Educational psychologist Dr. Sarah Kim has proposed that students learn mathematical concepts more effectively when lessons incorporate visual represe...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Educational psychologist Dr. Sarah Kim has proposed that students learn mathematical concepts more effectively when lessons incorporate visual representations alongside traditional numerical approaches. Her recent study compared test scores between classes using visual-enhanced instruction and those following standard textbook methods. Students in visual-enhanced classes achieved significantly higher scores on both computational and word problems. These findings support Kim's hypothesis and suggest that multi-modal teaching strategies may address learning challenges that purely numerical instruction cannot overcome.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
It compares the effectiveness of different mathematical teaching approaches used in contemporary classrooms.
It presents research results that support a specific educational hypothesis about visual learning methods.
It describes how educational psychologists measure student comprehension in mathematics instruction studies.
It explains why traditional numerical approaches to math instruction have proven inadequate for modern learners.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Educational psychologist Dr. Sarah Kim has proposed that students learn mathematical concepts more effectively when lessons incorporate visual representations alongside traditional numerical approaches." |
|
| "Her recent study compared test scores between classes using visual-enhanced instruction and those following standard textbook methods." |
|
| "Students in visual-enhanced classes achieved significantly higher scores on both computational and word problems." |
|
| "These findings support Kim's hypothesis and suggest that multi-modal teaching strategies may address learning challenges that purely numerical instruction cannot overcome." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Kim's research study provides evidence supporting her hypothesis that incorporating visual representations improves mathematical learning.
Argument Flow: The passage follows a classic research presentation structure: it introduces Kim's educational hypothesis about visual learning methods, describes her comparative study design, presents the positive results for visual-enhanced classes, and concludes that these findings validate her hypothesis while suggesting broader applications for multi-modal teaching approaches.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main purpose of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? The overall function or goal the passage serves
Any limiting keywords? "main purpose" tells us to focus on the passage's primary function, not secondary details
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage moves through a clear sequence: Kim's hypothesis → her study → positive results → conclusion that supports the hypothesis
- The primary function here is to present research evidence that validates a specific educational theory
- The passage isn't primarily comparing different approaches in general, or explaining research methodology, or criticizing traditional methods
- Instead, it's showcasing how Kim's study results back up her particular hypothesis about visual learning
It compares the effectiveness of different mathematical teaching approaches used in contemporary classrooms.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests the passage's main goal is to compare different teaching approaches generally
- While the passage does involve a comparison, that's the method, not the purpose
- The real purpose is to support Kim's specific hypothesis, not to evaluate teaching approaches broadly
It presents research results that support a specific educational hypothesis about visual learning methods.
✓ Correct
- Perfectly captures the passage's main function: presenting research results that back up Kim's specific hypothesis
- Matches our analysis - the passage introduces her hypothesis, then shows how her study results support it
It describes how educational psychologists measure student comprehension in mathematics instruction studies.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on research methodology rather than the passage's actual purpose
- The passage mentions Kim's study design briefly, but that's not why the passage exists
- The main goal is to show support for Kim's hypothesis, not to explain research methods
It explains why traditional numerical approaches to math instruction have proven inadequate for modern learners.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the passage explains why traditional approaches are "inadequate"
- The passage doesn't criticize traditional methods or call them inadequate
- Instead, Kim's approach combines visual representations "alongside" traditional approaches