Teaching MethodElementaryMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolUniversityMathematics scores72%68%85%92%Science scores69%74%89%95%Reading scores78%81%91%97%Education...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
| Teaching Method | Elementary | Middle School | High School | University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics scores | \(72\%\) | \(68\%\) | \(85\%\) | \(92\%\) |
| Science scores | \(69\%\) | \(74\%\) | \(89\%\) | \(95\%\) |
| Reading scores | \(78\%\) | \(81\%\) | \(91\%\) | \(97\%\) |
Educational researchers studied the effectiveness of active learning techniques across different academic levels. They found that traditional lecture-based instruction (used primarily in elementary and middle school) produces lower student achievement than interactive learning methods (used primarily in high school and university). The research demonstrates that engagement-focused approaches yield significantly better outcomes than passive instruction methods. Dr. Sarah Chen's team documented this pattern consistently across subjects, showing for instance that while mathematics scores with traditional methods in middle school average \(68\%\), the results for _______
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the example?
mathematics with interactive methods in high school average 85%.
reading with interactive methods in university average 97%.
mathematics with active methods in elementary school average 72%.
science with traditional methods in middle school average 74%.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Educational researchers studied the effectiveness of active learning techniques across different academic levels." |
|
| "They found that traditional lecture-based instruction (used primarily in elementary and middle school) produces lower student achievement than interactive learning methods (used primarily in high school and university)." |
|
| "The research demonstrates that engagement-focused approaches yield significantly better outcomes than passive instruction methods." |
|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen's team documented this pattern consistently across subjects, showing for instance that while mathematics scores with traditional methods in middle school average 68%, the results for _______" |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Educational research shows that interactive learning methods used in high school and university produce significantly better student outcomes than traditional lecture-based instruction used in elementary and middle school.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a clear research finding, reinforces it with alternate terminology, then provides specific mathematical evidence that requires completion to demonstrate the contrast between traditional and interactive methods.
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 has set up a contrast between traditional methods (lower achievement) and interactive methods (higher achievement)
- It specifically mentions that mathematics scores with traditional methods in middle school average \(\mathrm{68\%}\)
- To complete this example effectively, we need:
- A data point that contrasts with the \(\mathrm{68\%}\) middle school math score
- Something that demonstrates interactive methods producing better results
- Data that maintains the mathematical subject to keep the example coherent
- The passage logic demands we show the other side - how interactive methods perform better
- Since we have \(\mathrm{68\%}\) for traditional middle school math, we should contrast with either high school or university math scores, which represent interactive methods
mathematics with interactive methods in high school average 85%.
✓ Correct
- Creates perfect contrast: 68% (traditional middle school) vs 85% (interactive high school)
- Maintains mathematics as the subject throughout the example
- Clearly demonstrates the passage's main point about interactive methods being more effective
- Uses data directly from the table to support the argument
reading with interactive methods in university average 97%.
✗ Incorrect
- Switches from mathematics to reading, breaking the coherence of the example
- Though the data shows good results, it doesn't complete the mathematics comparison that was started
- Trap: Students might choose the highest number without considering subject consistency
mathematics with active methods in elementary school average 72%.
✗ Incorrect
- Elementary school uses traditional methods according to the passage, not interactive methods
- Creates no contrast since both elementary and middle school represent traditional instruction
- Fails to demonstrate the superiority of interactive methods
science with traditional methods in middle school average 74%.
✗ Incorrect
- Switches from mathematics to science, disrupting the example's focus
- Shows traditional methods, which doesn't create the needed contrast
- Contradicts the passage's argumentative structure