓ Correct
- Directly contrasts the key behavioral difference with specific data, showing 78% versus 34% which clearly demonstrates the generational divide and uses language that emphasizes the contrast
Both younger and older consumers identified convenience as an important factor in their shopping decisions.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on what both groups have in common (convenience), which shows similarity rather than contrast
- This is the opposite of what we need
E-commerce platforms and traditional retail stores each offer distinct advantages to different consumer groups.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a general statement about platforms and stores offering different advantages but does not provide specific contrasting data about the two age groups actual behaviors